Jeep Preemptively Kills The Gladiator 4xe Hybrid
The Jeep Gladiator 4xe is officially dead before it even had the chance to live. Stellantis has scrapped the plug-in hybrid pickup before production ever began, cutting down what would have been the third 4xe model in Jeep’s mildly electrified lineup.
Key Points
- Jeep has axed the Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid program before it reached production, ending plans to add a third 4xe model alongside the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee.
- The move reflects Stellantis’ broader retreat from EV commitments, with multiple electrified projects—including Ram’s 1500 REV and Dodge’s Charger Daytona R/T—already shelved as demand cools and tariffs complicate business.
- Jeep says the Gladiator will continue with its V6 for now but hints at new powertrains and features ahead, fueling speculation that a V8 option could eventually join the lineup.
According to a letter sent to suppliers and obtained by Automotive News, the cancellation is effective immediately—meaning all related projects and agreements are terminated. The Gladiator 4xe was expected to join the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe, sharing a 375-horsepower plug-in hybrid system built around a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, dual electric motors, and a 17-kWh battery pack capable of around 21 miles of electric-only driving.
Instead, Jeep says it will reinvest resources to strengthen the Gladiator’s long-term prospects, promising more customer-requested features— like "Reign" exterior paint it will share with the regular Wrangler—expanded customization, and additional powertrain options.
For now, the super capable midsize truck continues with the familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, though it's a pretty good bet Jeep will drop in a Hemi V8 option—similar to the Wrangler Rubicon 392.
This marks yet another EV retreat for Stellantis. Ram recently shelved the all-electric 1500 REV pickup, Chrysler and Alfa Romeo have backed away from all-EV lineups, and tariffs forced Dodge to pull the plug on the Charger Daytona R/T.
At the same time, Stellantis has leaned back into V8 engines, reintroducing them in the Ram 1500 and hinting at a return in the Dodge Charger.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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"This marks yet another EV retreat for Stellantis." No better teacher than loss of revenue. How about a lighter weight short block V8 with a parallel hybrid setup, 20 gallon tank in a 2 door convertible pickup? At least Stellantis solved the tailgate dilemna.
V8 option would be epic for this truck. Yeah no one wanted the 4xe model....smart move.