Axed: Plug-in hybrid Jeep Gladiator 4xe

The plug-in hybrid 2026 Jeep Gladiator 4xe has been axed on the eve of its launch following concerns among bosses there were no buyers for its electrified ute. Instead, the US 4x4-maker says it will offer additional powertrains in the future but for now the Gladiator will remain powered by its 3.6-litre V6 and the punchier 6.4-litre HEMI V8 offered in the US.

Announced just weeks before production of the Jeep Gladiator 4xe was supposed to begin, the plug-in hybrid's cancellation was unearthed by Automotive News, after Stellantis notified Jeep suppliers the PHEV ute had been cancelled.

The note to suppliers reportedly said that the reason for the axing of the Gladiator 4xe (just months ahead of its arrival) was due to the shifting preferences from customers when it comes to hybrid utes.

Stellantis reassured its production partners that despite the culling of the Gladiator 4xe, it remains committed to battery electric utes.

Shortly after the news broke, Jeep released a statement that said: "The Jeep brand has already begun reinvesting funding to ensure the long-term growth of the Jeep Gladiator and will introduce even more customer-requested factory features, customization, and additional powertrain options in the near future."

Instead, the Gladiator will continue to be produced with the 209kW/347Nm 3.6-litre petrol V6 offered in Australia.

In the US, buyers will also have the option of a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 that produces 336kW/610Nm.

There's no word yet on the "additional powertrains”, but it's been tipped a more powerful V8 could be on the way.

Despite being on the eve of its launch, Stellantis Australia had never confirmed the Gladiator 4xe would be offered Down Under.

In Australia, Jeep currently sells the plug-in versions of both the Compass and Grand Cherokee, although the 4xe version of the latter won't be replaced once stocks of the remaining mid-size SUV run out.

In the US it's thought the Jeep Wrangler 4xe will remain on sale, however it’s been off limits for Aussies over a lack of right-hand drive.

The news of the Gladiator PHEV’s cancellation follows a grim first half of 2025 for Stellantis that posted €2.3 billion ($A4.1b) loss, significantly down on the €5.6 billion ($A10.4b) profit from the first half of 2024 as volatile markets and US tariffs bite hard.

Australian sales were also down in H1 2025 by 15.5 per cent to just 1083 sales, although Gladiator sales rose by 16.6 per cent.

The decision to axe the Jeep Gladiator 4xe comes just weeks after Stellantis pulled the plug on the all-electric Ram 1500 REV.

Stellantis' response, at least with the Jeep, RAM and Dodge brands has been to reintroduce the V8 amid dwindling demand for electrified vehicles, but even that may not deliver the high-volume sales the company needs to stay afloat as competition grows.

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