The Jeep Gladiator a couple of years back debuted to mixed reviews, but die-hard Jeep enthusiasts are loving it. The return to manufacturing new trucks is a throwback to the past, and the EcoDiesel engine sets the new version apart from most of the other trucks in its class. For a company whose history extends back to World War II, what’s old is new again. Multiple-generation families have grown up with Jeep vehicles, and for a long time, fans have longed for a new truck.

What Jeep fans were asking

A recent press release from Jeep revealed that fans had been asking two major questions:”Will you please offer a Jeep truck?,” and the follow up “Will it be offered with a diesel engine?” Jim Morrison, the head of Jeep’s North America brand, responded to the questions in mid-July: “Yes!”

With its 2021 Jeep Gladiator offering, the automaker is giving consumers what they want on both counts. This isn’t the first vehicle with the EcoDiesel engine. It’s been available on the 2020 Wrangler and other models, but there’s just something satisfying about seeing it in a truck.

“Gladiator’s combination of unmatched off-road capability and the vehicle’s fun-to-drive on-road performance, best-ever Gladiator fuel economy and incredible driving range underwrite the fact that our customers knew exactly what they were asking for.” — Jim Morrison

How the EcoDiesel powers the Jeep Gladiator

Combined with the rest of the vehicle, the EcoDiesel goes a long way toward providing a comfortable ride with great fuel economy. In the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, the automaker has managed to expand their potential customer base outside their usual fans and attract potential truck buyers for the first time in what feels like forever. The Gladiator has done well in its two years on the market so far, but 2021 looks to be an even better step up if the specs from The Globe and Mail are any indication.

Jeep’s return to the truck market has been difficult to ignore (and not just because of the noise). Their history of trucks in the ’40s and ’50s is intertwined with American history. Even as other companies entered the truck market, Jeep continued to produce quality trucks. When the news that they would be returning to trucks broke, the reception was great. Jeep went through the process of measuring reception to the Gladiator before implementing the EcoDiesel and it’s paid off.

However, the return to trucks may have caused some issues with their other vehicles. As their Wrangler buyers find themselves arguing with Ford Bronco lovers, fans appear to be upset on both sides. Elsewhere, Jeep is . . . searching for dogs? Bringing back the famous truck is a great move and the EcoDiesel engine is going to give it a whole new feel. It doesn’t seem like Jeep is too worried; the Gladiator is a hit.

The 2021 Gladiator’s trim options

Details on the 2021 Gladiator are still forthcoming, but it’s a safe bet to look back at the 2020 Jeep Gladiator trim levels to see what might be offered. The 2020 Gladiator comes with the following trims: Sport, Sport S, Overland, Rubicon, and Mojave. The different trim levels come with plenty of variation in both price and luxury, but Jeep worked hard to make the Gladiator available to any customers that want one. For those that are looking to spend up, Jeep provided a trim for them too. 

In 2021, it looks like the legendary automaker will continue to push the envelope on new designs. They brought back the truck to feed perceived demand, and their gamble paid off. In an uncertain economy, taking risks is difficult for a company with shareholders to answer two. But Jeep has done a great job with the Gladiator and the EcoDiesel engine is the cherry on top.