The Real Reason Jeep Probably Killed Off Its Highly Anticipated Hybrid Gladiator

We were supposed to get a Gladiator 4xe around this time, but Jeep canned the plan.

Blue Jeep Rubicon hood with black vent and "4xe" decal near the windshield.

Published 2 hours ago

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The Jeep Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid variant is dead in its tracks. Automotive News reports that the highly anticipated variant of the Wrangler-based pickup won’t reach production.

The decision is apparently due to changes in customer demand and a reassessment of Jeep’s product strategy.

A black Jeep Gladiator with its headlights on is driving on a dirt path next to a body of water, with dense trees in the background under a cloudy sky. The vehicle has an open roof and visible interior seating. — The Gladiator was supposed to gain a 4xe PHEV variant this year.

Rumors of a plug-in hybrid version of the Gladiator have been floating around for several years. However, it was not until 2024 that then Jeep CEO Antonio Filosa officially confirmed production of the 4xe variant.

The plan was to launch the Gladiator PHEV sometime this year. It would’ve joined the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe models, two of Jeep’s top sellers and the most popular plug-in hybrid models in the North American car market.

Gladiator customers apparently no longer crave the PHEV

AN didn’t report too many specifics. But the renowned industry outlet claims to have stumbled upon a letter from Stellantis to major parts suppliers announcing the Gladiator 4xe cancellation.

Two bright green Jeep vehicles are parked on rocky terrain near a body of water with mountains in the background. One is a Jeep Rubicon with its doors removed, facing forward, and the other is a Jeep pickup truck also with no doors, showing the open bed and rear seats. The sky is clear and blue. — The Gladiator has been a successful addition to the Wrangler lineup.

When reporters reached out for comment, an unnamed spokesperson replied: “The Jeep brand has already begun reinvesting funding to ensure the long-term growth of the Jeep Gladiator and will introduce even more customer-requested factory features, customization and additional powertrain options in the near future.”

In the aforementioned letter, another clause read that the Auburn Hills automaker is “reassessing its product strategy and will no longer include an electrified Gladiator variant in the Jeep lineup.”

Red Jeep Gladiator pickup truck kicking up sand while driving off-road in a desert landscape with hills and sparse vegetation in the background. The truck has a "Big Bear" decal on the hood and black wheels. — Customers apparently no longer want a Gladiator 4xe.

Speculation suggests that the eventual end of government-subsidized clean-vehicle tax credits played a contributing role in Jeep’s decision. The side effect to the end of the tax credits may also have contributed to the apparent drop in demand for the Gladiator 4xe.

Hybridization is unexpectedly gaining traction among four-wheelers

Had the Gladiator 4xe reached production, it would’ve likely utilized a similar version of the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe’s propulsion system.

Close-up of a blue vehicle's rear door handle area, featuring a black handle and a black decal with a topographic map design. The vehicle has "SAHARA" and "4xe" badges in black lettering near the bottom right of the door. Part of a red tail light is visible on the left side. — The Wrangler 4xe is one of Jeep’s top-selling models.

It consists of a gas-powered Fiat-sourced 2.0-liter turbocharged, intercooled inline-four, paired with an electric motor. Total output is around 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

With its 17 kilowatt/hour battery pack, the Wrangler 4xe is capable of up to an EPA-rated 21 miles of all-electric range and 49 MPGe.

Close-up of a blue vehicle's fuel filler door, which is open to reveal the fuel cap. Below the fuel door, there is a round "Trail Rated 4x4" badge. The image also shows part of the vehicle's door hinge and side mirror. — With plug-in capabilities, the Wrangler 4xe is capable of up to 21 miles on all-electric range.

Despite off-roading enthusiasts favoring more conventional gas- and diesel-only powertrains, electrification has been growing in popularity in the space.

That’s because electric motors deliver their power almost instantaneously. Their high torque output also allows for greater traction and crawling capabilities.

Additionally, the hybrid powertrain in the Wrangler 4xe addresses one of the biggest shortcomings of any SUV: abysmal fuel economy.

The Gladiator is still destined to receive more gas-only powertrains in the near future.

Jeep

Currently, the Gladiator only comes with Jeep’s tried, tested and true gas-only 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, good for 285 hp and 260 lb-ft. A new gas-only 2.0-liter turbocharged-four option is in the pipeline for 2026, compliments of Stellantis’ new Hurricane gas engine lineup.

In August, current Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf also confirmed the arrival of a Gladiator 392 model, featuring Chrysler’s iconic 6.2-liter HEMI V8. The new version follows the success of the high-powered Wrangler 392 variant.

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