2026 Jeep Gladiator HEMI V8 locked in
US 4x4 brand has V8 fever, confirming it for the firm’s ute and more Wrangler variantsJeep’s boss has confirmed the HEMI V8 will live on under the bonnet of the Wrangler 392 “indefinitely” and will be introduced to the 2026 Jeep Gladiator ute soon.
“Jeep fans, don’t worry, the 6.4-litre Hemi V8 will have a home at Jeep,” said Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf, adding: “We will extend the availability of the 392 on Wrangler, and in fact, we will tap the power and performance of the Hemi across Jeep products ... so Wrangler and Gladiator fans and Hemi fans in general, don’t worry.”
Jeep originally was supposed to have killed off its HEMI V8-powered Wrangler back in 2024, following Stellantis’ decision to cull it in the Dodge and RAM brands but somehow production of the Wrangler 392 continued into 2025.
As well as dropping the 6.4-litre Apache V8 into the Gladiator, more variants of the Wrangler have also been promised, with the possibility of the HEMI going on to power other Jeep vehicles that, until now, have been denied its flagship donk.
Under the bonnet of the Wrangler 392 the 6.4-litre pumps out 336kW of power and 610Nm of torque – figures that are likely to be replicated when dropped into the Gladiator.
Sadly, for Australians, a lack of right-hand drive production of the Wrangler 392 meant the flagship Jeep was denied for our market.
It’s not been confirmed if the Gladiator V8 has been engineered with Australia in mind, but the local outfit might not import it anyway following the federal government implementing its New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) that could rule it out over CO2 emissions.
Jeep continues to struggle Down Under with volumes down more than 19 per cent over this time last year. Wrangler sales are down 47 per cent in the first half of this year, while fewer than 200 Gladiators have found homes.
The local outfit hopes the arrival of the next year’s all-electric Wagoneer S SUV and more rugged Recon 4x4, plus the all-new Compass and Cherokee that both arrive in the second half of this year will turn around its fortunes.
Other volume-boosting models include the possibility of importing the mild-hybrid version of its entry Avenger, plus a more capable all-wheel drive 4xe hybrid version.
Related: 2025 Jeep Avenger 4xe hybrid detailed
Related: Jeep Wrangler V8 not coming here
Related: V8 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 breaks cover
Related: Jeep Gladiator 2020 Review
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