This is the first Jeep truck since production was discontinued in 1992. It is inspired by the Wrangler, but has a longer wheelbase and shorter bed. So how bad is this truck’s fuel mileage? Well, the Wrangler’s mpg is nothing to brag about, but similar Gladiator configurations aren’t much worse. The Gladiator gets one mpg lower across the board. But there’s one engine unique to the Gladiator that actually makes it one of the most fuel-efficient pickups you can buy.
Does the Gladiator get worse fuel than the Wrangler?
When both the Gladiator and Wrangler are equipped with the same gas V6 and transmission, the Wrangler gets about better mpg in fuel efficiency. But upgrade the Gladiator to a turbocharged engine, and it blows SUV efficiency out of the water.
With the V6 and eight-speed automatic transmission, you can expect to see 18 city/23 mpg highway (20 combined)—according to the EPA.
You can order a Gladiator in the exact same configuration. The Jeep’s efficiency lags the SUV by one mpg in every measure: 17 city/22 mpg highway (19 mpg city).
The traditional Jeep Wrangler has always been one of the last three-pedal cars available. Many of the trim level’s base transmissions are a 6-speed manual. With the manual option, the V6 Wrangler gets 17 city/23 mpg (19 combined). A Gladiator with similar manual should see mpg on the highway: 16 city/23 mpg (19 combined).
The EcoDiesel Gladiator is one of the most fuel efficient jeeps out there
The Jeep Wrangler was briefly available with a 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine (EcoDiesel) borrowed from the Ram 1500 truck. Jeep has discontinued the option for 2023, but the EcoDiesel is still found in the Gladiator pickup.
That engine, powerful enough to propel a full-size Ram down the road, slows down the Gladiator. The result is a highly efficient mid-size pickup truck – according to MotorTrend.
As you might imagine, the overbuilt EcoDiesel doesn’t need a lot of fuel to get the Gladiator moving. Because of this, the diesel-powered Gladiator is extremely energy efficient for a truck. It’s also more efficient than most Wrangler SUVs.
Jeep only offers its EcoDiesel Gladiator truck with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This configuration gets 22 city/28 mpg highway (24 combined).
Jeeps are not known for their fuel efficiency
Some of the things that make a Jeep a Jeep really hit them in mpg. That includes the SUV’s square, utilitarian shape, heavy body on frame, solid axle construction, and meaty off-road tires. Gladiator is no different. Its increased size and weight make it less efficient than most jeeps.
The EcoDiesel Gladiator has excellent fuel mileage. But upgrading to this engine will cost you at least $4,000. Figures You’ll have to drive 60,000 to 100,000 miles—depending on the price of the diesel—before you see any savings on your overall cost.
