Lucas Bell 
As the transition towards a future dominated by electric vehicles begins to unfold, automakers are starting to expand their portfolios to include more EVs and hybrid models. Ford and General Motors have already unveiled their latest all-electric machines by way of the Mustang Mach-E and the GMC Hummer EV, but Stellantis has yet to join them at the table. Instead, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Hybrid represents their first crack at the battery-assisted segment. And while we all knew that the Wrangler wouldn’t be the only platform to receive this treatment, a new report from Go Auto confirms another hybrid model is in the works. More specifically, a Jeep Gladiator 4xe.
This information comes by way of Jeep Global President Christian Meunier, who sat down to speak with the team at Go Auto about the future of diesel powertrains. Meunier would go on to note that the brand hasn’t entirely ruled out diesels moving forwards, but that the future of hybrid and EV powertrains is clearly brighter. Furthermore, the executive says that the 4xe system is a perfect match for Jeep in the company’s eyes. This is why they have chosen not to offer a diesel powertrain on the upcoming Grand Cherokee lineup, opting to utilize the hybrid layout instead. And while the brand already offers a Gladiator EcoDiesel model, Meunier point blank confirmed that Stellantis is well into the development of the Jeep Gladiator 4xe model.
It was only a matter of time before its confirmation, honestly.
It isn’t that much of a surprise to learn that a Jeep Gladiator 4xe is in the works, considering it shares its platform with the Wrangler. As a result, we can make a few assumptions as to what the powertrain will look like. The Wrangler 4xe is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-pot which is mated to two electric motors and a 400-volt, 17 kWh battery pack. One of those motors is Jeep’s eTorque 44-hp starter motor, while a larger 134-hp motor is integrated with the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic. Total output comes in at 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, placing the hybrid just behind the Wrangler 392 in the performance pecking order. The hybrid system allows for up to 25 miles of pure EV driving, while returning more than 50 MPGe.
The idea of a hybrid pickup truck would have seemed ridiculous a few short years ago, but the market has changed. The Jeep Gladiator 4xe will join an ever-more electrified pickup truck segment when it does make its official debut, though we have no word as to when that might be. The question remains however as to whether or not these powertrains will prove popular with buyers here in the United States. Would you consider opting for one of Jeep’s 4xe models? Let us know in the comments down below.
Absolutely sign me up for a Gladiator 4xe. If Jeep beats the Toyota Tacoma to the hybrid punch I think they will sell a lot of those. I’ve been hoping for one of those for a decade!
No thanks, not yet. I will stick with the EcoDiesel.
Having run my JKUR up to the windshield in water (with a snorkel) , I want to see how well the electric packs are sealed, along with the wiring harness to handle deep dunkings (it’s a Jeep thing). I’ll Just let some others work out all those Flaws before I come back to buy the next one in 5 years. Eventually, the will get it packaged properly, and it will be a solid platform.