The 2021 Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel is quite
comfortably the most fuel-efficient variant of the rugged pickup, EPA data
confirms. Finalized fuel efficiency statistics show the Gladiator EcoDiesel
delivers 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 24 mpg combined with the 8-speed
automatic transmission. To put that into perspective, the Pentastar V6-powered
Gladiator returns 16 / 23 / 19 mpg (city / highway / combined) with the
six-speed manual and 17 / 22 / 19 mpg (city / highway / combined) with the
8-speed auto.
For Gladiator customers who are looking
for the best off-roading package in the form of Rubicon, they will have to make
a small sacrifice on fuel economy with it returning 21 / 27 / 24 mpg (city /
highway / combined). The meatier mud-terrain tires of the Gladiator EcoDiesel
Rubicon are obviously a key factor behind the slightly poorer fuel economy.
Jeep is also selling the Gladiator
EcoDiesel in Sport and Overland forms with a Command-Trac part-time four-wheel
drive system with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. By comparison, the Rubicon has
Rock-Track part-time 4WD and a 4.0:1 low-range ratio.
All Jeep Gladiator EcoDiesel variants pump
out 260 hp and 600 Nm of torque and are sold exclusively with an
eight-speed automatic transmission. Like the same engine in the Wrangler, the
Gladiator’s diesel engine includes a water-cooled turbocharger with a variable
geometry turbine. It also includes a forged steel crankshaft, aluminum alloy
pistons, and a 16.5L1 compression ratio.
