Jeep confirms an electrified Gladiator, but no EV ute for now

Jeep CEO Christian Meunier confirmed Gladiator The ute gets an electrified option as expected, but ruled out an EV pickup version of the upcoming one Recon electric 4×4.

However, the company has not confirmed whether the electrified Gladiator – which is expected to be a plug-in hybrid using the ‘4xe’ badge like the Wrangler – will be coming here to Australia.

Jeep doesn’t sell the Wrangler PHEV here, although it will launch its first 4xe model – the Grand Cherokee – in the first half of 2023.

The company previously promised to have a 4xe variant on all its models by 2025 globally, and Mr Meunier said CarExpert “Gladiator will also be electrified.”

The electrified Gladiator will likely borrow the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hybrid powertrain from the Wrangler 4xe, which features two electric motors and a 17kWh lithium-ion battery.

Total output is 280kW and 637Nm, with a claimed 40km electric range.

Asked whether the imminent Gladiator 4xe would be produced in right-hand drive, Mr Meunier demurred.

“It’s all about potential. I pushed really hard to bring the Wrangler 4xe to Australia and the UK, but the business case wasn’t compelling,” he said.

“Does that mean it won’t happen? I do not know.”

The Gladiator, like the Wrangler, is currently available in Australia exclusively with the naturally aspirated Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 petrol.

While an electrified Gladiator is coming to at least some regions, Jeep has ruled out a V8 version of the ute – although its Wrangler platform does offer one in North America.

“The V8 is not the future,” Mr Meunier said.

He claims the brand’s new 4xe plug-in hybrids are “V8-like or slightly better”.

Mr Meunier then poured cold water on the idea of ​​Jeep releasing more ute options, including a rear-mounted version of the upcoming Recon electric off-roader.

“We are not a pickup truck brand. We have one, that’s enough,” he said.

“I don’t see the benefits of doing a Recon pickup when we have a Gladiator that does very well.”

Jeep hasn’t confirmed power, torque and mileage figures for the Recon, but has confirmed that the tough-looking off-roader will be able to tackle the Rubicon Trail and will offer electronic locking axle technology, tow hooks, underbody protection and the Jeep’s Selec-Terrain traction control.

The Recon, like the Wagoneer S revealed this year, will be available in Australia. They will go into production in 2024.

Fellow brand Stellantis Ram is set to reveal an electric concept car called the Revolution in November, with a production version to be revealed in 2023 ahead of a 2024 launch. The electric car is set to rival the Chevrolet Silverado EV and Ford F -150 Lightning.

As Jeep prepares its first electric vehicles and launches its range of plug-in hybrids, it is moving away from both V8 engines and diesel engines.

The brand is expected to end production of the EcoDiesel 3.0-liter V6 turbo-diesel offered in the Gladiator and Wrangler in North America, with Ram confirming it is discontinuing the oil.

Jeep’s latest WL Grand Cherokee also goes without a diesel, which is somewhat controversial here in Australia.

The Australian-market Wrangler also loses its turbo-diesel four-cylinder variant for 2021.

While Jeep already offers 4xe plug-in hybrid versions of its Renegade, Compass, Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, only the latter has been confirmed for release in Australia.

The Grand Cherokee 4xe, based on the shorter two-row body, will arrive in Australia before mid-2023.

Like the Wrangler 4xe, which isn’t sold here, it features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Jeep also confirmed that the new Hurricane inline-six will be offered in a plug-in hybrid variant, which will likely be used in the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer full-size SUVs, which are not sold here.

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