The Jeep Trilogy: Gladiator EcoDiesel, Farout Overlander, and Wrangler 392

Seat Time in the Jeep Trilogy: Gladiator EcoDiesel, Farout Overlander, and Wrangler 392

For nearly eight decades, Jeep has carried the torch of off-road capability. They transitioned World War II MBs to the civilian-offered Willys. Then they created an extended lineage of CJs and Wranglers. The seven-slot brand has stayed true to its genetic makeup. While Jeep has a full line of platforms, like the Cherokee and Renegade, I relate to the venerable Willys. Body-on-frame and stick axles with nine words: The most fun you can have on four wheels. We recently caught up with two of their 2020 Moab concepts in Southern California, which were accompanied by the all-new Gladiator diesel. Behold our Jeep trilogy triple shot of seven-slot fun.

Jeep Trilogy: Torque Monster Gladiator EcoDiesel

We waited decades for Jeep to put a bed on the back of a Wrangler. It seemed like the perfect combination of off-road prowess. It had a rear seat for kids and a dog and heaps of room out back for gear. Add increased payload and towing capacity and what more could you ask for? As much as I am a fan of the Pentastar 3.6L V-6, I’ve been pining for two additional powertrain options. The throaty horsepower of a Hemi and stump-pulling torque of a diesel. We may have to wait for the Hemi, but Gladiator EcoDiesel is making its debut with the 2021 model year.

After driving the new oil burner—a term of endearment for diesel aficionados—we can assure you the days of lethargic small-displacement diesels is a thing of the past. The 3.0L V-6 mill generates 260 hp at the crank, about 10 percent less than its petrol-burning brethren. One might consider this a shortfall. But, what it lacks in ponies it makes up for in spades with torque. The EcoDiesel’s best-in-class 442 lb-ft of torque is truly a thing of grin-inducing beauty.

Gladiator EcoDiesel

Full torque is at your service from a mere 1,400 rpm and stays with you to 2,800 rpm. Depressing the accelerator from a dead stop on steep grades of the Malibu Mountains was impressive. The low-revving EcoDiesel spun the speedo up to the legal limit quickly and without protest. Its low-end grunt gives more of a seat-of-the-pants gutsy truck feel. It is similar to my Ram 2500 diesel. On technical terrain, that grunt equates to excellent low-speed control. I’m a fan.

Average EPA fuel economy specs range from 25 to 28 mpg depending on the model. That provides a 450- to 500-mile range with the 18.3-gallon tank—ideal for extended journeys into the hinterland. Like all new diesels, it features EPA-required particulate filters, catalytic converter, and urea injection (DEF). Unfortunately, for those of us gearheads who love manual cogs, the EcoDiesel is only available with the 8HP75 eight-speed automatic. But don’t fret. Combined with the NV241 Rock-Track transfer case and 4.10:1 diff gears (Rubicon), it has an impressive crawl ratio of 77:1. Add Gen III Dana 44 axles, Fox shocks, and a flexy suspension and you have one heck of a torque-monster midsize truck, Its off-road prowess is true to its family heritage.

After driving this new oil-burner…we can assure you the days of lethargic small-displacement diesels are a thing of the past.

Jeep Trilogy: 392 Skinny Pedal Nirvana 

Each spring, the twisted minds that comprise Jeep’s design studio must sit around with a cooler of coldies, They must be discussing what would be cool for the year’s fleet of Moab concepts. We can only assume the higher the pile of dead soldiers, the loftier their ambitions soar. Gladiator brand manager Brandon Girmus began his presentation on the Wrangler 392. The words that affixed to my gray matter were “450-450.” He expanded the discussion with “this is a 392ci Hemi V-8 that produces 450 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque.” Unfortunately, the Easter Jeep Safari was canceled due to the pandemic. But, that didn’t stop the 392 from getting out on the trail. It’s a great addition to the Jeep trilogy.

Jeep Wrangler 392

A quick walk-around of this stealth-black JL reveals a set of 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3s on beadlock wheels. It also includes Rubicon bumpers and sliders, and a Warn winch. Down below are Fox shocks and a Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) suspension and heavy-duty Gen III Dana 44 axles with lockers. Cast-iron knuckles up front. The result is superior traction on the tractive surface. It also has 34 inches of water fording and 13.25 inches of ground clearance.

The words that affixed to my gray matter were ‘This is a 392ci HEMI V-8 that produces 450 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque.

Raising our field of view we find a steel performance hood, custom half doors, and the absence of glass behind the A-pillar. With the push of a button, the Sky One-Touch Power Top instantly folds back and exposes the heavens. It works at speeds of up to 60 mph. The combination provides an open-air feeling like no other. Lifting the hood reveals a mill that looks like it came from the factory. Cooling, wiring, hoses, and the entire tamale is in OE form.

Jeep Wrangler 392: Interior

Sliding into the red leather driver seat and turning the key, the Hemi comes to life with purpose. They wouldn’t let us confirm Jeep’s claim of 0-to-60 in under 5 seconds. But, pressing the skinny pedal to the floor tested the g-force limits of my seat and neck. The 392 was built as a proof-of-concept to show the world that they could stuff a Hemi into a Wrangler. They did it, and now the question begs, when will we see a V-8 Wrangler on the showroom floor? Jeep is keeping a tight lip on the subject, but the insider’s rumor mill is spinning, so stay tuned.

Jeep Trilogy: Gladiator Farout

The Wayout was overwhelmingly popular. It was one of Jeep’s 2019 Jeep Safari concepts. So, the design team took the idea of an ultimate overlander to the next level. They started with Gladiator Rubicon fitted with the 3.0L EcoDiesel. The rest was a blank canvas.

Jeep Gladiator Farout: Camper Top

If you’re going to live on the road for an extended period of time, you’ll need a comfortable abode. You’ll also need protection from the elements. AT Overland, purveyor of top-quality mobile shelters, worked with NEMO Equipment to develop the rooftop Habitat. When deployed, the AT Overland Habitat’s 16-foot length provides voluminous sleeping space. It’s enough for the family and a couple of dogs and is accessible from the Farout’s cozy living room.

The downstairs is warm and inviting, featuring rich wood tones, a waterproof laminate floor, and a rustic bench seat. LED lighting is plentiful yet subtly hidden behind wood panels for a more natural environment. There are hanging storage racks, built-in seats, a table, even a minibar. With the rear gate down, the slider pulls out. It reveals a National Luna dual-control fridge/freezer, utensil tray, and Partner stainless steel propane stove.

Gladiator Farout: Exterior

The exterior features Jeep’s new Earl Grey paint with lime green accents carried throughout. The armor consists of Rubicon sliders and bumpers, the front supporting a Warn winch and IPF auxiliary lights. Overhead is a custom roof rack and down below is a JPP 2-inch lift. It also has 17-inch Falken Wildpeak MTs and 17-inch alloy wheels. With the Habitat open and dual awnings deployed, protection from the elements can be found on three sides.

If you are going to live on the road for an extended period of time, a comfortable abode and protection from the elements is, well, elementary.

The Farout’s interior is nothing short of palatial. Add Gladiator capacities, Rubicon capability, and EcoDiesel performance and range and you’d have the ultimate overland rig.

(Editor’s Note: A version of this story first appeared in Tread March/April 2021.)