The 2021 Jeep Gladiator lineup will have a new engine offering when it goes on sale in the third quarter, with orders starting immediately.
Auburn Hills’ Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is introducing the midsize truck’s 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine, rated at 260 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque. It is available on Gladiator Sport, Overland, and Rubicon models.
Its fuel economy ratings are expected to deliver the most torque and highest driving range on one tank of fuel for the vehicle.
“Before we introduced Gladiator, one of the most common questions consumers asked us was, ‘Will you please offer a Jeep truck?,’ followed closely by, ‘Will it be offered with a diesel engine?’ While we know the answer to the first question, I’m pleased to answer the second with a resounding yes,” says Jim Morrison, head of Jeep brand – North America.
To handle the greater torque loads, the EcoDiesel V-6 connects to a newly added TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission, calibrated for low RPM shifts and on- and off-road driving. There are more than 40 individual shift maps to optimize shift points for fuel economy, performance, and 4×4 capability.
Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel Sport, Overland, and Rubicon models feature third-generation Dana 44 front and rear heavy-duty axles. All Gladiator EcoDiesel models feature a 3.73 axle ratio. The Rock-Trac two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio is standard on Rubicon models and the Command-Trac part-time two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio on Sport and Overland models.
The water-cooled turbocharged engine also delivers minimal levels of noise, vibration, and harshness. Its charge air cooler is located at the base of the grille in front of the radiator to maximize cooler temperatures.
A new 5.1-gallon diesel exhaust fluid tank is located immediately behind the fuel tank with refill location next to the diesel fuel filler. Diesel exhaust fluid refills align with oil changes lasting up to 10,000 miles.
The engine is produced in Italy.
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