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5 Minutes
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 392 Confirmed
Jeep has officially confirmed that a Gladiator Rubicon 392 — powered by a naturally aspirated 392-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) HEMI V8 — is coming in the near future, with the model year 2026 shaping up to be pivotal for the Wrangler-styled pickup. CEO Bob Broderdorf told The Drive, "It's clear how much people love the roar of the 392," confirming that Jeep will house the 6.4L engine in its lineup alongside the existing Wrangler Rubicon 392.
Design and Packaging
The Gladiator Rubicon 392 will follow the rugged, utilitarian styling cues familiar to Gladiator and Wrangler buyers: high-clearance fenders, Rubicon badging, heavy-duty bumpers, and dedicated off-road hardware. Expect the Gladiator's body-on-frame layout and pickup-bed practicality to be retained while adopting the aesthetic and functional upgrades that distinguish the 392 variants — unique wheels, performance brakes, and aggressive cooling inlets for the V8's thermal demands.
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Suspension and Underpinnings
One important difference compared with the Wrangler Rubicon 392: the Gladiator Rubicon 392 is believed to use a Ram 1500-inspired rear suspension rather than the Wrangler's expensive three-link rear setup. That change typically brings improved on-road refinement, better towing and payload capability, and a more compliant ride for truck customers — at a potential cost to ultimate articulation for extreme rock-crawling.
Performance and Specifications
The headline spec is the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 — 392 cubic inches of naturally aspirated muscle. Jeep's existing Wrangler Rubicon 392 is rated around 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, so the Gladiator Rubicon 392 is expected to deliver comparable outputs, with strong low-end torque for trail use, towing, and highway merging. That powertrain should yield brisk acceleration for a mid-size truck and best-in-class engine character for off-road enthusiasts who prefer a V8 soundtrack over turbocharged alternatives.
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Estimated Performance Figures
- Engine: 6.4L (392 cu in) HEMI V8, naturally aspirated
- Estimated output: ~470 hp and ~470 lb-ft (based on Wrangler Rubicon 392 figures)
- Drivetrain: Part-time 4WD with off-road-focused transfer case (anticipated)
- Suspension: Front solid axle with heavy-duty rear setup inspired by Ram 1500
Market Positioning and Pricing
Jeep is positioning the Gladiator Rubicon 392 as a halo product in the mid-size truck segment — aimed at buyers who want uncompromised V8 performance in an off-road-capable pickup. The move continues Stellantis' wider return to V8 offerings across brands: Ram has reintroduced the 5.7L HEMI and is bringing back the Hellcat engine for the revived TRX, while Dodge and other nameplates are also leaning into V8 excitement for 2026 model-year vehicles.
To provide context on pricing and customer expectations, note that the 2025 Wrangler Rubicon 392 starts at $100,590 in four-door form, with popular options such as the $3,995 Sky one-touch power top, a $1,995 Mopar air compressor, and a $995 heavy-duty Mopar full-flooring system. For comparison, a base four-door Rubicon begins around $52,050, and the Rubicon X sits between them at roughly $62,000 — illustrating how the 392 variants occupy a premium, enthusiast-focused tier.
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Comparisons: Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Ram and Dodge
The Gladiator Rubicon 392 will likely mirror much of the Wrangler Rubicon 392's hardware and character but tailored to pickup duties. There is also speculation that Jeep could expand the 6.4L HEMI to other models such as the Grand Cherokee, though packaging constraints on the WL-series Grand Cherokee may complicate a direct transplant. Stellantis' broader strategy — influenced by customer demand and regulatory shifts — has led to V8s returning across multiple nameplates, including Ram and Dodge performance models.
What This Means for Enthusiasts
For buyers craving an authentic V8 experience in an off-road-capable pickup, the Gladiator Rubicon 392 promises to be a compelling option. It balances trail-ready hardware with increased towing and refinement thanks to truck-specific suspension tuning. Pricing will likely mirror the Wrangler 392's premium positioning, making it a niche, high-value choice for enthusiasts prepared to pay for unique performance and capability.
Outlook
Jeep's confirmation of the Gladiator Rubicon 392 reinforces the brand's commitment to offering choice and performance in its off-road portfolio. Expect further specifics — final horsepower, torque, towing numbers, and official pricing — as Jeep unveils the model ahead of its 2026 model year introduction.
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