On the Dash:
- Stellantis has officially discontinued the plug-in hybrid version of the Jeep Gladiator, ending speculation about its arrival.
- The standard Gladiator will remain in production with the 285-hp 3.6-liter V6.
- Stellantis is reassessing its EV and hybrid plans, focusing on market-driven decisions and leaving room for performance-oriented options, such as V8s.
Stellantis has canceled development of the Jeep Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid, according to a memo obtained by TFL Studios, signaling a major shift in the automaker’s electrification plans.
The memo confirmed the decision comes as Stellantis “reassesses product strategy” amid evolving customer preferences for battery-electric trucks. Jeep’s Gladiator will remain in production through 2026, but no electrified variant will join the lineup.
The memo states that the Gladiator “will continue to serve as the industry’s only open-air pickup truck” while the Jeep brand reinvests funding to deliver “customer-requested factory features, customization, and additional powertrain options.” The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid will continue, but electrification of the Gladiator is officially off the table.
Stellantis’ decision mirrors its recent move to cancel the fully electric Ram 1500 after multiple delays, instead prioritizing the Ramcharger “REV.” The company has cited similar reasoning across its brands, emphasizing market-driven strategy adjustments over strict electrification mandates.
While Stellantis has not specified the “additional powertrain options” for the Gladiator, recent trends suggest V8 engines could return. Other Stellantis vehicles, including the 2026 Dodge Durango and Ram 1500, are transitioning to pure-V8 configurations, featuring the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter Hemi engines. Enthusiasts speculate that a similar approach could be applied to the Gladiator, potentially offering new high-performance variants.
The current Gladiator boasts a 285-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine and features an 8-speed automatic transmission. The company has officially canceled prototypes of the Gladiator 4xe that were spotted earlier this year, putting an end to speculation about a plug-in hybrid pickup.
Industry analysts note that Stellantis’ decision reflects broader uncertainty in the EV market as automakers reassess the pace of electrification. Unlike General Motors, which fully commits to electric vehicles, Stellantis balances customer demand for traditional gasoline engines with a gradual shift towards electrification.
For now, Jeep fans can expect continued updates to the Gladiator lineup, including new features, customization options, and potentially additional powertrain choices, though the plug-in hybrid variant will not be part of the future plan.
