Does Wrangler Rumor Signal a Diesel Jeep Gladiator?
Although Ram recently released info about its latest EcoDiesel engine, the rest of FCA’s lineup has been bereft of diesels. Jeep, for instance, did offer a diesel option, although the previous-gen engine was later put on hiatus. However, this diesel drought may be over. Jalopnik recently reported that a diesel Jeep Wrangler may be coming to dealers soon. If correct, this could mean a Jeep Gladiator diesel option is also around the corner.
Wrangler Diesel Details
Earlier today, Jalopnik reported on a photo posted on the JL Wrangler forums. Allegedly the 2020 Wrangler order guide, the photo shows a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 listed as an option on a Wrangler Rubicon. This is most likely the same EcoDiesel available for the 2020 Ram 1500.
The photo also breaks down the Wrangler diesel pricing. The engine alone is a $4000 upcharge. In addition, as the diesel doesn’t come with a manual, there is an additional $2000 charge for the 8-speed automatic. In total, the Wrangler EcoDiesel will be $6000 dearer than the equivalent gas model. However, as Autoblog points out, the Wrangler diesel option would be almost a grand cheaper than the Ram 1500’s.
Sadly, it appears only four-door Wranglers will be able to get the diesel. Trucks.com and Jalopnik both quote a Jeep spokesman, who stated the necessary diesel exhaust fluid lowers fuel tank capacity. Two-door Wranglers simply don’t have the space for both DEF and a sufficiently long driving range.
Is a Jeep Gladiator Diesel Realistic?
Camouflaged Jeep Gladiators have been spotted testing, although these are supposedly not diesel models. Nevertheless, a Gladiator diesel option is at least feasible for production.
Both the Wrangler and Gladiator share powertrains. Additionally, as Jalopnik’s resident Jeep expert (and former Jeep engineer) David Tracy states, the two have essentially the same front end. Their platforms are also fairly similar; with the Gladiator being four-door-only, the DEF wouldn’t be an issue.
Not to mention, having a diesel mid-size pickup would give FCA a tremendous market boost. Both Ford’s Ranger and General Motors’ Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Sierra are available with diesels. And of those, only the Colorado has an off-road trim, in the form of the ZR2 Bison.
As of this writing, Jeep has not commented on the supposed Wrangler order form. The official Jeep website also does not mention anything about a diesel engine. But a Gladiator diesel would be something to look forward to.
