State of Gladiator and its future?

[Zybane]

Been considering buying a new 2026 Gladiator Rubicon for a portal axle Overland build. Still stuck with only the Pentastar.

What's the latest on the future of the Gladiator? Any major revisions in the next couple of years? V8 Hemi and 4XE sound like they are dead? What about the Hurricane?

Looks like aftermarket V8 swaps are still ridiculously priced. Getting a used diesel may be a decent option. Did the fuel pump recall finally make those reliable?

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[LOGS]

Been considering buying a new 2026 Gladiator Rubicon for a portal axle Overland build. Still stuck with only the Pentastar.

What's the latest on the future of the Gladiator? Any major revisions in the next couple of years? V8 Hemi and 4XE sound like they are dead? What about the Hurricane?

Looks like aftermarket V8 swaps are still ridiculously priced. Getting a used diesel may be a decent option. Did the fuel pump recall finally make those reliable?

Getting rid of all the emissions BS makes the eco reliable...

If you aren't in a rush, in the next couple years you'll most likely see more options for the Gladiator.

 

[Janster]

Way too much ‘speculation’ and not enough real info we can trust.

Who the hell knows what’s going on with the Gladiator. As long as it doesn’t disappear completely, and still topless & doors off as it is now.

 

[Jems007]

I’m also waiting. I had a gladiator rubicon. Existing power plant options are too weak for towing in the mountains, so I sold it and am in a wrangler again. If the JT / J70 comes out with something that puts out some decent power (closer to 400+ lb-ft like the hemi or hurricane) I may be back.

 

[Bandit’s Lair]

I’m also waiting. I had a gladiator rubicon. Existing power plant options are too weak for towing in the mountains, so I sold it and am in a wrangler again. If the JT / J70 comes out with something that puts out some decent power (closer to 400+ lb-ft like the hemi or hurricane) I may be back.

Oh you’ll be back……

 

[Jems007]

Oh you’ll be back……

I might! I’m digging the wrangler but most of my trips are extended and camping so I really do miss that bed space!! Love the gladiator platform.

 

[OVERLORD]

Ditch the ESS and put a reliable small V-8 in, and I'll buy again.

 

[Tripp]

Ditch the ESS and put a reliable small V-8 in, and I'll buy again.

A small 4L V8 would be perfect in the gladiator

 

[Sweetums]

No one knows what’s next and anyone claiming otherwise wants your clicks.

the one thing we do know is all vehicles next year and beyond will be required to have driver monitoring equipment and shut down if they think the driver is impaired or not fit to drive.

I have no interest in buying a vehicle with that stuff installed

 

[3TDJEEP]

I'd shop for a used Diesel Gladiator. I've seen some good deals on some low mileage rigs lately.

No chance in hell I'd ever own a vehicle with the Pentastar again. I'd go Diesel or wait to see if they finally drop a Hemi in these from the factory. I think they will but no one knows for sure.

 

[YZ250FX]

Man, I've been wrestling with the exact same thoughts lately. Honestly, if you're planning a heavy portal axle build, the Pentastar is going to feel pretty gutless unless you re-gear it aggressively, and even then, it's no powerhouse.
Since Stellantis seems to be dragging their feet on bringing the Hurricane inline-6 to the JT platform, looking at a used EcoDiesel is probably your best bet for that kind of low-end torque you'll need. The CP4 fuel pump recall did finally address the main ticking time bomb on those motors, so as long as the paperwork shows the dealer completed the swap with the revised pump, it’s a much safer gamble now than it was two years ago. I'd definitely lean that way over dropping $30k+ on a custom V8 swap.

 

[JmattNYC]

Been considering buying a new 2026 Gladiator Rubicon for a portal axle Overland build. Still stuck with only the Pentastar.

What's the latest on the future of the Gladiator? Any major revisions in the next couple of years? V8 Hemi and 4XE sound like they are dead? What about the Hurricane?

Looks like aftermarket V8 swaps are still ridiculously priced. Getting a used diesel may be a decent option. Did the fuel pump recall finally make those reliable?

Just wait a few months as 2027 is suppose model year that the 392 Hemi option will be available for the JT. The 2027-28 are possibly the last two model years for this current gen so lets see if the re-release the eco diesels again to cash in on the new lax rules. Fingers crossed!

On another note if they release a 4XE version of the gladiator i would stay very very far away from that disaster. Those hybrid models aren't always mod friendly

 

[GCBurt]

Like my Gladiator Diesel. Had a 2015 Grand Cherokee Diesel until last month. Both diesels treated me well.

Spent time at Biggs AAF. Was a current ME in both the AH-64 and the comfortable old UH-1.

 

[VladtheGlad]

i love my Glad diesel and only bought because of this drivetrain. No antiquated, self-destructing mini van engines for me in a modern vehicle. Seriously ... a 25 year old engine. I love my diesel and pray every day no one hits it or steals it, because I would need to go to Toyota or Ford for a replacement. Heck ... I honestly don't think Jeep will have a competitive engine (not antiquated and inefficient classic V-8's) until way past my next purchase around Jan 2028. Just sad.

 

[JmattNYC]

Like my Gladiator Diesel. Had a 2015 Grand Cherokee Diesel until last month. Both diesels treated me well.

Spent time at Biggs AAF. Was a current ME in both the AH-64 and the comfortable old UH-1.

very happy with my base sport max tow but i do miss my diesel overland sometimes. Life changes, shorter driving distances which is not good for diesels, late maintenance procedures & schedule changes from stallantis and worst of all allowing political fear porn in my ultimate decision get rid of it. I really hope in the near future we can get rid all that ridicules equipment that kills these things. Miss that diesel torque!

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