2020 Jeep Gladiator vs 2019 RAM 1500

The 2019 RAM 1500 represented a smart evolution in design, maintaining its commanding presence without feeling cumbersome. Unlike the oversized 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the RAM 1500's headlights dropped down on either side of the hood, providing decent sight lines and a more manageable feel. The signature crosshair grille was replaced to distance the RAM brand from Dodge, allowing for unique grille designs across different trims. The interior continued its evolution with a dramatic, contoured layout, featuring distinct sections for the touchscreen, radio/climate controls, and rotary shifter.

The Tradesman trim was a workhorse with heavy-duty shock absorbers, a five-link coil-spring rear suspension, and a Class III trailer hitch. The Big Horn added chrome accents and more comfort features, while the Rebel offered off-road enhancements. The Laramie trim included power side mirrors, LED taillights, and leather seating. The Longhorn and Limited trims provided luxury touches like a spray-in bedliner, chrome details, and a massive 12-inch touchscreen on the higher trims.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator, particularly in Firecracker Red, turned heads and sparked conversations wherever it went. Its design, nearly identical to a Wrangler from the front doors forward, featured wider grille slots and unique wheel designs. The Gladiator's frame was 80% new, with a stretched wheelbase to accommodate a roomy cab and a high-strength steel 5-foot cargo bed. This design allowed it to compete with midsize trucks like the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger, though its length impacted maneuverability and breakover angle.

Inside, the Gladiator's cab was spacious, with durable black cloth upholstery and optional heated front seats and steering wheel. The Overland trim included side steps, which could be a hindrance for taller individuals but helpful for shorter passengers. The cab featured various bins and nets for storage, rear air vents, USB charging ports, and a grab handle for the front passenger. The Gladiator's convertible nature allowed for a unique driving experience, with options to remove the top, doors, and even fold the windshield down.

The 2019 RAM 1500 offered a range of engine options, starting with a 3.6-liter V6 with eTorque, delivering 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, with an additional 90 lb-ft from the eTorque system. The 5.7-liter Hemi V8, available with or without eTorque, produced 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, with the eTorque version adding up to 130 lb-ft of extra torque. All engines were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive.

Driving the RAM 1500 was effortless, with heavily boosted steering and a tight turning radius. The V8 provided strong, linear power delivery, making the truck feel lighter than it was. The RAM 1500 excelled in everyday driving, offering a smooth ride, responsive handling, and composed cornering and braking. It could tow up to 12,750 pounds with the eTorque V8 and proper towing equipment. Fuel economy for the conventional V8 with 4WD was 15 mpg city, 21 highway, and 17 combined, with observed combined mileage of 15.2 mpg.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator, powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, featured an 8-speed automatic transmission that provided smooth and speedy acceleration. Towing a 5,000-pound trailer, the Gladiator managed to reach cruising speed with minimal effort. Off-road, the Rubicon trim's Rock-Trac 4WD system and various off-road features made it nearly unstoppable. The Overland trim, with less aggressive tires, still performed well on rocky trails.

On-road, the Gladiator's steering was slow and vague, and the live-axle suspension communicated road imperfections clearly. Fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, with observed mileage of 20.3 mpg during highway driving. The Gladiator's convertible nature added to its fun factor, allowing for a unique open-air driving experience.

The 2019 RAM 1500 excelled in interior utility, with features like a power-release tailgate, nearly 90-degree rear door openings, and flip-up rear seats that reclined. The Laramie trim included dual rear USB ports, power outlets, and large compartments, including Ram Bins in the floor. The front featured a massive center console with a sliding mid-level tray, a USB port, and a power outlet in the console well. Adjustable pedals and a dual glovebox added to the daily driving convenience.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's cargo bed, designed to hold 95% of motorcycle designs, had a maximum payload of 1,600 pounds and various cargo tie-downs. The bed was shallow, making it easy to reach over the side. The Overland trim featured heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and durable black cloth upholstery. The cab was spacious, with plenty of room for adults in the back seat. Storage options included bins, nets, and storage behind and underneath the back seat. The Gladiator's convertible nature allowed for various configurations, from a bimini-top style to fully removing the hardtop.

The 2019 RAM 1500's big news was its 12-inch touchscreen, customizable for climate or radio controls or a full-screen map. The Laramie test truck had an 8.4-inch screen with the latest Uconnect infotainment software, known for its simplicity and responsiveness. The system featured dock icons for easy navigation and stunningly crisp graphics, with physical buttons for frequently used controls.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered remote start, passive entry, a removable Bluetooth speaker, and an upgraded infotainment system with an Alpine premium sound system. Bluetooth was standard, with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio available with the mid-level Uconnect 4 system. The top infotainment system included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services. The system was easy to use, with large on-screen buttons and impressive voice-control technology. The Off-Road Pages real-time performance tracking system was a useful feature, though the lack of a breadcrumb function was a drawback.

The 2019 RAM 1500 came with standard safety features like airbags, an electronic parking brake, integrated trailer-sway control, traction control, hill-start assist, and a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines. Higher trims offered a 360-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, dynamic cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered optional Active Safety and Advanced Safety Groups. The Active Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking-assist sensors, and LED taillights. The Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. The Gladiator's crash protection was uncertain due to the lack of testing data, and it lacked automatic emergency braking, resulting in a conservative safety score.