Jeep took a risk when it introduced the Gladiator, a vehicle that soon proved popular due to its well-proven base shared with the Wrangler SUV. After a 30-year break from truck production, Jeep re-entered the market to compete with the leaders of the midsize class. Now, Jeep is working on improvements, and these upgrades are what will set the 2025 Gladiator apart.
Engine and Performance
A hybrid drivetrain is being added to the Gladiator, offering 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid Jeep 4xe model is powerful, and it is anticipated that the Gladiator will use the same PHEV technology because it shares the platform with the Wrangler.
As Jeep’s flagship vehicle, the Wrangler receives all the new technologies before other models, making the 2025 Jeep Gladiator’s hybrid powertrain a fitting improvement. This aligns with both Jeep’s hybridization goals and the broader trend in the auto industry where more pickup trucks are integrating electric assistance into their drivetrains.
Truck Enthusiasts’ Resistance
Despite these advances, truck aficionados have not yet fully embraced hybrid powertrains, as they prefer conventional internal combustion engines due to their greater hauling capability. The main advantage of trucks over SUVs is their towing capacity, which some people believe is reduced by hybrid drivetrains, essentially converting pickups into SUVs with beds.
However, this perception is about to shift. Although enthusiasts were initially skeptical about SUVs and crossovers, everyone now seeks greater fuel efficiency. Hybrid powertrains have become more affordable in recent years, with a $1,500 price differential between the Wrangler 4xe and V6 gasoline engines.
Toward Electrification
Hybrids represent a step toward the inevitable future of full electrification. Signs indicate that the Gladiator will soon utilize the same electric drivetrain when the Wrangler EV, dubbed the Magneto, becomes available.
The Rubicon package elevates the Gladiator to the pinnacle of its class, although some remain underwhelmed by the hybrid engine found in competing models like the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro and the Colorado ZR2. Jeep’s advantage lies in the fact that its heart is still a V6 engine, with a 4-cylinder gas engine-based 4xe plug-in hybrid also available for off-road enthusiasts.
Off-Road Capabilities
Why is the Rubicon such a unique product? While discussing factory enhancements, the Gladiator’s appeal is bolstered by the wide range of aftermarket tuning options. Many of the components used by Wrangler enthusiasts can also be installed on the Gladiator.
Of course, an off-road vehicle must have four-wheel drive, and Jeep offers its unique Rock-Trac arrangement for added stability and balance. Standard features include massive 33-inch all-terrain tires, rock protection seal rails, and Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials.
Transmission
The Gladiator continues to stand out in the modern car world, offering a V6 engine under the hood and a manual gearbox that remains in good shape. Though experts doubted its prospects, the manual transmission is a feature that truck enthusiasts appreciate.
Jeep also offers an automatic gearbox as an optional upgrade on the Rubicon for $2,695, catering to those who prefer this option.
Rubicon X Package
Jeep introduces the Rubicon X package with high-end features, including Nappa leather seats, a heated steering wheel, additional camera views, and unique 17-inch wheels. This package also includes Dana shocks for a more comfortable off-road ride, priced at $6,600 above the normal Rubicon model. For those looking for a less expensive option, the Mojave package offers fewer options for extreme terrains but remains a solid choice for desert journeys.
Engine Specifications
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator retains its 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, which delivers dependable performance without turbo lag. This engine provides 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Gladiator to tow up to 7,650 pounds, although the Rubicon can only tow up to 7,000 pounds. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard across the lineup, with an 8-speed automatic gearbox available as an upgrade.
Hybrid Model
The Gladiator will now include a hybrid option, while the turbocharged 4-cylinder gasoline engine and diesel engine are being phased out. Jeep’s decision to maintain a V6 engine sets it apart from rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Chevy Colorado, which have transitioned to smaller turbocharged engines. The discontinuation of diesel engines across the industry makes them increasingly rare, although they remain indispensable for heavy-duty use.
Future Models
The Hercules package for the Jeep Gladiator, which started as a fan concept, gained popularity quickly, but its development remains uncertain with the release of the Rubicon X package.
On the other hand, the fully electric Magneto concept seems like a more practical idea for the future. Despite some initial controversy surrounding hybrids, the all-electric pickup truck is expected to have a significant impact once it becomes available.
Design and Accessories
The fundamentals of the 2025 Jeep Gladiator will see only minor design changes. Most aftermarket and Jeep upgrades will remain compatible with the new model. Mopar offers step bars, tonneau covers, and bed liners to enhance functionality, while unique doors and no-door open-air experiences further boost the Gladiator’s appeal among off-road enthusiasts.
Starting Price
The starting price for the 2025 Jeep Gladiator is expected to remain at $39,100 due to minimal changes. The Rubicon option, with its added features for off-road comfort, starts at around $58,000. The hybrid engine will push the price of the Gladiator 4xe above $50,000, with the Rubicon reaching up to $77,000.
This places the Gladiator ahead of rivals like the Colorado ZR2 and Tacoma TRD Pro, but it faces competition from larger vehicles such as the Ford Raptor and Silverado ZR2. To remain competitive, Jeep may marginally reduce the MSRP in 2025, following a 30% drop in Gladiator sales in 2023.
