The Jeep Gladiator Ecodiesel is here with some significant improvements for driving on the road. We know, we’ve already heard all the Jeep complaints. Jeeps are too bumpy on the road, the cab is too loud, they are terrible on gas, etc. But the Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel is here to change things. 

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel is excellent to drive 

Serious off-roaders know that a diesel engine means that the vehicle is better for off-roading. The extra torque equals more power for crawling over rocks. Plus, diesel engines tend to last longer and provide a better fuel economy. 

This isn’t wrong when it comes to the Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel. According to MotorTrend, the EcoDiesel engine helps the Jeep Gladiator get up to 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. This provides a better fuel economy than any other midsize truck. 

However, the 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 EcoDiesel engine only provides 260 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, meaning it has less horsepower than rivals, but not by much. Also, the extra low-end torque is excellent for rock crawling. 

How the Jeep Gladiator Ecodiesel performs on pavement 

Behind the wheel of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel, you’ll notice a huge difference. It has a smoother acceleration to get off the line quicker. It provides smooth transmission shifts for an efficient pickup while revving up hills, merging on the highway, and more. 

Also, while hitting the acceleration pedal, you’ll find that the Jeep Gladiator is quieter. While it still has road noise in the cab, the quieter diesel engine helps reduce how loud the vehicle is. This could be a bonus for your daily commute. 

Plus, the diesel engine has high compression raptors, meaning you don’t have to mash the breaks while going downhill. When MotorTrend drove the Jeep Gladiator down an 8% grade, lifting off the throttle maintained a consistent speed for miles. They also noted that this truck is great for burnouts. 

How capable is the Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel? 

The Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel is an excellent off-roader. It idles over every object in its path with ease. The diesel engine hardly wakes up in places where the gas engine needs to be revved and put to work. With hill descent control, you can slowly make your way down steep angles at as little as 0.6 mph. 

However, the Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel tows and hauls less than the one with a gasoline engine. Jeep suggests this is because of cooling, not engine issues. The EcoDiesel can only tow 6,500 lb compared to 7,650 lb. 

The Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel adds 260 to 365 lb to its curb weight, causing the payload capacity to suffer as well. The EcoDiesel can only carry up to 1,325 lb while the gasoline-powered Gladiator can carry up to 1,700 lb. 

Also, the amount of money the Gladiator EcoDiesel will save you on fuel may not be worth the price. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel starts around $41,040. For that price, you could get a full-size diesel truck. The Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel isn’t available with a manual transmission either, which is a must-have for some off-roaders.