Jeep Gladiator V8 and plug-in hybrid version not confirmed for now

KUALA LUMPUR: Back in July, Jeep released a shadowy teaser of the V8 Wrangler 392 concept that aims to rival the likes of the Ford Bronco unveiled on the same date. Well, it is no longer a concept as it is set to become a reality. The production-spec 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 recently made its debut with a V8 engine for the first time in decades. 

Also read: 2021 Ford Bronco: Detailed in pictures

The V8 powered Wrangler 392 is the latest addition to the list of off-road-oriented SUVs, which also comprises other engines including gas-powered four- and six-cylinder, a turbo-diesel V6, and the upcoming gasoline-electric hybrid 4xe. But if we talk about its closest cousin, the Jeep Gladiator, a midsize pickup truck that shares mechanical bits with the SUV, the truck still misses the Wrangler’s 4xe and 392 powertrains. Since the two models are so similar, the American automaker might include these options in the truck as well. 

When an American magazine ‘Motor Trend’ asked about the prospect of bringing a Gladiator 392, a company’s spokesperson told that there are currently no official plans to roll out a 392 variant of the Gladiator truck. “The 392 for the Wrangler was a project that was given a green light a while back.”

However, it is not much surprising that the automaker prioritizes the said engine for the SUV over the pickup, given the fact that many Wrangler customers have expressed their interest in favor of an eight-cylinder trim of the open-topped SUV. Moreover, the Wrangler JL has been on sale for more than two years now while the Gladiator was pretty new for 2020. Not only this but also for the 4Xe plug-in hybrid Gladiator, the automaker says "No" for now.

Talking about the mechanical numbers, the 6.4-litre Hemi V8 (392 cubic-inch) engine generates 470 horsepower and 637 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels. These impressive numbers send the SUV from zero to 100 kmph in just 4.5 seconds. This is the same naturally aspirated mill that powers the 392 trims of the Dodge Charger, Challenger, Durango, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT. 

On the other hand, the 4Xe powertrain comprises a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and two electric motors for a combined output of 375 hp and 637 Nm of torque. 

So as of now, Jeep does not commit Jeep Gladiator V8 and plug-in hybrid models, but there is still a chance of their arrival. Stay tuned with us for more information on this.

Also read: All-new 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee to arrive in a few days