JEEP has introduced a 4xe plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model of the Gladiator utility for North America, becoming a member of the electrified Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe variants – the latter obtainable Down Underneath since final yr in Summit Reserve trim.
The Wrangler 4xe on which the Gladiator 4xe relies has been obtainable in the USA since 2021 and is the highest promoting PHEV in that market, with the ute anticipated to observe the same path given its recognition as an inside combustion mannequin.
Given the Wrangler 4xe is at the moment solely made in left-hand drive, the chance of a right-hook Gladiator 4xe for Australia is unclear at this stage.
However Jeep is within the strategy of introducing four-cylinder turbo-petrol Wranglers right here, changing the V6, which might have an effect on RHD availability.
In line with studies from the US, affirmation of the third 4xe mannequin’s launch in 2025 was contained in current social media posts from Jeep international CEO Antonio Filosa and the model’s North America head, Invoice Peffer (who was Nissan Australia CEO from early 2012 to mid-2013).
The Gladiator PHEV represents a continuation of Jeep’s acknowledged intention to impress its portfolio indirectly, form or kind with the brand new mannequin scheduled to be constructed on the model’s Toledo plant in Ohio that makes the Wrangler and Gladiator.
Jeep’s electrified powertrain choices embody full battery electrical car (BEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), gentle hybrid (MHEV) and what the corporate calls range-extended electrical which makes use of inside combustion to generate energy for electrical motors which drive the car.
Past the Gladiator 4xe, Jeep provides range-extended electrical and BEV variations of the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, together with a Wrangler-inspired absolutely electrical Recon providing roof-off electrical driving.
A totally electrical BEV model of the Grand Cherokee is scheduled for 2027 in keeping with US studies.
The Wrangler is slated to get absolutely electrical and range-extended electrical variations in 2028 with Jeep proprietor Stellantis eager to cowl all choices in powertrain phrases for its iconic fourbie.
Jeep lifted the Gladiator 4xe powertrain from Grand Cherokee and Wrangler 4xe fashions, consisting of a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with two built-in electrical motors.
This could give the Gladiator 4xe a mixed 280kW of energy and 640Nm of torque and a claimed “pure electrical” vary of round 50km. However Jeep’s gasoline consumption claims for its PHEV powertrain in GC (3.2L/100km) are optimistic as evident on GoAuto’s current take a look at of the mannequin that might solely handle 8.7L/100km in blended driving.
Jeep’s electrified powertrain feeds from a 400-volt 17.3kWh lithium ion battery pack going by an eight-speed standard Torque Flite fluid auto transmission.
Maintaining the battery at optimum temperature is a devoted heating and cooling circuit that features a heater unit and a chiller that makes use of the 4xe’s air-conditioning refrigerant to manage coolant temperature when wanted.
On the GC 4xe and anticipated to be replicated on the Gladiator 4xe, Jeep says charging time varies from lower than 10 hours (Mode 2) to lower than three hours (Mode 3 at 7.4kWh).
Towing functionality for the Gladiator 4xe is probably going the identical as for the present 3.6 V6 ICE powered mannequin at 2800kg.
If the Jeep Gladiator 4xe does make it to those shores it’s going to face stiff competitors from the likes of Ford’s Ranger PHEV and the Toyota Hilux MHEV each due quickly with different gamers available in the market readying their very own hybrids to not point out absolutely electrical fashions.
Jeep bought 811 Gladiator 4x4s in Australia final yr, a far cry from market leaders Ford Ranger at 58,261 items and Toyota HiLux at 48,995 items.
