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.
Read Also: Diesel-Powered Jeep Gladiator Farout Concept Will Meet All Your Overlanding Needs
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 442 lb-ft (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.
