2021 Jeep Gladiator vs Ford Ranger
2021 Jeep Gladiator vs Ford Ranger
If you’re in the market for a new pickup, you know that there are a ton of options, which makes choosing just one seem impossible. With such a jam-packed class, sifting through them all is an overwhelming task. At Village Jeep, we want to make this easier for you. This is why we’ve taken two competitive trucks and put them head to head. The 2021 Jeep Gladiator and Ford Ranger both offer great comfort, plenty of power, and class-leading capability. For many years, the Jeep brand has provided some of the most capable SUVs in the world. The Jeep lineup got shaken up in the 2020 model year when the Gladiator combined the Wrangler’s front fascia and capability with a five-foot truck bed. Whether you’re hitting the trails or loading up and hitting the road for a long haul, the Gladiator is ready for whatever you throw at it! Continue reading to see how the Jeep Gladiator and Ford Ranger stack up against each other!
2021 Jeep Gladiator Power & Handling
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has two available engines. The standard engine is a 3.6L V6 that kicks out up to 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine typically comes with a 6-speed manual transmission but can be ordered with an 8-speed automatic. There is also an engine for the diesel fans out there. Also available is a 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel that’s capable of providing up to 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque at just 1,400 RPM. The Trail Rated badge is what makes the Gladiator really set itself apart from the competition. The Trail Rated capability is thanks to Jeep’s legendary 4×4 system, heavy-duty Dana 44 solid axles, an off-road-tuned suspension, and up to eleven inches of ground clearance. The Mojave and Rubicon trims get even more capability from an electronic locking rear differential, electronic disconnecting anti-roll bar, and a Rock-Trac part-time 4×4 system with a transfer case. The Gladiator is rated to tow up to 7,650 lbs.
2020 Ford Ranger Power & Handling
To compete with the Gladiator’s two engines, the Ranger only offers one. Under the hood of all Ranger variants is a turbocharged 2.3L I4 engine. This kicks out 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Unlike the Gladiator, which comes standard with four-wheel drive, the Ranger comes standard with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive is an available option. On its own, the Ranger isn’t something one might be comfortable on the trails with, unless, of course, it comes with the optional Tremor Off-Road Package. This adds an upgraded suspension to give it some more capability. The Ranger is also capable of towing 7,500 lbs.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Features & Design
The Gladiator was built to mirror the Wrangler’s legendary design with the seven-slot grille, round headlights, trapezoidal fender flares, and open-air freedom. The five-foot truck bed behind the cab is just about the only difference between the two. The Gladiator lineup has four main trim levels, Sport, Overland, Mojave, Rubicon, and four special editions. Every Gladiator comes with skid plates, drain plugs for a wash-out interior, a rearview camera, the new Sunrider removable soft top with a sunroof, removable doors, and a fold-down windshield. The interior features a round instrument cluster with a digital display in the middle, a 5-inch or 7-inch infotainment touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Higher-level trims come with features like 18-inch alloy wheels, an 8.4-inch touchscreen, and Nappa leather upholstery. Off-road features like 33-inch all-terrain tires, off-road cruise control, high-clearance fender flares, and Fox suspension parts are available on the Mojave and Rubicon trims.
2020 Ford Ranger Features & Design
Three trim levels make up the 2021 Ford Ranger lineup. The entry-level XL trim brings 16-inch steel wheels, a 3.5-inch touchscreen, AM/FM radio, and a rearview camera. The mid-level XLT adds cruise control, smartphone connectivity, and an 8-inch touchscreen. The top-of-the-line Ranger is the Lariat. This adds leather seating, LED exterior lighting, heated side mirrors, and keyless entry/ignition. Ford made the Tremor package in an attempt to keep up with the Gladiator. The Tremor package adds an electronic locking rear differential, skid plates, tow hooks, and all-terrain tires.
Conclusion:
There are some ways that the 2021 Jeep Gladiator and Ford Ranger are similar. But in a lot of other ways, they’re polar opposites. To put it bluntly, the Ford Ranger simply cannot provide the same off-road capability that the Gladiator can. The Gladiator is also the only pickup truck on the market with a unique open-air design, something no one can expect to see from Ford. Choosing a pickup might have seemed like a tough decision, but if you’re looking for something versatile, capable, and comfortable, look no further than the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. If you’re still not convinced, come on down to Village Jeep to work with any member of our sales professionals who will show you our inventory, all the Gladiators features, and accompany you on a test drive. We look forward to working with you!