2026 Jeep Gladiator 4xe and Wrangler 4xe Allegedly Getting 215-HP Electric Motor

Mopar Insiders heard through the grapevine that Stellantis will use a new hybrid automatic transmission for both applications, namely the ZF-supplied 8HP80PH. As opposed to the current 8HP75PH, the newcomer allegedly makes 215 horsepower and 332 pound-feet (450 Newton-meters) compared to 134 horses and 181 pound-feet (245 Newton-meters).

Although the battery specs for model year 2026 are not known as of this writing, the cited publication understands that up to 31 miles (50 kilometers) of electric driving range may be in the offing. In zero-emission mode, both the Gladiator 4xe and Wrangler 4xe can reportedly hit speeds no higher than 120 kilometers an hour (75 miles an hour).

The fourth-generation 8HP entered series production back in 2022, originally in the German city of Saarbrucken. The BMW Group and what used to be Fiat Chrysler Automobiles were the first automakers to sign purchase orders for the revised tranny.

8HP80PH is the most complex and powerful configuration of the fourth-generation 8HP, which can deliver up to 160 kilowatts or the aforementioned 215 mechanical horsepower. It goes without saying that its punchier electric drive unit will help the Wrangler 4xe's acceleration. Being that little bit heavier, the Gladiator 4xe isn't likely to be as quick to 60 miles an hour (97 kilometers an hour).

Mopar Insiders also reported that ZF's plug-in hybrid transmission incorporates the control electronics into the housing to reduce complexity. Welded cooper rods are used by the electric motor instead of coiled wire, increasing the filling rate for improved power density. Another standout feature comes in the form of direct shift valves for the transmission's hydraulic control system.

Its downsized hydraulic unit uses 1.8 liters of hydraulic fluid rather than 3.1 liters, namely 0.48 versus 0.82 gallons. Also worthy of note, a single power shunt pump system replaces the ubiquitous dual-pump setup. Whenever the internal combustion engine shuts off while operating the vehicle, an electric motor drives the oil pump to maintain hydraulic pressure.

It's not clear if Stellantis retained the 2.0-liter Hurricane turbo inline-four engine of the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe, which seems to be the best candidate for the 2026 models. On the other hand, Stellantis did use the 3.6-liter Pentastar naturally aspirated vee-six lump in the Ram 1500 Ramcharger. The range-extended pickup truck has been recently postponed to the second half of 2025 for model year 2026.

Production of the 2026 Jeep Wrangler 4xe will purportedly start in the fourth quarter of 2025, with the Gladiator 4xe following suit in the first quarter of 2026. All versions of the Gladiator are produced at the South plant, a.k.a. Toledo Supplier Park. As for the Wrangler, both the internal combustion-only versions and 4xe hail from Toledo North.