By If you’re looking for a mid-size pickup that isn’t just great in terms of towing and off-road capability, but also offers plenty of interior space, then the Gladiator is the right pick for you. The current generation has been around for a while but still looks quite fresh. That’s why we expect to see no bigger updates for the next year, except for one important aspect. Allegedly, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator is about to get a new powertrain option, a plug-in hybrid.
As you may presume, this system would be the same as in the recently introduced Wrangler 4xe, based on a turbo-four engine. Other than that, the Gladiator would continue in the same way, which means that you may count on a pickup that has so many great things to offer. We like its excellent off-road performance, as well as its spacious and comfortable cabin. The infotainment system is also pretty easy to use. On the other hand, we don’t like the on-road ride quality, as there is a lot of wind and tire noise.
The 2023 Jeep Gladiator should hit the market sometime in the second half of 2022.
2023 Jeep Gladiator Could Get Hybrid Powertrain
This is the most anticipated novelty for the next year and if it happens, we are pretty sure that the 2023 Jeep Gladiator would use the same system as the recently introduced Wrangler 4xe. This means we would see a system that is based on a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, which comes in pair with an electric motor. The whole system delivers 375 horsepower, which is a respectable amount of horses. Also, the max torque goes all-away up to 570 pound-feet, which is on par with the V8-powered Wrangler 392.
As a result, this pickup should accelerate from zero to sixty in about 5.5 seconds. The Wrangler 4xe offers up to 21 miles in the all-electric range, so we may expect something similar from the 2023 Jeep Gladiator 4xe.
2023 Jeep Gladiator Engine
The rest of the lineup should remain the same. So, base versions should continue with a 3.6-liter V6, which puts out around 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes in pair with a six-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission.
On the other hand, the 3.0-liter turbodiesel comes only in pair with the 8-speed automatic. Its max power goes around 260 horsepower, while the max torque goes all-away up to 440 pound-feet. However, both versions feature the same max towing capacity, which goes around 7.500 pounds.
When it comes to fuel economy, the V6 returns around 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, no matter the transmission choice. On the other hand, the turbodiesel is way more efficient and you may count on about 22 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Exterior and Interior Design
Design-wise, we don’t expect bigger changes for the next year. The 2023 Jeep Gladiator should continue with the same, Wrangler-based design, which borrows a lot of styling but also uses pretty much the same mechanics. What we really like about this pickup is its off-road capability. Even the most basic versions come standard with goodies like four-wheel drive, skid plates, tow hooks, bed tie-down cleats, a Class II tow hitch receiver, a two-speed transfer case, solid front and rear axles, all-season tires, etc. Additionally, you can get upgrades like a limited-slip differential, Fox off-road shock absorbers, locking front and rear axles, an electronic sway bar disconnect, 17-inch wheels, 33-inch all-terrain tires etc.
On the inside, the Gladiator looks pretty much the same as the Wrangler, when it comes to the dashboard design. The crew cab is the only layout you can get and it offers plenty of passenger room in both rows of seats. A 5-foot cargo bed is the only one you can get.
Features
Novelties in terms of standard and available equipment are always possible but we don’t believe that too many things could change for the next year. So, standard models will probably continue with a pretty basic list of standard equipment, which includes goodies like air conditioning, manual accessories, a 5-inch touch screen, satellite radio, eight speakers, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Additionally, you can get a lot of convenience upgrades, such as 7- and 8.4-inch touch screens, a navigation system, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HD Radio, and nine speakers, as well as automatic climate control, power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry, proximity keyless entry, and remote start.
2023 Jeep Gladiator Release Date and Price
Whether we see the new hybrid version or not, we believe that the 2023 Jeep Gladiator will arrive sometime in the second half of 2022. The current model starts at around 36.000 dollars and we don’t expect a bigger increase in the future. Key competitors are models like Ford Ranger, Chevy Colorado etc.
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