Getting a Diesel Jeep Gladiator Comes With Some Sacrifices
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator is Jeep’s mid-size truck. And, despite coming with the off-road prowess the brand is known for, it has not been the most popular Jeep or the hottest pickup truck. But for Jeep enthusiasts who need a small truck, it is there. And you can actually get it with a diesel engine.
Is the Gladiator diesel worth it?
You might be wondering if the Jeep Gladiator truck with the diesel engine is worth it. And cost is something to keep in mind. If you want a diesel truck, doing so with the 2023 Gladiator will add an additional cost of almost $5,000.
For that added cost, you get a truck that is not as fast as the Gladiator with the standard V6. Plus, you will miss out on the manual transmission and full-time transfer case. But, if you’re familiar with diesel engines, you likely understand that you’re going to give up some speed that a gasoline engine would have.
That said, a diesel Jeep Gladiator does come with some perks. The 3.6-liter V6 engine makes 260 pound-foot of torque. With the 3.0-liter V6 diesel, you will get 442 lb-ft of torque. And that is thanks to the power of diesel and a turbocharger. So if you plan to do actual truck stuff, like towing, there is reason to consider a diesel Gladiator.
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator still has a diesel engine
Fewer and fewer trucks are offering diesel engines. While heavy-duty trucks like the Ford Super Duty still benefit from the increased torque of diesel, other models have dropped the option. This includes the Ram 1500 and the Ford F-150. Even the Nissan Titan no longer boasts a diesel powertrain.
But the Jeep Gladiator is still hanging on. At least for now. And according to Car and Driver, it is entirely possible that FCA will ditch the 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. With its increased cost, it really is not all that popular among Gladiator pickup truck buyers.
A diesel Gladiator can be practical
Because the diesel engine of the 2023 Jeep Gladiator is forced induction, it can have some benefits for certain folks. For instance, if you are someone that lives at elevation, it could very well outperform the 3.6-liter V6 engine.
Another perk is more driving range. The fuel tank might be smaller, but it is more efficient. So, even though diesel is more expensive than gasoline right now, you might be able to save money in the long run.
Plus, you’ll know your Jeep Gladiator is not like others on the road. Most folks probably overlook this powertrain option. So, you have to imagine that it is a fairly rare sight. And if you’ve heard the 3.0-liter diesel engine, it definitely sounds unique. It might be louder at idle, but when you’re at highway speeds, the noise isn’t really an issue. It would just be nice if you could get the diesel engine mated to a manual transmission. But clearly, Jeep did not see that as being worth the effort.
