Tag Archives: origins

Mopar 340 Vs. 360: Which Is The Better Engine?

The Mopar 340 has its origins with the earlier 318 V8 engine within the LA household. This was already a reasonably good engine, however Mopar wished to make a excessive efficiency model of it. To do that, the corporate took the three.906 bore of the 318 and elevated it to 4.04 inches, however the designers didn’t alter the stroke in any respect, permitting for a larger engine displacement. Mopar additionally understood that there could be a heavier burden positioned on the engine as a result of its efficiency capabilities, so it changed the forged iron crankshaft with a metal one.

The consequence was a relatively spectacular engine that might generate as much as 275 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque — or at the very least that’s what was marketed, as Hot Rod noticed these numbers enhance to 320 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque. These outcomes made the engine fairly a pleasant selection for road racers or anybody wanting a light-weight, highly effective automobile. 

You would discover the 340 V8 in a number of of the muscle and pony vehicles after its introduction in 1968, together with the Dodge Charger and Plymouth Road Runner; and two years later, Mopar would put out a Six Pack model of the 340, which was unique to the Dodge Challenger and Plymouth Barracuda. As was the case with so many excessive efficiency V8 engines of the time, it grew to become considerably hampered by the emissions laws and oil embargo through the Nineteen Seventies, seeing it section out of manufacturing relatively rapidly. However, this has made it fairly the product on the resale market that you’ll definitely be paying a number of thousand {dollars} to get.

[Featured image by Bidgee via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped and scaled | CC BY-SA 2.5 AU]

Every Toyota Hybrid SUV Ranked By Fuel Efficiency

Toyota’s evolution from its modest origins to a world image of excellence and high quality is an inspiring journey. Rooted in its esteemed Japanese heritage, Toyota has risen to a place of immense respect and admiration within the world automotive trade. Across sedans, SUVs, sports cars, and traditional fashions, Toyota’s unwavering dedication to delivering the utmost high quality is obvious in every creation, shining as brightly because the day.

With the world on a revolutionary curve and everybody choosing a hybrid car, identical to each different good automaker, Toyota has additionally hopped on the bang wagon, pumping out dependable and fuel-efficient automobiles. Toyota’s hybrid SUV lineup is a little more crowded than its hybrid car lineup, for now.

Take a take a look at this listing, the place we have ranked Toyota’s Hybrid SUV lineup from the best to the bottom gasoline effectivity.

All the numbers concerning the gasoline effectivity and efficiency of all of the talked about automobiles have been taken from authoritative sources like Toyota’s website, fueleconomy.gov, and Car And Driver. The SUVs on this listing have been ranked from the best gasoline effectivity to the bottom.

Related

Toyota SUV Model Lineup Ranked By Reliability

While the present Toyota lineup is full of great-value SUVs, We check out whether or not they reside as much as Toyota’s legacy for reliability

1 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid

Combined Fuel Economy: 42 MPG

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid sits on the prime of this rating due to its spectacular gasoline financial system, affordability, and general practicality. Starting at $27,970 for the S trim, $29,920 for the SE, and $31,065 for the XSE, the Corolla Cross Hybrid combines affordability with spectacular gasoline utilization and an array of options, making it a compelling possibility within the hybrid crossover section. The cabin is provided with an 8.0-inch touchscreen with all normal options. And, with the rear seats folded down, the cargo space expands to an impressive 61.8 cubic feet.

2024 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

2.0-liter inline-four hybrid engine with an electrical motor

Horsepower

196 Horses

Torque

151 Pound-feet

Drivetrain

All-wheel-drive (AWD)

Transmission

Continuously variable transmission (CVT)

0-60 MPH

8.0 seconds

Top Speed

113 miles per hour

Fuel Economy – City

45 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

38 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

42 MPG

Range

380 miles (Car and Driver)

Starting MSRP

$27,970

(Specs sourced from Toyota, Car And Driver, and EPA)

The Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid Can Make Up To 196 Horses

The Corolla Cross Hybrid comes powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four hybrid engine related to an electrical motor. This setup permits the Corolla Cross Hybrid to churn out a mixed power output of 196 horsepower with 151 pound-feet of torque. The Corolla Cross Hybrid boasts a formidable EPA-estimated gasoline financial system of 45/ 38/ 42 mpg for city/highway/combined drives. The Corolla Cross Hybrid deserves your consideration if gasoline effectivity and affordability are your prime priorities.

2 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Combined Fuel Economy: 40 MPG

The Toyota RAV4 is one of Toyota’s best-selling SUVs. The fifth era RAV4 gives one thing for everybody, that includes a standard gas model, a hybrid, and a plug-in hybrid possibility. Among two electrical powertrains and 7 trims, ranging from $31,475, the Toyota RAV4 hybrid stands out as the popular selection for a lot of within the SUV market, providing the most effective of each worlds.

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Offers Up To 69.8 Cubic-feet Of Cargo Space

A spacious inside is essential for any family-oriented car, affecting each the driving expertise and practicality. The RAV4 Hybrid gives as much as 37.6 cubic toes of cargo area behind the rear seats, and folding them down expands the capability to 69.8 cubic toes. Also, the rear seat gives split-folding performance, permitting you to control the additional area for seating passengers or storing cargo.

2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Performance And Fuel Economy

All different trims

Woodland Edition

Engine

2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder Hybrid Engine with three AC motors

2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder Hybrid Engine with three AC motors

Horsepower

219 Horses

219 Horses

Torque

163 Pound-feet

163 Pound-feet

Drivetrain

All-wheel-drive (AWD)

All-wheel-drive (AWD)

Transmission

Continuously variable computerized

Continuously variable computerized

0-60 MPH

7.3 seconds

7.3 seconds

Top Speed

115 mph

115 mph

Fuel Economy – City

41 MPG

38 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

38 MPG

35 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

40 MPG

37 MPG

Range

580 miles

536 miles

Starting MSRP

$31,475

$34,695

(Specs sourced from Toyota, Car And Driver, and EPA)

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Can Make Up To 219 Horses

The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid incorporates a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and three electrical motors, delivering a mixed energy output of 219 horsepower with 163 pound-feet of torque. With all-wheel drive (AWD) as normal, it may well attain 0-60 mph in simply 7.3 seconds, showcasing notable efficiency inside its class.

With a total range of 580 miles on a full tank, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid boasts an EPA-estimated gasoline effectivity of 41 mpg within the metropolis and 38 mpg on the freeway, and a mixed financial system of 40 mpg, leaving the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid behind. The off-road-focused Woodland trim goes as much as 536 miles on a full tank and gives a formidable gasoline effectivity of 38/ 35/ 37 mpg.

Related

10 PHEV SUVs That Don’t Skimp Out On Performance

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3 Toyota Venza

Combined Fuel Economy: 39 MPG

The Toyota Venza Tops Out At $43,065

The 2024 Toyota Venza is available in 4 trims, the place the LE serves as the base trim, starting at $34,620, whereas essentially the most luxurious trim within the lineup, the Limited, is priced at $42,765. The Toyota Venza is obtainable with an all-hybrid powertrain and all-wheel drive (AWD) as normal.

With 28.8 cubic toes of cargo area, the Toyota Venza offers ample room for storage. But the hybrid SUV’s versatility extends additional – fold the rear seats flat to increase the storage capability generously to 55.1 cubic toes.

2024 Toyota Venza Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

2.5-liter four-cylinder hybrid engine With three AC motors

Horsepower

219 Horses

Torque

163 Pound-feet

Drivetrain

All-wheel-drive (AWD)

Transmission

Continuously variable computerized

0-60 MPH

7.6 seconds

Top Speed

118 mph

Fuel Economy – City

40 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

37 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

39 MPG

Range

566 miles

Starting MSRP

$34,920

(Specs sourced from Toyota, Car And Driver and EPA)

The Toyota Venza Comes With A Triple Motor Setup

Under the hood, the Toyota Venza depends on a 2.5-liter Dynamic Force four-cylinder hybrid engine with three electrical motors; one on the rear and two on the entrance. This hybrid powertrain permits the Toyota Venza Hybrid to provide a mixed 219 horsepower and 163 pound-feet of torque.

With an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 40/ 37/ 39 mpg in metropolis/ freeway/ mixed drives, complemented by a considerable 14.5-gallon gasoline tank capability, this distinctive effectivity ends in a complete vary of as much as 566 miles when crammed to the brim.

4 Toyota Sienna

Combined Fuel Economy: 36 MPG

The Toyota Sienna gives a variety of six trims, with the LE serving as the base model starting at $37,185. At the top of luxurious within the lineup is the Platinum trim, coming at a hefty worth of $52,645. Being a minivan and all, the Sienna does pretty well within the storage division. Seating as much as seven or eight passengers, the Sienna’s cargo includes 33.5 cubic toes of area with all seats in place, which might increase to a beneficiant 75.2 cubic toes, every time essential. Offered with a selection of two drivetrain choices, the brand new Toyota Sienna is predicated on a full-hybrid powertrain.

2024 Toyota Sienna Performance And Fuel Economy

2WD

AWD

Engine

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electrical motors

2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with three electrical motors

Horsepower

245 Horses

245 Horses

Torque

176 Pound-feet

176 Pound-feet

Drivetrain

Two-wheel Drive (2WD)

All-wheel Drive (AWD)

Transmission

CVT/direct drive

CVT/direct drive

0-60 MPH

7.5 seconds

7.5 seconds

Top Speed

117 mph

117 mph

Fuel Economy – City

36 MPG

35 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

36 MPG

36 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

36 MPG

35 MPG

Range

648 miles

630 miles

(Specs sourced from Toyota, Car and Driver, and EPA)

Toyota Sienna’s Triple Motor Setup Can Make Up To 245 Horsepower

The Sienna gives you the freedom to choose between 2WD and AWD. Both drivetrain configurations depend on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with both two or three electrical motors (relying on the chosen drivetrain) to make a mixed energy output of 245 horsepower with 176 pound-feet of torque. However, the AWD drivetrain does sacrifice somewhat little bit of gasoline effectivity for the additional motor.

The Toyota Sienna 2WD delivers an EPA-estimated mileage of 36/ 36/ 36 mpg on metropolis/ freeway/ mixed drives with a complete vary of 648 miles, whereas the AWD Sienna delivers an EPA-estimated mileage of 35/ 36/ 35 miles-per-gallon on metropolis/ freeway/ mixed drives with a complete vary of 630 miles.

Related

10 PHEV SUVs That Don’t Skimp Out On Cargo Capacity

Check out these PHEV SUVs that not solely pack a punch in cargo area, but additionally ship top-tier versatility for all of your storage wants.

5 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

Combined Fuel Economy: 35 MPG

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid is obtainable in quite a lot of six trims, the place the LE serves as the base model with a starting price of $40,720, and the most costly trim of the lineup, the Platinum trim, is obtainable at a a lot increased worth of $51,175. This three-row SUV accommodates as much as eight passengers, offering a cargo area of 16 cubic toes behind the third row. Folding down the third row expands the area to 48.4 cubic toes. For bigger cargo hundreds, decreasing the second row as nicely will help you exploit a formidable 84.3 cubic toes of area.

2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Performance And Fuel Economy

All different trims

Limited And Platinum

Engine

2.5-liter four-cylinder with two or three electrical motors

2.5-liter four-cylinder with two or three electrical motors

Horsepower

243 Horses

243 Horses

Torque

175 Pound-feet

175 Pound-feet

Drivetrain

FWD/AWD

FWD/AWD

Transmission

Continuously variable computerized

Continuously variable computerized

0-60 MPH

7.3 seconds

7.3 seconds

Top Speed

118 mph

118 mph

Fuel Economy – City

35 MPG

35 MPG

Fuel Economy – Highway

35 MPG

34 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined

35 MPG

35 MPG

Range

598 miles

598 miles

(Specs sourced from Toyota, Car and Driver and EPA)

The Toyota Highlander Hybrid Can Make The 0-60 MPH Dash In 7.3 Seconds

The hybrid 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine is paired with an eCVT AWD or FWD drivetrain. In the AWD variant, two everlasting magnet synchronous motors on the entrance and one on the rear energy the car, whereas the FWD model makes use of two motors on the entrance. Combining the engine and motors ends in a mixed output of 243 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque.

Utilizing this powertrain, the Toyota Highlander Hybrid can cross the 60 mph mark in 7.3 seconds. Also, the environment friendly AWD system of the Highlander Hybrid boasts a formidable fuel economy of 35 mph on all city, highway, and combined driving metrics.

6 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid

Combined Fuel Economy: 34 MPG

There are 4 trim choices to select from; the Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid starts at $44,670 for the bottom trim, and $58,125 for the most costly Hybrid MAX Platinum Trim. This SUV is available in two different hybrid powertrains: the hybrid and the hybrid MAX. The standard hybrid powertrain is much like that of the Toyota Highlander, incorporating a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and two electrical motors.

This mixture delivers a formidable 243 horsepower, guaranteeing a strong efficiency. The Hybrid Max variant boasts an output of 362 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, establishing the Grand Highlander as Toyota’s most powerful mid-sized SUV. The 2.5-liter powertrain is adaptable, provided in each FWD and AWD configurations, with the Hybrid Max obtainable solely in AWD.

Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Fuel Economy

XLE

Limited

Max Limited

Max Platinum

City

37 MPG

36 MPG

26 MPG

26 MPG

Highway

34 MPG

32 MPG

27 MPG

27 MPG

Combined

36 MPG

34 MPG

27 MPG

27 MPG

Range

619 miles

585 miles

464 miles

464 miles

(Specs sourced from EPA and Toyota)

The Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid Can Go Up To 619 Miles On A Full Tank

The Grand Highlander’s XLE trim delivers spectacular gasoline effectivity with 37 MPG in the city, 34 MPG on the highway, and a mixed ranking of 36 MPG, providing a variety of 619 miles. In comparability, the Limited trim barely reduces effectivity to 36 MPG within the metropolis, 32 MPG on the freeway, and a mixed ranking of 34 MPG, leading to a variety of 585 miles. The Max Limited and Max Platinum trims share a city fuel efficiency of 26 MPG, 27 MPG on the freeway, and a mixed ranking of 27 MPG, providing a variety of 464 miles every.

Related

Toyota SUV Models Lineup Ranked By Comfort

Toyota has a number of crossovers and SUVs on sale immediately and this is how these fashions stack up on the subject of consolation and comfort options

7 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid

Combined Fuel Economy: 24 MPG

The Toyota Sequoia Hybrid is obtainable in 5 trims to select from, with the SR5 serving as its base trim, starting at a price of $60,875 and going as much as over $77,865 as you climb as much as the Capstone trim, with the liberty to decide on between 2WD and AWD drivetrains. The Toyota Sequoia Hybrid gives 22.3 cubic toes of cargo area with all seats up, which expands to a spacious 86.9 cubic feet if you decide to fold down the third-row seats.

The Toyota Sequoia Hybrid Uses A Powerful V-6 Engine

At the guts of the Toyota Sequoia Hybrid is a exceptional 3.4-liter i-FORCE MAX Twin-Turbo V-6 Hybrid engine with an electric motor, paired with a 10-speed computerized transmission. The result’s a formidable efficiency, permitting the Toyota Sequoia Hybrid to generate 437 horsepower with 583 pound-feet of torque.

2024 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

3.4-liter i-FORCE MAX Twin-Turbo V-6 Hybrid engine with an electrical motor

Horsepower

437 Horses

Torque

583 Pound-feet

Drivetrain

AWD/2WD

Transmission

10-speed computerized

0-60 MPH

5.6 seconds

Top Speed

107 mph

Fuel Economy (2WD) (City/ Highway/ Combined)

22/ 21/ 24 MPG

Fuel Economy (AWD) (City/ Highway/ Combined)

20/ 19/ 22 MPG

Range (2WD)

495 miles

Range (AWD)

450 miles

(Specs sourced from Toyota, Car And Driver, and EPA)

The Toyota Sequoia Hybrid Boasts Modest Mileage Numbers

The 2024 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid is ready to attain an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 22 /21/ 24 mpg for mixed/ metropolis/ freeway driving with the 2WD drivetrain. Opting for the AWD drivetrain is anticipated to yield 20/ 19/ 22 miles-per-gallon for mixed/ metropolis/ freeway driving. While these figures may not flip heads, they supply sensible effectivity on your each day drives and commutes.

8 Toyota RAV4 Prime

Combined Fuel Economy: 94 MPGe

The 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime is obtainable in simply two trims: the SE, priced at $43,440, and the XSE, priced at $47,310. The RAV4 Prime is beneficiant in cargo area, offering 33.4 cubic toes with the seats up and a formidable 63.1 cubic toes with the seats folded down. The RAV4 Prime makes use of a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with three permanent-magnet synchronous AC motor mills, leading to a strong total output of 302 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque.

Toyota RAV4 Prime Performance And Fuel Economy

Engine

2.5-liter dynamic power four-cylinder with three AC motors

Battery

18.1-kWh lithium-ion

Horsepower

302 Horses

Torque

288 Pound-feet

Drivetrain

All-wheel drive (AWD)

0-60 MPH

5.4 seconds

Top Speed

117 mph

Fuel Economy – Combined (Gas)

38 MPG

Fuel Economy – Combined (Gas + Electricity)

94 MPGe

All-electric Range

42 miles

Total Range

600 miles

Starting MSRP

$43,440

(Specs sourced from Toyota, Car And Driver, and EPA)

The Toyota RAV4 Prime Reduces Range Anxiety

The electrical motors of the RAV4 Prime draw energy from an 18.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, giving it an all-electric range of 42 miles, making it one of the best within the section. The RAV4 Prime achieves a formidable combined 94 MPGe, with a decent mixed gasoline financial system of 38 mpg, which permits it to remain on the highway for 600 miles.

MBP Targets Beginner Segment With N250 And N300 Naked Bikes

In 2022, a brand new bike model with Italian origins was launched. Dubbed MBP, or Moto Bologna Passione, the model was based by Keeway Motor Group, a sub-brand underneath the Chinese bike large, Qianjiang (also referred to as QJ Motor). In EICMA 2022, the model showcased quite a lot of spectacular fashions just like the T1002V, this time round, it’s focusing on the newbie section with the discharge of two bare streetfighters.

The two fashions are the N250 and N300, that are practically equivalent by way of styling, however carry slight variations by way of efficiency and tools. That mentioned, it’s greater than doubtless that these two fashions gained’t be bought in the identical markets. My guess is that the N250 shall be bought in Europe in accordance to A2 licensing requirements, whereas the N300 will make its solution to the Asian market to compete with bikes from the likes of KTM, Kawasaki, and Bajaj.

MBP Targets Beginner Segment With N250 And N300 Naked Bikes

Whatever the case could also be, it’s clear that MBP desires to introduce a spread of accessible fashions for novice riders, and the brand new N collection clearly follows a tried and examined components. From a styling perspective, they’re hardly unique, making use of an uncovered trellis body design and angular bodywork we first noticed on a sure Austrian naked bike means again in 2013. Up entrance, we discover an fascinating LED headlight with a single, centrally mounted bulb and a DRL on the backside.

The bikes sport some fairly respectable underpinnings regardless of their entry-level standing. A set of KYB inverted forks handles entrance suspension duties, whereas a KYB monoshock supplies preload adjustability. As for brakes, entrance and rear discs with dual-channel ABS convey the bike to a cease. Like most bare bikes of this sort, the MBP N250 and N300 roll on 17-inch wheels back and front. MBP goes for a premium feel and look with full-LED lighting throughout, in addition to a full-color, five-inch TFT show and backlit controls.

MBP Targets Beginner Segment With N250 And N300 Naked Bikes
MBP Targets Beginner Segment With N250 And N300 Naked Bikes

When it involves efficiency, the N250 and N300 are barely completely different , however each are powered by single-cylinder engines. The smaller N250 will get a 249cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected unit with 26.5 horsepower and 22 Nm (16.3 pound-feet) of torque, and guarantees a prime velocity of 128 kilometers per hour (round 80 miles an hour). Meanwhile, the N300 dials efficiency up a tad with its 298cc thumper pumping out 29.5 ponies and 27 Nm (19.9 pound-feet) of torque. Subsequently, prime velocity is larger at 139 kilometers per hour (87 miles per hour).

Both bikes tip the scales at a really approachable dry weight of 145 kilograms, or about 320 kilos. Now, MBP hasn’t offered us with the bike’s moist weight, however we are able to add about 30 to 40 kilos to account for oil, gasoline, and different fluids, and we’d nonetheless have a reasonably light-weight, beginner-friendly machine.

MBP Targets Beginner Segment With N250 And N300 Naked Bikes

As of this writing, pricing and availability info on MBP’s new bare streetfighters has but to be introduced. Nevertheless, chances are high these bikes shall be launched within the European and Asian markets first, earlier than ever even being teased within the US market.

One Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion Escaped The Museum

The Porsche 911 GT1 Strassenversion has its roots in the mid-1990s when the FIA introduced the GT1 class for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In response, the German automaker decided to create a road-legal version of its 911 GT1 race car, giving birth to the Strassenversion (German for “street version”). Around 20 of these cars were assembled, and one is on display at Porsche’s museum in Stuttgart.

Recently, a video was released by Porsche on YouTube showing the 911 GT1 Strassenversion “dreaming” of going for a drive in the mountains. The footage has a strong Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed vibe and depicts the car’s desire to be driven. In the video, a museum employee notices the car’s unusual behavior and smiles.

The 911 GT1 Strassenversion is no ordinary Porsche. It features a potent 3.2-liter, twin-turbocharged flat-six engine producing around 537 horsepower. This, combined with a six-speed manual transmission, enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 3.5 seconds, a competitive feat even by today’s standards.

Despite its race-focused exterior, the interior of the 911 GT1 Strassenversion is surprisingly well-appointed, featuring leather upholstery, air conditioning, and other comforts, making it suitable for road use.

With only 20 units ever built, it’s a rare treat to see one of the most capable Porsches of the 1990s in action. Whether the mountain road footage is real or just CGI, it adds a romantic touch reminiscent of the 1990s themselves.

This Conversion Kit Brought The Jeep Truck Back To Life Before The Gladiator Was Reborn

Summary

  • Jeep’s origins can be traced back to its role in World War II, where it served as a reliable transport vehicle for troops. After the war, Jeep successfully transitioned into producing civilian versions.
  • The Jeep CJ models, from 1944 to 1986, were the first fully production-ready civilian Jeeps. Over the years, they underwent updates and modifications to improve their powertrains and design.
  • In 1986, Jeep introduced the Wrangler as a replacement for the CJ models. It maintained the off-road capabilities of its predecessors while offering a more comfortable ride. This design has remained iconic throughout subsequent generations.

Jeep is a company that has remained true to its roots since its inception. It was originally created to transport troops through rough terrain during World War II. After the war, Jeep began producing civilian versions, which proved to be a great success. Over time, the iconic Willys Jeep evolved into the beloved Wrangler that is cherished by enthusiasts.

However, Jeep primarily focused on producing off-road SUVs, leaving a gap in their lineup for a base pickup truck. It wasn’t until 2011 that they offered a truck conversion kit for the Wrangler, which received a positive response from consumers. This eventually led to the revival of the Gladiator name after 47 years.

Historical archives, Mopar press materials, and reputable sites like MotorTrend and KaiserWillys were referenced to create this feature about the Jeep Gladiator pickup truck.

RELATED: Jeep’s Return to Military Service Could Go Through The Gladiator Pickup

Jeeps Began As Trucks

The early military vehicles that would later become Jeeps can be described as trucks. These 4×4 utility trucks were initially designed in 1941 for transporting troops and towing supply trailers through challenging terrains. They served multiple purposes:

  • The flat hood could be used as a map table, surgery table, or games table.
  • They could be used as power plants, light sources, and provided warmth with their hot engines.
  • With the proper tools, they could be used as snow plows, dig furrows and trenches, and more.

While not the most comfortable vehicles, people loved them for their versatility. Discussions about creating a civilian Jeep had already begun in 1942, and in 1943, Willys-Overland, the manufacturer of these vehicles, filed for the Jeep name. In 1945, they introduced the first mass-produced four-wheel drive civilian model, the CJ (Civilian Jeep). The CJ became an incredibly popular vehicle and remained in production for over four decades.

RELATED: The Unmatched History Of The Jeep Wrangler

Jeep History: 1944-1986

Olive Drab 1941 Willys MB
Jeep

From 1944 to 1986, Willys produced the CJs (Civilian Jeeps), but the full production model of Civilian Jeeps was not available until 1945. The CJ-1 was a prototype based on the military vehicle, with quick modifications for testing, such as a tailgate, drawbar, and canvas-style top. Only two CJ-1s were made, and none survived. In the same year, they produced the second prototype, of which around 45 were made for further testing.

Jeep CJ Generations

Model

Production Years

CJ-1

1944

CJ-2

1944-1945

CJ-2A

1945-1949

CJ-3A

1949-1953

CJ-3B

1952-1968

CJ-5

1954-1983

CJ-6

1955-1981

CJ-5A and CJ-6A Trim package

1964-1968

CJ-7

1976-1986

The fully production-ready CJ-2A was introduced in 1945. It continued with a similar design but received updates to its powertrain and special editions. The CJ-5, which replaced the Willys name with just “Jeep CJ-5” after 1964, became the first model to carry the Jeep CJ name. Despite the introduction of new models, the CJ-5 remained in production. From the CJ-1 to the final CJ-7, the CJs were produced for over four decades.

RELATED: 10 Things Only True Off-Roaders Know About The Jeep Wrangler CJ-7

Big Changes From 1986

Red 1993 Jeep Wrangler YJ
Mecum Auctions

In 1986, the Jeep CJ models were replaced with an all-new vehicle called the Wrangler. The Wrangler was no longer a pickup truck but a compact SUV that maintained the off-road capabilities of its predecessors while providing a more comfortable ride. This design, which featured the iconic elements of the original Willys Jeep, has remained consistent throughout subsequent generations, including the latest JL Wrangler. Jeep has managed to preserve the essence of the original off-road vehicle, much like Porsche has with the 911 and Mercedes with the G-Wagen.

RELATED: Why the TJ is still the best Wrangler to date

The Wrangle JK-8 Conversion

At this point, Jeep had already entered its third generation with the Wrangler JK (produced from 2006 to 2018). Just before the second-generation TJ Wrangler was replaced, Jeep showcased a 2005 Gladiator concept, which was a pickup truck. Although the concept received high demand, Jeep initially had no plans to put it into production. However, in 2011, they decided to offer a pickup truck conversion kit for the JK Wrangler.

The officially licensed JK-8 conversion kit could be purchased for $5,499, excluding the labor cost for installation. This kit transformed a four-door Wrangler into a modern version of the Jeep Scrambler CJ-8. It could be installed at Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, or Ram dealerships. The kit included a shortened, removable fiberglass roof panel, new body panels for the pickup bed, a bulkhead behind the front seats, B-pillars, and rollbar extensions.

Jeep enthusiasts, accustomed to modifying their vehicles for off-roading, were thrilled with this dealer-offered modification. However, the kit required cutting, drilling, and welding, making it difficult to reverse the conversion. Jeep claimed that almost anyone could install the kit and even did a live demonstration of their engineers converting a Wrangler in an hour. The best part was that if the kit was installed by a dealer, it came with a 36,000-mile warranty. However, this was a temporary solution to satisfy the demand for a Jeep pickup truck.

RELATED: 10 Things You Should Know About The Jeep CJ-5

Jeep Decided To Build The Gladiator

The Gladiator name had been used previously in the Jeep lineup. The original Jeep Gladiator was a conventional pickup truck produced from 1962 to 1971, sharing its underpinnings with the Jeep Wagoneer of that time. It had a different appearance from the existing CJs, with the only similarity being the grille design. The Gladiator was available in both four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive options, while the Jeeps were permanently four-wheel drive.

The Gladiator name disappeared with the second-generation pickup truck, but it was revived 47 years later. The new Gladiator was introduced in 2018 and went on sale in 2019. It proved to be a success, with buyers showing great interest in this new pickup truck alongside the Wrangler SUV. The new Gladiator shares its underpinnings with the Wrangler JL, maintaining the iconic design but in a pickup truck form. It is the first pickup truck in the Jeep lineup since the discontinuation of the Comanche in 1992.

Black Jeep Gladiator
Jeep

Jeep Gladiator Dimensions And Engine Specifications

Length

218 inches

Wheelbase

137.3 inches

Width

73.8 inches

Height

73.1–76.1 inches

Engine

3.6 liter V6/3.0 liter turbo diesel

Power

285/260 horsepower

Torque

260/442 pound-feet

Transmission

Six-speed manual/Eight-speed auto

Drivetrain

Four-wheel drive

Payload

1,000-1,700 pounds

Towing Capacity

4,000-7,650 pounds

Curb weight

4,650–5,072 pounds

Special editions of the Gladiator have been released, including the Rubicon Launch Edition, North Edition, Mojave, High Altitude Edition, Altitude, Willys Edition, and Texas Trail Edition. Some buyers have even undertaken extensive modifications, such as 6×6 conversions, due to the pickup truck configuration. The new breed of Wranglers and Gladiators carries on the legacy of the Jeep brand, offering off-road capabilities without compromising simplicity and ruggedness.