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There are plenty of reasons for the Jeep Gladiator to brag. For example, it’s a stout off-roading and offers tons of space in the second row. But this midsize truck has more to offer than what’s found on the surface. For example, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator engines are full of advantages. 

Which 2023 Jeep Gladiator engine is best? 

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon parked on the side of the road
2023 Jeep Gladiator | Jeep

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator has two engine options available that cater to different needs. We’ll start with the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine with 285 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. It can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission and an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

This provides more standard power than rivals have to offer. For example, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma has a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 180 hp and 159 lb-ft of torque. It’s pretty underpowered. 

Plus, the manual transmission is a dying art. It’s surprising that the 2024 Toyota Tacoma will have one. It’s important for off-roading because it provides more control while crawling over rocks. Engine braking is more direct and immediate. 

You can upgrade to the 3.0-liter V6 Eco-Diesel turbo engine for 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. This is a solid amount of torque for towing and off-roading. It pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. 

It’s getting harder and harder to find diesel engines, but they’re more fuel efficient and last longer. They’re more durable and don’t wear out as quickly. They can also withstand off-roading conditions a bit better. 

How capable is the 2023 Gladiator? 

With the V6 Pentastar V6 engine, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator can tow up to 7,700 lbs. You can tow up to 6,600 lbs with the Eco-Diesel engine. Also, the Gladiator can carry a payload of up to 1,710 lbs. 

It has the best-in-class towing capacity and best-in-class 4×4 payload capacity, making it an excellent option for work and play. But remember to equip the Max Tow Package. 

The Ford Ranger can tow up to 7,500 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,400 lbs. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,685 lbs. 

With the gas engine, the Gladiator can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.9 seconds. With the Eco-Diesel, the Gladiator can reach 60 mph in roughly 7.6 seconds, according to MotorTrend

It may not be the fastest truck, but it shines off the pavement with plenty of torque to dominate obstacles. It also has a smooth power delivery. 

Are the Gladiator engines reliable? 

The Jeep Gladiator crawling over rocks and mud
2023 Jeep Gladiator | Jeep

Yes, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator engines are reliable. The 3.6-liter Pentastar engine has been used in Jeep vehicles since 2010. It has a well above-average reliability rating. 

This engine can easily reach 200,000 to 300,000 miles with no major issues. In fact, the radiator in the Wrangler is the biggest problem. 

The 3.0-liter Eco-Diesel engine also has a high-reliability ranking. It can easily last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles and often outlasts gas-powered engines. It was first introduced in 2014 and received minor updates in 2020. 

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator engines provide this truck with reliable power to enhance towing and off-roading capabilities. The Gladiator 4xe hybrid powertrain could be added to the mix soon, and we hope it stacks up.