2019 Ford F-150 vs 2020 Jeep Gladiator

The 2019 Ford F-150, redesigned in 2015 with headlines for its twin-turbocharged EcoBoost and its extensive use of aluminum, largely retained a similar look through 2019. Critics from General Motors noted potential aluminum susceptibility, but the F-150’s design continued to impress. With trim levels spanning from the workhorse XL to the luxury Limited, the F-150 catered to a wide range of drivers. The King Ranch trim embodied the luxury truck trend, while the high-performance Raptor and the ultra-luxurious Limited catered to specific enthusiast markets.

Meanwhile, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator made an unforgettable entrance with its distinctive look and feel. Its presence, especially in Firecracker Red, turned heads and ignited conversations wherever it went. While the Gladiator drew comparisons to the Wrangler, it stood out with wider grille slots and unique wheel designs. The Gladiator also preserved spacious rear seats while adding a high-strength steel 5-foot cargo bed. Despite mixed public opinion on its aesthetics, the Gladiator’s rugged design and convertible options set it apart in the midsize truck segment.

In 2019, the Ford F-150 introduced a 3.0-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V6 engine with 250 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque. This addition gave the F-150 a robust towing capacity of up to 11,400 pounds when properly equipped. The F-150 also offered a range of other engines, including a base 3.3-liter V6, a 2.7-liter twin-turbo EcoBoost V6, a sturdy 5.0-liter V8, and a high-output 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6. The 10-speed automatic transmission across most trims ensured optimal power band usage for both performance and efficiency, making the F-150 adaptable to various driving conditions.

Conversely, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The 8-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts and decent acceleration. While towing 5,000 pounds, the Gladiator managed adequately, though it labored slightly on inclines. Off-road performance was exceptional, particularly in the Rubicon trim, with features like Rock-Trac 4WD, sway bar disconnects, and selectable speed control making it formidable on rugged terrain. The Gladiator’s combined fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg, with real-world averages slightly higher on highways.

The 2019 Ford F-150 offered versatile bed and cab configurations, including single cab, extended SuperCab, and full four-door SuperCrew. The SuperCrew, in particular, featured a massive cabin with ample storage solutions and significant legroom in the rear. The F-150’s various bed options made it adaptable for different utility needs, whether for work or recreation. Payload capacity was impressive, and the rear bench folding up provided additional cargo space inside the cabin.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator, with its 5-foot cargo bed, aimed to maximize utility with features like a middle tailgate mode for hauling bulky items like plywood. Payload capacity reached 1,600 pounds, and the bed’s step load rating exceeded this capacity, proving its sturdy design. Inside, the Gladiator provided plenty of room and practical storage solutions, including rear seat storage and nets for smaller items. Its convertible options, whether through the soft top or removable hardtop, offered flexibility for an open-air experience, further distinguishing it from typical midsize trucks.

The 2019 Ford F-150’s technology varied by trim. The base XL featured a basic Sync system with a 4.2-inch screen, while higher trims like the XLT and above included the Sync 3 system with an 8-inch touchscreen, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The King Ranch trim, tested in this comparison, included a Wi-Fi hotspot and a premium B&O Play sound system, enhancing connectivity and audio experiences.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator boasted essential tech features with options for upgrades. Standard Bluetooth kept drivers connected, while the mid-level Uconnect 4 system added Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The top-tier infotainment setup in the Overland trim featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, and an Alpine premium sound system with an all-weather subwoofer. Unique to the Gladiator was a removable Bluetooth speaker, reinforcing its outdoor and adventure-ready persona.

Standard safety features on the 2019 Ford F-150 included front and side-impact airbags, traction control, and a reversing camera. Crucial driver-assistance features like blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and rear cross-traffic alert were available and enhanced the F-150’s safety profile. The inclusion of a 360-degree camera system on higher trims facilitated maneuvering the truck in tight spaces.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered two main safety packages: the Active Safety Group and the Advanced Safety Group. The Active Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring and rear parking-assist sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warnings. With both packages, the Gladiator provided a robust safety net for drivers, though it lacked automatic emergency braking and had no official crash test data at the time of review, resulting in conservative safety scores.