Gladiator

Make
Jeep
Segment
Sports Car

Jeep clearly listens to its customers regarding general product feedback and requests. The latest example is the just-unveiled 2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel. Like the Jeep Wrangler and Ram 1500 EcoDiesels, this oil-burning Gladiator has the 3.0-liter V6 under its hood with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. This is great news for Gladiator owners with a need for towing as the base Pentastar V6 only has 260 lb-ft of twist available. Question is, how much will the EcoDiesel option cost? This is a key fact Jeep has yet to announce.

Cars Direct, however, says that a dealership order guide reveals the Gladiator EcoDiesel will command an extra $4,000 over a similarly-equipped V6 gasoline model. That means a starting price tag of $41,040. This figure is based on the Gladiator Sport's MSRP of $35,040 (with destination) and the $2,000 8-speed automatic transmission. The diesel's added cost is exactly the same as that of the Wrangler EcoDiesel.

The document further states the diesel-powered Overland trim will begin at $47,890 and the Rubicon at $51,370. The top-of-the-line Mojave trim, however, remains gasoline V6 only. The Gladiator EcoDiesel joins a small but ultra-cool cool group of diesel rivals, and it wins the power output battle.

The Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon corporate twins can each be had with a 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel good for 181 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. When it comes to pricing and overall value, the Gladiator, is still the better deal. The 2020 Colorado LT diesel begins at $37,810 for the RWD model. Tacking on 4WD brings the price to $41,275, which is $235 more than the Gladiator. 2021 Colorado and Canyon pricing should be announced soon.

Regarding towing, the GM twins have the advantage. Each is rated up to 7,700 pounds with the right equipment. For now, Jeep hasn't announced the Gladiator's tow rating, but the Wrangler EcoDiesel is rated at only 3,500 pounds. Fully aware of this, Jeep has given this Gladiator some torque-aiding mechanical bits, such as an upgraded gearbox and Dana 44 heavy-duty axles with a 3.73 axle ratio.

While the GM trucks might have the overall towing advantage, the Jeep looks like it'll beat them both on overall torque for the money.