This Jeep Is the Only New Midsize Truck You Can Buy with a Diesel
In the past, multiple brands offered some form of a midsize truck with a diesel engine. But, in 2023, only one automaker builds a small pickup with the torque that this kind of powertrain puts out. And the truck might come from a surprising place. Jeep is a company known for building capable SUVs, but it also offers a pickup known as the 2023 Jeep Gladiator. It is a new midsize truck that you can get with a diesel engine.
Is there a Jeep Gladiator diesel?
As it seems like diesel engines in smaller vehicles are going away, there is a 2023 Jeep Gladiator with a diesel engine. It is worth noting that the diesel engine will add some additional cost to this midsize truck. But, there is not a different new midsize pickup you can get that has the benefits of diesel.
The 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel has been featured in other vehicles from FCA, and that includes the Jeep Wrangler. It makes 260 horsepower and 442 pound-foot of torque. That torque will allow you to tow up to 6,500 lbs. Which is something that you might be looking for in a diesel truck.
The diesel Gladiator is a decent truck
OK, so a 2023 Jeep Gladiator with the turbodiesel is not going to be as fast as the gas variant. What it will provide you with is some added efficiency and extra torque. Other sacrifices to consider are the lack of a full-time transfer case and no manual transmission. But most folks aren’t getting a new transmission with a standard transmission anyway.
According to Car and Driver, a diesel Gladiator will likely be fairly unique. While diesel engines are popular in things like heavy-duty trucks, in smaller vehicles, that’s not really the case. So, if you appreciate having something that not everyone else has, maybe a Jeep Gladiator with the turbodiesel might be it.
The 3.0-liter V6 diesel does have a turbo
Because the V6 diesel is forced induction, it should perform better than its naturally aspirated sibling at altitude. If you live somewhere with mountains or that is significantly above sea level, a Gladiator diesel will be able to handle life there easier.
The big downside of the diesel might be its cost. In order to get this powertrain, you will be paying about $5k extra over the standard engine. Still, in 2023, you can get the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine on most 2023 Jeep Gladiator models, save for the Sport and Mojave trim.
Heck, you can even get it on the top-of-the-line High Altitude Gladiator. But, it is unclear how long this engine will remain an option. Diesel engines are being faded out across the industry, and that is probably because in certain vehicles, they just aren’t popular.
When something is not selling for an auto manufacturer, it is usually led to the chopping block. It’s not clear just how long Jeep will offer a diesel Gladiator. But it could potentially go away in the coming years.
