Originally promised for a 2025 launch, the Gladiator 4xe would have combined a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 17kWh battery pack, delivering an impressive output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It was expected to offer a 35-kilometer electric-only driving range, providing a greener option alongside the traditional V6-powered Gladiator.
The decision to halt the Gladiator 4xe follows Stellantis’ broader reassessment of its electrification strategy, which also saw the cancellation of the fully electric Ram 1500 REV. According to internal communications with suppliers and official statements, the company is shifting focus towards models and features that align more directly with customer demand, favoring enhancements to existing offerings rather than expanding the electrified Gladiator lineup.
The Gladiator itself is not being discontinued; the gasoline-powered models continue with planned updates, including added features and advanced safety tech. However, the plug-in hybrid variant’s cancellation may disappoint fans looking for a hybrid pickup in Jeep’s portfolio, especially as the market for eco-conscious trucks grows.
Sales of the Gladiator have been declining sharply in recent years, with numbers dropping from a peak of nearly 5,000 units in Canada in 2022 to just over 2,300 in 2024, and continuing to struggle in the first half of 2025. Pricing pressures have been addressed somewhat by Jeep’s recent decision to slash Gladiator prices by up to $11,400 for the 2026 model year, aiming to improve value perception and competitiveness.
While the Gladiator 4xe’s death is a setback for Jeep’s electrification plans, the brand intends to continue offering more customization and powertrain options on the Gladiator, keeping the iconic midsize pickup alive for the foreseeable future.
This move highlights the challenges automakers face in balancing electrification ambitions with market realities and customer preferences, signaling a cautious but focused transition towards greener vehicles.