For years, Gladiator owners have been asking for one thing: more power. Sure, the 3.6L Pentastar has been reliable, and the EcoDiesel had its fans, but deep down we all knew the Jeep truck deserved something more. Something louder. Something meaner. Something with a Hemi badge on the side.
Well, Jeep just made it official—the Gladiator is getting a V8.
Jeep officially confirmed the V8 option for the Gladiator during a media briefing on August 7, 2025, where CEO Bob Broderdorf said the 6.4L Hemi V8 will “have a home at Jeep,” assuring fans that “Wrangler and Gladiator fans… don’t worry.” In that announcement, Jeep also revealed that the Wrangler 392 with its V8 will continue in production indefinitely—a sharp shift from the “Final Edition” narrative used just a year prior.
The Big News
Jeep confirmed that a V8 option is coming to the Gladiator lineup. They haven’t spilled every detail yet, but here’s what’s on the table:
- Engine: Expect either the 6.4L Hemi (straight out of the Wrangler 392) or possibly a 5.7L version for a slightly more “accessible” option.
- Power & Torque: If the 392 makes the jump, we’re talking 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque in a factory Gladiator. That’s not just an upgrade—that’s a game-changer.
- Price Point: No official numbers yet, but don’t expect budget-friendly. Think Wrangler 392 money.
- Availability: Jeep is keeping the release date close to the chest, but the buzz is already hitting the off-road world hard.
Why It Matters
Let’s be honest. The Gladiator is already one of the most capable midsize trucks on the market. Solid axles, lockers, removable doors—it’s built for adventure. But the powertrain has always been the one weak link.
A V8 fixes that.
- Trail Confidence: More torque means more crawl power, less stress on the drivetrain, and a smoother climb when things get sketchy.
- Towing & Hauling: Suddenly, the Gladiator isn’t just a weekend toy—it’s a legit workhorse.
- Soundtrack: Because let’s face it, nothing compares to the rumble of a Hemi echoing through the woods.
This isn’t just an engine option. It’s Jeep putting the Gladiator in its rightful place as a no-compromise adventure truck.
The Gladiator Moves Up a Weight Class
With a V8, the Gladiator isn’t just competing with Tacoma, Ranger, or Colorado anymore. It’s carving its own lane. You’ll have a factory-backed truck with all the aftermarket support you could ever want—and the heart of a muscle car under the hood. It’s the truck we’ve been waiting for.
Gladiator Up Take
This move proves Jeep is listening. The V8 Gladiator isn’t about chasing MPG or checking boxes—it’s about passion, capability, and giving us the truck we’ve been asking for. Whether you’re hauling gear, crawling trails, or just lighting up the backcountry, the V8 Gladiator is going to deliver in a way no other midsize truck can touch – and as much as I love my Mojave – it may just convince me to trade up when they hit the market.
Bottom line: the game just changed.
GladiatorUp.com // Doug Stokes
Thanks to Car & Driver and Road and Track