Jeep is gearing up to unveil the updated Gladiator pickup truck at this year’s Detroit Motor Show on September 13. There’s much anticipation surrounding this release, with hints that the facelifted Gladiator might come with a new look and possibly a plug-in hybrid option.
The Gladiator, closely related to the renowned Wrangler, is set to receive substantial updates. Jeep has teased the reveal with an image showing a part of the Gladiator’s tray and A-pillar in the background, generating excitement for what’s to come.
While the teaser doesn’t show the distinctive Surf Blue accents found on Jeep’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 4xe models, there have been speculations about the 2024 Gladiator featuring a PHEV powertrain. Jeep has committed to introducing a 4xe variant for all its models worldwide by 2025, and the Gladiator is likely to follow suit, aligning with Jeep’s electrification strategy.
Inside sources from Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, have suggested that the upcoming Gladiator 4xe may share the same PHEV powertrain as the current Wrangler 4xe. This powertrain combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors and a 17kWh battery pack, delivering a total system output of 280kW and 637Nm of torque, with an electric-only range of 40 kilometers.
While the teaser image doesn’t reveal much, experts predict that the changes in the Gladiator will align closely with the latest Wrangler facelift, expected in Australia by the end of 2023. The 2024 Wrangler showcases subtle exterior updates, including a new grille, an integrated “stealth” antenna, updated exterior colors, and ten new wheel options, ranging from 17 to 20 inches. Notably, Rubicon models can now be equipped with a factory-installed Warn winch with a capacity of 3,628 kilograms.
The most significant transformation lies within the cabin, where a 12.3-inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5 on an Android operating system takes centre stage. This upgrade supports over-the-air updates, offers a Trails Offroad app, five customizable user profiles, a personalized home screen, and seamless wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The powertrain lineup for the 2024 Wrangler remains unchanged, featuring options like a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6, a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid, and a naturally aspirated 6.4-liter V8. Currently, in Australia, the Gladiator and Wrangler are only available with the naturally aspirated V6, but an electrified future seems promising.
As the automotive world eagerly awaits the Detroit Motor Show, the stage is set for the Jeep Gladiator’s electrifying debut. With the possibility of a plug-in hybrid variant, Jeep is poised to continue its legacy of adventure-ready vehicles, setting new standards in innovation. Stay tuned for the grand reveal on September 13.
