The Jeep Gladiator 4xe brings a new level of adventure to the Jeep lineup by combining the legendary off-road capability of the Gladiator with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Whether you’re cruising down the highway, towing your gear, or tackling the toughest off-road trails, the Jeep Gladiator 4xe provides an eco-friendly, high-performance solution that doesn’t compromise on power or adventure.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the key features, performance specs, and benefits of the Jeep Gladiator 4xe, and explain why this hybrid pickup is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike.
1. Hybrid Powertrain: Power and Efficiency Combined
The Jeep Gladiator 4xe is equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with an electric motor. The result is a powerful and efficient vehicle that can tackle a variety of driving conditions, from everyday commuting to extreme off-roading.
- Total System Power: The Gladiator 4xe generates a combined 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This gives the hybrid truck plenty of power to take on steep inclines, rough terrain, and long highway drives, all while keeping fuel efficiency in check.
- Electric-Only Range: With its 17-kWh lithium-ion battery, the Gladiator 4xe offers an electric-only range of up to 21 miles on a full charge. This means you can easily run errands, navigate city streets, or drive to work without using a drop of gasoline. For eco-conscious drivers, this is an excellent way to reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing the versatility of a pickup truck.
- Hybrid Power Mode: When the electric range is depleted, the Gladiator 4xe switches seamlessly to hybrid mode, where both the gasoline engine and electric motor work together for optimal performance. This combination delivers impressive power, especially in demanding conditions such as towing or off-roading.
- Regenerative Braking: The Gladiator 4xe also features regenerative braking, which recovers energy during braking and feeds it back into the battery. This helps extend the electric range and improve overall fuel efficiency, particularly in stop-and-go traffic.
- Fuel Economy: The Gladiator 4xe offers an estimated 49 MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent) when driving in hybrid mode, making it much more fuel-efficient than traditional gasoline-powered trucks. This allows you to go farther on fewer trips to the gas station, especially for longer road trips and off-road expeditions.
2. Off-Road Capabilities: Jeep’s Rugged Performance
As expected from a Jeep vehicle, the Gladiator 4xe delivers exceptional off-road capabilities. With its Trail Rated® status, the 4xe is engineered to handle a variety of challenging terrains and conditions, making it the perfect pickup for outdoor adventures.
- Trail Rated® Badge: The Trail Rated® badge is a hallmark of Jeep’s off-road prowess, and the Gladiator 4xe proudly wears it. This means the truck has passed Jeep’s rigorous tests for traction, water fording, ground clearance, articulation, and maneuverability. Whether you’re rock crawling, crossing streams, or navigating rugged trails, the Gladiator 4xe is built to handle the challenge.
- Command-Trac® 4WD System: The Gladiator 4xe comes with the Command-Trac® 4WD system, which provides four-wheel-drive capability for tackling slippery, uneven, or muddy terrain. The system offers a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, ensuring that you can crawl over obstacles with ease and maintain steady traction on tough trails.
- Tru-Lok® Locking Differentials: For added off-road performance, the Gladiator 4xe features Tru-Lok® electronic locking differentials, which help ensure power is distributed evenly to the wheels, especially when you’re traversing uneven surfaces or challenging conditions like snow, mud, or sand.
- High Ground Clearance: With 11.1 inches of ground clearance, the Gladiator 4xe has more than enough space to handle obstacles like rocks, ruts, or logs. This clearance allows for greater articulation and ensures that the underbody remains protected during off-road excursions.
- Fox Shocks: The Gladiator 4xe is equipped with Fox shocks, which provide superior damping performance for a smoother ride over rough terrain. These shocks are designed to provide excellent articulation and control during off-road maneuvers, making the 4xe a great choice for tackling rough trails and navigating through challenging environments.
- Water Fording: The Gladiator 4xe is designed for water crossings, with a high air intake and sealed electrical components that help prevent water from damaging the vehicle. It can ford up to 30 inches of water, which makes it well-suited for exploring streams, rivers, and flooded trails.
3. Towing and Payload: Capability Meets Efficiency
The Jeep Gladiator 4xe is a pickup truck that offers impressive towing and payload capabilities, allowing you to bring along the equipment and gear you need for your adventures. Whether you’re towing a boat, hauling a trailer, or carrying tools and gear, the 4xe delivers power and efficiency.
- Towing Capacity: The Gladiator 4xe offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, making it capable of towing a wide range of trailers, boats, and campers. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend camping trip or need to bring along a trailer for work, the 4xe has the power to handle the load.
- Payload Capacity: The Gladiator 4xe also offers a 1,200-pound payload capacity, meaning you can carry heavy loads in the truck bed. This makes it a great choice for hauling equipment, tools, or camping gear on your outdoor adventures.
- Trailer Sway Control: The Gladiator 4xe comes equipped with Trailer Sway Control, which helps maintain control of the trailer by applying individual brakes to each wheel if swaying is detected. This feature ensures a safer towing experience, especially when hauling heavy loads or towing in windy conditions.
4. Interior Comfort and Technology: A Premium Driving Experience
While the Jeep Gladiator 4xe is designed for rugged adventures, it doesn’t compromise on interior comfort or technology. The 4xe provides a comfortable, well-equipped cabin that makes every drive enjoyable, whether you’re on the road or on the trail.
- Uconnect® 4 System: The Gladiator 4xe comes with the Uconnect® 4 system, featuring a 7-inch or available 8.4-inch touchscreen. This infotainment system allows you to control navigation, media, and vehicle settings, as well as access Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto™, and SiriusXM® for seamless connectivity.
- Premium Audio: For music lovers, the Gladiator 4xe offers an available Alpine® Premium Audio System, which includes nine speakers and a subwoofer. This high-quality audio system ensures that you can enjoy your favorite tunes with crisp, clear sound, whether you’re cruising down the highway or parked at your campsite.
- Comfort Features: The Gladiator 4xe offers a range of comfort features, including heated and ventilated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. These amenities help make your ride comfortable, no matter the weather or the length of your journey.
- Durable Materials: Jeep is known for building rugged vehicles, and the Gladiator 4xe is no exception. The interior is crafted from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of off-road adventures, ensuring that your truck remains in top condition for years to come.
- Sky One-Touch™ Power Top: The Sky One-Touch™ Power Top is available for the Gladiator 4xe, allowing you to enjoy an open-air driving experience at the push of a button. Whether you’re cruising on a sunny day or need a break from the elements, this feature lets you enjoy the outdoors while driving.
5. Safety Features: Protection for Every Adventure
The Gladiator 4xe comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features to help keep you and your passengers safe on and off the road. These technologies provide peace of mind, whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling tough trails.
- Adaptive Cruise Control: The available Adaptive Cruise Control system uses radar to maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead. It can even slow down and speed up based on traffic conditions, helping you maintain a safe, comfortable distance on long drives.
- Blind Spot Monitoring: The Gladiator 4xe features Blind Spot Monitoring, which alerts you if there’s a vehicle in your blind spot while changing lanes. This feature helps improve visibility and reduces the risk of collisions when merging or changing lanes.
- Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking: The Forward Collision Warning system uses sensors to detect potential collisions with vehicles or objects in front of you. If a collision is imminent, the system can apply the brakes to help avoid or mitigate the impact.
- ParkSense® Rear Park Assist System: The available ParkSense® system uses sensors to help you park and maneuver in tight spaces by alerting you to objects behind you. This makes parking and reversing safer and easier, particularly in crowded areas or when towing.
6. Jeep Gladiator 4xe vs. Competitors
The Jeep Gladiator 4xe competes with other hybrid and electric pickup trucks, including the Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid and the Rivian R1T. Here’s how it compares:
- Jeep Gladiator 4xe vs. Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid: The Ford F-150 PowerBoost Hybrid offers more towing capacity and a longer electric range, but the Gladiator 4xe is better suited for off-road enthusiasts, thanks to its Trail Rated® badge, better 4WD systems, and Jeep’s legendary ruggedness.
- Jeep Gladiator 4xe vs. Rivian R1T: The Rivian R1T is an all-electric pickup truck with impressive electric range and off-road capability. However, the Gladiator 4xe provides a more traditional hybrid experience with a greater focus on towing, payload, and rugged adventure, making it a more versatile option for those who need both performance and fuel efficiency.
7. Conclusion: The Jeep Gladiator 4xe – Ready for Any Adventure
The Jeep Gladiator 4xe is a groundbreaking hybrid pickup that brings together rugged off-road capabilities, impressive towing and payload capacities, and eco-friendly hybrid technology. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast, an eco-conscious driver, or someone who needs a reliable pickup truck for everyday tasks, the Gladiator 4xe offers a perfect balance of power, efficiency, and adventure-ready performance.
With its powerful hybrid powertrain, advanced off-road features, and comfortable interior, the Jeep Gladiator 4xe is the ideal choice for anyone who wants a pickup truck that’s built for adventure and designed to go the distance, all while reducing their environmental impact.