Although still a pretty fresh vehicle, the Gladiator is about to come with some pretty nice updates for the next year. According to the latest reports, we are about to see big novelties under the hood, while there is also a big chance to see a new performance off-road version in the form of 2021 Jeep Gladiator Hercules, which would come with a huge V8 engine under the hood.
Other than the new engine and Hercules, we don’t expect significant changes for the next year. Of course, novelties in terms of standard equipment are always possible, but most of the things will probably remain the same. Also, we count on the same design characteristics and definitely don’t expect to see a single cab version, despite there are some reports that suggest such a version.
Despite the novelties, the new model shouldn’t arrive much earlier than usual, so we expect to see it sometime late in the year.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Diesel
There is no doubt that one of the biggest novelties for the next year will be a new diesel version. At this point, we know for sure that this version is about to hit the European market. On the other side, it is still unclear whether this model is about to be offered in North America or not. When it comes to the specs, this model will feature a familiar 3.0-liter six-cylinder turbodiesel, the same one that powers the current Grand Cherokee. Therefore, you may count on a max output of 260 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque.
With such numbers, we expect nothing but great driving dynamics and overall capabilities. Still, the latest reports suggest that the new 2021 Jeep Gladiator diesel won’t be the most capable Gladiator in the offer. It looks like the max towing capacity will be slightly lower compared to the gasoline model, which can tow up to 7.500 pounds. What’s the reason? We don’t know.
On the other side, the gasoline model will carry on in the same way. You may count on a well-known 3.6-liter V6, which is good for about 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The engine comes standard with manual gearbox, while the automatic is also available. As we already mentioned, this version can tow up to 7.500 pounds.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Hercules
Another big novelty for the next year will be 2021 Jeep Gladiator Hercules. The company is working on a new, super-capable version of the pickup, which will be equipped with all kinds of upgrades, compared to standard models. Of course, higher ground clearance, new suspension, skid plates and similar things are the first that come to mind, but we can hear some pretty interesting things about the powertrain as well.
While most sources suggest the same V6 engine under the hood, some rumors talk about a huge V8 engine. Allegedly, the company wants to make a model that will be a direct rival to Ford Raptor not just in terms of off-road performances, but in terms of power and speed as well.
Design
Other than a new engine and new Hercules, things should remain pretty much the same. Therefore, we count on the same design that debuted last year. In practice, this means a Wrangler-based look, as well as Wrangler-based mechanics. Of course, there is always a possibility to see smaller tweaks, at least in terms of new colors, but we are pretty sure that most of the things will remain the same.
The same thing goes for the interior design, which is characterized by good overall quality, as well as with a pretty impressive amount of legroom in the second row. We also like the super-intuitive infotainment system, as well as other tech goodies.
Features
When it comes to standard features, we could see a couple of additions for the next year. Still, most of the things should remain pretty much the same. In terms of tech goodies, the current model comes standard with things like a 5-inch touch screen, an eight-speaker audio system, two USB ports, and Bluetooth. Of course, there is much more in higher trims, where you can get bigger 7- and 8.4-inch touchscreens, as well as things like a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, satellite radio, navigation, a removable Bluetooth wireless speaker, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto.
When it comes to safety, the only thing you get standard is a rearview camera. Fortunately, there is much more in higher trims, where you can get goodies like blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking.
When will 2021 Jeep Gladiator be available?
Despite the novelties, we expect to see 2021 Jeep Gladiator sometime late in the year. While the standard gasoline model will probably keep the price tag of around 33.500 dollars, the price for the new diesel version is still unavailable.
