Jeep to launch more V8-powered models, will Gladiator make PH comeback?

Fans of the Jeep brand have plenty of reasons to be happy right now. Aside from bringing back the V8-powered Wrangler 392 last year, Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf recently announced that more Jeep models will get the 392 (AKA 6.4L) V8 engine.

That's right, other Jeep models like the Gladiator, the all-new Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and the Grand Wagoneer will soon be available with a 6.4L HEMI V8 under the hood. With V8 engines making a comeback, it's not surprising for Jeep to join the bandwagon since fellow Stellantis brand Ram has also brought back the HEMI V8 for the 1500 pickup truck.

The V8 engine option for the Jeep Wrangler was originally supposed to be a limited edition model, but since demand for it was so high, Jeep decided to continue making it. In fact, it's now a regular variant in the Wrangler lineup, in North America at least.

As for the rest of the Jeep model range, this will be the first time that a V8 engine option will be offered for the Gladiator pickup. Currently, the Gladiator is only available with either a naturally-aspirated 3.6L Pentastar V6 or the 2.0L turbocharged plug-in hybrid system dubbed the “4xe”, which is set to be revealed in the future.

Since the Jeep Gladiator will likely get a V8 option, we can expect Jeep customers to go for that engine variant, since the eight-cylinder is making a comeback. The only question now is, could Jeep Philippines bring back the Gladiator with a V8 under the hood since tariffs for US-made vehicles will be zero?