For diesel enthusiasts, the idea of a Jeep with serious off-road capability and a torque-heavy diesel engine was nothing short of a dream. That dream came true when Jeep introduced the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 into the Wrangler (JL) and Gladiator (JT) lineups. These diesel-powered beasts offered a unique blend of rugged trail performance and efficient, low-end grunt. But like many good things, the EcoDiesel Jeep era was short-lived.

The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 first appeared in the Jeep Wrangler in 2020 and was offered through the 2023 model year. It was celebrated with a Rubicon FarOut model. The diesel Gladiator came shortly after in model-year 2021 and also ended in 2023. Jeep quietly pulled the plug on the EcoDiesel engine after the 2023 model year, making it a short-but-memorable chapter for diesel fans.

Under the hood, the EcoDiesel delivered an impressive 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. That was way more torque than the 3.6-liter V6 (260 lb-ft) and 2.0-liter turbo I4 (295 lb-ft). According to Motor Trend, the Wrangler EcoDiesel could hit 60 mph in 7.5 seconds—quicker than the 8.0 seconds of the 2.0-liter. In both the Wrangler and Gladiator, the diesel engine was mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, which provided smooth power delivery and maximized the engine’s low-end torque. The diesel proved especially enticing for off-roaders and overlanders, giving drivers the ability to crawl over rocks and tow.

For long-range adventurers, the EcoDiesel also brought significantly better fuel economy compared to gas engines. Depending on the configuration, the Wrangler EcoDiesel could deliver up to 29 mpg on the highway, while the Gladiator hovered around 28 mpg—numbers that impressed for such off-road-capable rigs.

The EcoDiesel wasn’t available across all trims. In the Wrangler, it was offered only in the four-door Unlimited models, and trims like the Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon could be configured with the diesel option. It was never available in the two-door Wrangler or base trims. As for the Gladiator, the diesel option was available in the Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon trims. Jeep kept it limited, likely due to cost and market demand considerations.

As with the EcoDiesel in the Ram 1500, a combination of factors led to the EcoDiesel’s demise. Emissions regulations were continuing to tighten, making diesel engines more costly to produce and certify. At the same time, electrification was becoming the future, with Jeep investing heavily in hybrid and electric drivetrains, including the plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe. Lastly, the diesel engine came at a premium, and the market was shifting toward cheaper gas or hybrid alternatives.

The short-lived diesel Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator offered a unique combination that appealed to certain buyers. The diesel Wrangler and Gladiator are now pieces of diesel history that we’re looking back on all too soon—a reminder of when diesel options were more prevalent.