There’s a lot to like about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. After all, it is an off-road-ready pickup truck that’s capable of towing a considerable amount. You may find yourself asking, though, when it comes to what’s under the hood of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, can it be had with a diesel engine? Let’s find out. 

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator comes standard with a V6

At the heart and soul of the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, you’ll find a standard 3.6-liter V6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This year’s model also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. However, it is available with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which Consumer Reports says is “smooth and responsive, upshifting and downshifting in a timely manner for the terrain, or driver’s throttle position.” 

Is the 2021 Jeep Gladiator available with a diesel engine?

While the 2021 Jeep Gladiator may come standard with a 3.6-liter V6 engine under its hood, this year’s model is available with a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine that offers up to 260-hp and a best-in-class torque rating of up to 442 lb-ft. Boasting Variable Geometry Turbo technology, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and wide track axles with 3.73:1 axle ratio, Jeep promises “incredible acceleration” when opting for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator’s diesel engine.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator’s available diesel engine has more to offer than powerful acceleration, however. If you’re in the market for a diesel-powered pickup truck that can tow a reasonable amount, you’ll be pleased to hear that the 2021 Jeep Gladiator is rated to haul up to 6,500-pounds when properly equipped. 

What MotorTrend had to say about the diesel-powered Gladiator

But what is it actually like to drive a 2021 Jeep Gladiator with a diesel engine under the hood? Well, according to MotorTrend, if anything, the Gladiator’s available diesel engine is what makes it a better truck. It’s not only more than happy to oblige when it comes to taking on steep hills and highway speeds, but its “high compression ratios mean you don’t have to work the brakes much going downhill,” MotorTrend explained.

The diesel-powered 2021 Jeep Gladiator is more than capable of spending a day at the trails too, says MotorTrend. “As noted, diesels are king in the dirt, and the EcoDiesel Gladiator practically idles over everything in its path. Where the gas engine often needs to be revved and made to work hard to climb over things, the diesel barely even wakes up,” said MotorTrend.

All in all, MotorTrend states, “Driving the Glad diesel will make you glad.”

How much does the diesel 2021 Jeep Gladiator cost?

At this point, you’re probably wondering how much the diesel Jeep Gladiator actually costs. Opt for a base model Gladiator and you can expect to spend $33,565. Keep in mind, however, that the base model Gladiator comes equipped with the truck’s standard V6. 

Opting for a diesel-powered Gladiator is going to run you an additional $4,000 for the engine and another $2,000 for the Gladiator’s available eight-speed manual transmission. (If you’re after a Gladiator with both a diesel engine and a manual transmission, we hate to be the bearer of bad news but that combination is unlikely to pan out.)