It turns out there isn’t much of a market for a diesel-powered Jeep pickup. But the company is betting that the people who want one want it very badly. Jeep will build 1,000 diesel-powered special edition Gladiator trucks for the 2023 model year. But each will start at $69,995.
A 2-Year Run
Jeep introduced diesel-powered Gladiator and Wrangler models for the 2021 model year. But Jeep says 2023 is its swan song.
Called FarOut Editions, these special editions are powered by a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine making 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler FarOut was discontinued after the 2022 model year, but the Gladiator fought on a bit longer.
Parent company Stellantis, however, has decided to retire the model. “The Jeep brand is marking the end of Gladiator EcoDiesel production with the limited-edition Gladiator Rubicon FarOut,” the company announced late last week.
Just 1,000 More Built
The final 1,000 Gladiator Rubicon FarOut editions will cost $69,995 (plus a $1,795 destination fee) and are “available for ordering through the end of September 2023, with deliveries beginning in the third quarter of 2023.”
They are capable models. Their 442 lb-ft of torque is easily the best in the midsize truck class, and 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving bests other Gladiator powertrains.
The FarOut uses the Gladiator Rubicon as its base. Dana 44 front and rear heavy-duty axles, a 3.73 axle ratio, and a Rock-Trac 2-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio help it down the trail. A trailer-tow and heavy-duty electrical group as standard equipment mean it can pull a lot of gear with it.
Diesel hood graphics and a FarOut tailgate badge tell everyone else what you’re driving. A steel front bumper resists scratches, but body-color fender flares make it more presentable for the road — an interesting balance.
Black leather upholstery with red accents helps it feel special to those inside.
Its disappearance doesn’t quite mean diesel options are gone from the Stellantis lineup. The Ram HD can still be found with an oil burner. But Ram discontinued the diesel option in its Ram 1500 last year as well.
Making Room in the Showroom?
High-torque models aren’t gone from the Jeep lineup entirely. The plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe offers 470 lb-ft.
We had expected to see a Gladiator 4xe at Jeep’s big spring safari this year — an annual event that teases the brand’s plans. Jeep showed up with some interesting concepts, but not that one. It was a bit of a surprise that none turned up. The existence of a diesel-powered open-air truck may have made it seem unnecessary. Now that the diesel Gladiator is disappearing, we have to wonder if a Gladiator 4xe isn’t far away.
