A Closer Look at the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4
The massive torque output Jeep fans have been waiting for!
Gladiator
The gasoline powered Jeep Wrangler is America’s most popular off-road vehicle. But consumers wanted a diesel engine, as well as a pickup truck so there would be an open bed for hauling spider infested fire wood and smelly fuel cans. Now the factory has delivered, with a Jeep Gladiator truck, and the diesel option.
Text and photos by Chad Haire
Engine
. The base engine in a Gladiator is a 3.6 liter V-6 cranking 285 horsepower. The diesel only puts out 260. But its advantage is torque, a whopping 442 lbs./ft at a low 1,400 rpm. The V-6 is 260 lbs./ft. The 5.7 liter V-8 found in the RAM trucks are often swapped in Wranglers and Gladiators for more power, but that engine is still behind at 395 lbs./ft. Obviously, for pulling power, this diesel wins! Another advantage is fuel economy, rated at 22/29 mpg compared to the V-6 at 18/23. In the real world, our economy was 24 average for the diesel, and 20 for the V-6.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4 set right here in our forum.
Emblem
The diesel buyers get emblems on the bodywork so onlookers will know what is under the hood.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4 set right here in our forum.
Shifters
The diesel offers fantastic low-end power but costs an extra $4K. It also requires the 8-speed automatic transmission at $2K more, but most people order that anyway. The transfer case is not a modern push-button style, but an old fashioned manual stick that Jeep drivers want. They also like the old fashioned emergency brake lever, which is still included.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4 set right here in our forum.
Rubicon
The Rubicon package raises the price from $34K to $44K. It includes locking front/rear axles, camera system, 17-inch wheels, 33-inched tires, skid plates, Dana 44 axles, Fox shocks, and more.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4 set right here in our forum.
Tires
The Fox shocks assist in providing a smooth ride, and the tires have plenty of traction in the dirt.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4 set right here in our forum.
Options
A spray-in bed liner is $495, and $595 for the bed cover. Both are useful options.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4 set right here in our forum.
Gauge
The gauge cluster is well designed, simple, and easy to read.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4 set right here in our forum.
Screen
The info screen has plenty of useful information.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4 set right here in our forum.
POV Dirt
In the dirt, a Rubicon is hard to beat. The massive pulling ability of that diesel makes it even better.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4 set right here in our forum.
POV Pavement
The Gladiator Rubicon is actually very comfortable on the highway. Yes, the box shape will generate some wind noise around the windows, but the ride is very smooth. Long trips are not a problem. Highway fuel economy was 25 mpg on ours.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4 set right here in our forum.
Price
Our Gladiator was loaded up with everything, so the tab was past the $67K mark. That is a long way from the base $34K fee.
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4 set right here in our forum.
Jeep Rear
A Jeep truck with a diesel engine is what you have all wished for, and here it is. Get one of these and start driving!
>>Join the conversation about the 2021 Gladiator Diesel Rubicon 4x4 set right here in our forum.
For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, visit our how-to section right here in the forum.