If you’ve been waiting to park a Jeep Gladiator 4xe plug-in hybrid in your driveway, the news isn’t what you hoped for. Jeep and parent company Stellantis have officially scrapped the Gladiator 4xe program before it ever reached showrooms, even after publicly signaling it was on the way for the 2025 model year. That decision matters not just for Gladiator fans, but for anyone watching how quickly electrification is really moving through the truck market.
Quick takeaway
The Gladiator 4xe was confirmed, then canceled in September 2025 as Stellantis reworked its EV and plug-in hybrid plans. If you wanted an electrified Jeep truck experience today, your best bet is a used Wrangler 4xe, Grand Cherokee 4xe, or another electrified pickup from brands that kept their programs alive.
Gladiator 4xe at a glance
Gladiator 4xe: the short story
The key point: there is no production Gladiator 4xe. If you see a listing advertising a Gladiator 4xe today, it’s either mislabeled or misunderstood, likely a gas Gladiator alongside a Wrangler 4xe in the same inventory, or SEO bait in a description. For now, every Gladiator on the used or new market is powered by conventional internal combustion, with Jeep channeling its plug‑in energy into SUVs instead of trucks.
Was there ever a Gladiator 4xe?
On paper, yes. In metal you could buy, no. Jeep executives had been teasing a Gladiator plug‑in hybrid since at least 2023, pointing to the Wrangler 4xe’s success as a template. In early product previews for the 2025 model year, Jeep confirmed that the 4xe powertrain would migrate to the Gladiator platform, pairing the pickup’s open‑bed practicality with plug‑in efficiency and short‑range electric driving.
Behind the scenes, development work appears to have been well underway. The Gladiator rides on the same basic architecture as the Wrangler, and the 4xe system, built around a 2.0‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder engine, dual electric motors, and a roughly 17 kWh battery pack, was already certified and in volume production for other models. Translating that hardware to a truck with a frame and suspension nearly identical to Wrangler’s is more packaging exercise than science experiment.
But as 2025 approached, Stellantis’ priorities shifted. In September 2025, the company quietly informed dealers and media that the Gladiator 4xe program was canceled as part of a broader rethink of EV and plug‑in hybrid investments. The 4xe nameplate lives on for Wrangler and Grand Cherokee, but the pickup version is officially DOA.
Shopping tip
If a dealer site, marketplace listing, or third‑party ad claims a Jeep Gladiator 4xe is available, check the VIN and window sticker. You’re almost certainly looking at a conventional gas Gladiator; any 4xe references are mis-tags or generic marketing copy.
Why Jeep canceled the Gladiator 4xe
Four forces that killed the Gladiator 4xe
The decision wasn’t about engineering. It was about timing, money, and demand.
1. Incentives and economics changed
Plug‑in hybrids built their business case around federal and state incentives. As those programs evolved and some credits expired or shifted toward full BEVs, the math on a midsize PHEV pickup grew harder to justify, especially at the transaction prices Gladiator already commands.
2. Demand for electrified trucks cooled
Full‑size electric pickups have seen slower‑than‑hoped adoption, with some programs delayed or pared back. Stellantis took the hint: if buyers are hesitating on full EV trucks, a premium‑priced plug‑in midsizer like Gladiator 4xe could be a tough sell out of the gate.
3. Capital is moving to higher‑impact projects
Stellantis has committed tens of billions toward electrification across Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and other brands. Killing Gladiator 4xe lets the company reallocate funding to models with broader global volume potential, like Wrangler 4xe, Grand Cherokee 4xe, and upcoming all‑electric SUVs.
4. Gladiator sales softened
Gladiator volumes in the U.S. have drifted down from earlier peaks, even before a plug‑in option appeared. With a shrinking base to layer a pricey hybrid on top of, Stellantis chose to shore up the core truck, adding features, customization, and possibly new ICE powertrains, rather than gamble on a niche powertrain.
Important nuance
Canceling the Gladiator 4xe doesn’t mean Jeep is walking away from electrification. Wrangler 4xe remains a cornerstone of the brand in North America, Grand Cherokee 4xe continues, and Jeep still targets a heavy mix of full battery-electric SUVs by 2030. Gladiator simply fell on the wrong side of the budget line.
How the Gladiator 4xe would have fit into Jeep’s 4xe lineup
Wrangler 4xe: the template
Wrangler 4xe is the best‑selling plug‑in hybrid in the U.S. in recent years, mixing traditional Jeep capability with around 20–25 miles of electric‑only driving. Its 2.0‑liter turbocharged engine, dual electric motors, and battery pack deliver roughly 375 hp and 470 lb‑ft of torque, with strong low‑speed control off‑road.
That success proved there’s real demand for an electrified, trail‑ready Jeep, especially among buyers who do most of their daily driving in short bursts but still want long‑range road‑trip capability.
Where Gladiator 4xe would have slotted
A Gladiator 4xe would have taken the same formula and grafted it onto a pickup: four doors, open bed, removable top and doors, and 4xe power for commuting, trails, and weekend hauling. Think Wrangler 4xe plus a 5‑foot bed and higher tow/haul versatility.
On paper, it would have been the only plug‑in midsize pickup with full open‑air capability, a unique proposition for buyers who want both a truck and a lower‑emission daily driver.
What the cancellation means if you wanted a Gladiator 4xe
If you’d penciled in a Gladiator 4xe as your next purchase, you’re in one of three camps: you want the Jeep experience, you want the truck bed, and you want some form of electrification. With the official plug‑in hybrid off the table, you’ll need to decide which of those three is non‑negotiable.
- If Jeep DNA matters most, a Wrangler 4xe or Grand Cherokee 4xe will feel familiar and keep you in the brand.
- If a bed and towing are the priority, it may be time to cross‑shop electrified pickups from Ford, Rivian, and others.
- If plug‑in capability itself is the big goal, you’ll find more options in SUVs than in midsize trucks for the next few years.
How Recharged can help
If you’re flexible on the bed but committed to lower fuel use, browsing used Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe models on Recharged gives you plug‑in capability today, with transparent battery health data via the Recharged Score. You can also trade in a gas Gladiator as part of that switch.
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Best used 4xe and EV alternatives to the Gladiator
Electrified alternatives if Gladiator 4xe is off the table
From plug‑in Jeeps to fully electric pickups, here’s where shoppers are turning instead.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe (PHEV)
Best for: Buyers who wanted Gladiator’s open‑air feel and off‑road chops more than the bed.
- Removable roof and doors, genuine trail capability.
- Short‑range EV driving for commuting, gas backup for trips.
- Plenty of used inventory, especially from 2021–2024 model years.
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe (PHEV)
Best for: Families who almost went Gladiator but need enclosed cargo and comfort.
- Two‑row and three‑row configurations, upscale interior.
- Electric‑only range that covers many daily drives.
- Still tow‑capable, though you give up the open bed.
Ford F‑150 PowerBoost & other hybrids
Best for: Shoppers whose priority is a pickup truck with better fuel economy, not necessarily plug‑in capability.
- Full‑size footprint, serious towing and payload.
- Hybrid systems that boost torque and efficiency.
- No plug, but often better real‑world MPG than gas‑only trucks.
Rivian R1T & other EV pickups
Best for: Buyers ready to go full battery‑electric for truck duty.
- Strong acceleration and instant torque.
- Competitive range with home and DC fast‑charging options.
- More upfront cost, but sharply lower fueling and maintenance.
Midsize gas trucks with future EV plans
Best for: Those willing to buy a gas midsizer now and monitor upcoming electrified versions.
- Colorado, Tacoma, Ranger, and others are all evolving toward more electrified lineups.
- Buying used today can bridge the gap until the right EV or PHEV truck appears.
Used 4xe on Recharged
Best for: Shoppers who want plug‑in capability with fewer surprises.
- Each vehicle includes a Recharged Score Report with verified battery health.
- Digital shopping, financing options, trade‑in support, and nationwide delivery from a single platform.
Battery health and range: what to look for on a used 4xe
Whether you end up in a Wrangler 4xe, Grand Cherokee 4xe, or another electrified model, your biggest long‑term variable is battery health. Drivetrain hardware is familiar territory for most shops; high‑voltage packs and related software are newer ground for many used‑vehicle buyers.
Used 4xe checklist: questions to answer before you buy
1. How much range does it still deliver?
Compare the original EPA electric‑only range to what current owners or test drives show under similar conditions. Some loss over time is normal, but big gaps deserve closer inspection.
2. Has the battery ever been repaired or replaced?
Look for service records related to the high‑voltage battery or inverter. A properly documented replacement under warranty can actually be a plus, but unexplained repairs are a red flag.
3. What’s the state of charge behavior?
On a test drive, watch how quickly the battery gauge drops in EV mode and how the system transitions between electric and gas power. Abrupt changes or warnings on the dash need attention.
4. Any open recalls or software updates?
Jeep’s 4xe models, like most modern plug‑ins, receive periodic software updates and, occasionally, recalls. Make sure those have been fully addressed before you sign paperwork.
5. Who’s verifying battery health?
A generic multi‑point inspection doesn’t tell you much about a plug‑in’s pack. At Recharged, the <strong>Recharged Score</strong> includes data‑driven battery diagnostics so you’re not guessing about the most expensive component on the vehicle.
Why a Recharged Score matters
When you buy a used 4xe or EV through Recharged, you get a Recharged Score Report that covers battery health, fair market pricing, and overall vehicle condition. That’s crucial peace of mind when you’re shopping in a segment where a replacement pack can cost as much as an engine swap, or more.
Jeep’s electrified future beyond the Gladiator 4xe
From Stellantis’ perspective, killing the Gladiator 4xe is less about abandoning electrification and more about choosing where it will move the needle fastest. Jeep still markets itself as an emerging leader in electrified SUVs, with a roadmap that leans heavily on Wrangler 4xe, Grand Cherokee 4xe, and upcoming fully electric models like the Recon and Wagoneer S.
- Jeep plans for a significant share of its U.S. sales to be fully electric by 2030, guided by Stellantis’ broader Dare Forward 2030 plan.
- 4xe plug‑in hybrids act as a bridge for buyers not ready to go full BEV but interested in cutting fuel use and tailpipe emissions.
- Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe remain central to that bridge strategy, especially in North America.
"Electrification is great for our brand, making it even more capable, exciting, sustainable and fun."
Don’t confuse one cancellation with a trend
It’s tempting to read Gladiator 4xe’s demise as a verdict on plug‑in hybrids, but that overstates the case. The move says more about the economics of a relatively low‑volume midsize truck than it does about the health of 4xe as a whole.
FAQ: Gladiator 4xe and buying alternatives
Frequently asked questions about the Gladiator 4xe
Should you wait or buy now?
If you were holding out specifically for a Jeep Gladiator 4xe, the market just made the decision for you: that truck won’t materialize, at least not under the current product plan. The good news is that the core pieces you wanted, Jeep capability, plug‑in efficiency, or an electrified pickup experience, are still available, just in different packages.
For a Jeep‑centric path, Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe deliver the 4xe driving experience right now, with a growing used market that can soften the price of entry. For a truck‑first mindset, used hybrid or full‑electric pickups can handle the work you hoped a Gladiator 4xe would tackle, even if they trade the Wrangler‑based charm for more conventional designs.
Either way, the smartest move as a used‑vehicle shopper is to anchor your search around battery health and total cost of ownership, not just a badge that almost, but never quite, made it to market. That’s where Recharged comes in: with verified battery diagnostics, fair pricing, and EV‑savvy support, you can pivot from a canceled nameplate to a real vehicle in your driveway, without guessing about what’s under the floorpan.
