2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2021 Jeep Gladiator

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty received subtle updates that were noticeable to keen observers but might have been missed by the casual onlooker. The front bumper featured more black painted areas, and the grille design was toned down from the previous two-bar style to a more restrained look. The headlights were sleeker, contributing to a more refined appearance without a complete redesign. The truck was available in multiple trims, each offering distinct visual elements, from the basic XL with its black grille and bumpers to the luxurious Limited with a satin-chrome grille and 20-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the F-250's cabin was functional but not particularly welcoming, with plenty of hard plastics and a cold, mechanical feel. However, it was well-equipped with features like air conditioning, vinyl upholstery, and a basic stereo system in the base XL model, with more luxurious options available in higher trims.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, on the other hand, was a unique creation that combined the ruggedness of a Wrangler with the utility of a midsize pickup. It featured a stretched and fortified frame, a short 5-foot cargo bed, and a design that initially seemed odd but grew on drivers over time. The Gladiator was available in several trims, including the new Willys special edition with a blacked-out grille and 32-inch all-terrain tires, and the luxurious High Altitude model with body-color detailing and premium Nappa leather. The interior of the Gladiator was designed for durability, with materials that could withstand dirt and grime. Despite its rugged nature, the Gladiator offered modern technology and comfort features, making it a versatile choice for both off-road adventures and everyday driving.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came standard with a 6.2-liter gasoline V8 engine producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Ford also offered a 6.7-liter Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, which delivered an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. A new 7.3-liter gas V8 was introduced for 2020, offering 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The gas engines were paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine used a six-speed automatic. The F-250 could tow up to 30,000 pounds when properly equipped. The truck's suspension was designed to handle heavy loads, resulting in a bumpy ride when not loaded. The available FX4 and Tremor off-road packages added features like upgraded shocks, skid plates, and off-road tires, enhancing the truck's off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator initially offered a 3.6-liter gasoline V6 engine, but a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 became available for 2021. The diesel engine produced 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, providing substantial low-end grunt and better fuel economy than the gas engine. The Gladiator Sport could tow up to 7,650 pounds with the standard engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The diesel engine's towing capacity was slightly lower due to cooling restrictions but still impressive. The Gladiator excelled in off-road conditions, with features like Selec-Speed off-road cruise control and a low range that made tackling tough trails easy. On paved roads, the Gladiator exhibited a stiff and jouncy ride, with slow and sloppy steering, but these characteristics added to its charm for those who appreciated its rugged nature.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, extended SuperCab, and full four-door Crew Cab configurations, with either a 6-foot-9-inch or 8-foot bed. The cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and cubbies designed to hold large items. The center console was massive, capable of storing files, tools, or even a laptop. The rear seats in the SuperCrew and Crew Cab models folded up to reveal a load floor for large items, providing secure in-cabin storage for equipment.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort. The seats were supportive, but the small door openings, snug seating positions, and cramped rear legroom required some acclimation. Side steps or rails, while preserving breakover angle, made entry and exit more challenging. In-cabin storage included netting on the door panels, a small center console bin, cupholders, a dash-top tray, and an undersized glove compartment. The 5-foot steel cargo box held 35.5 cubic feet of cargo and featured multiple tie-down hooks, an adjustable tailgate, and optional accessories like a spray-in bedliner and Trail Rail cargo organizer.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base XL model came with four speakers, an AM/FM/MP3 radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB-C port. The XLT trim added more speakers, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect was standard across the lineup, offering a WiFi hotspot and remote vehicle management via a smartphone app.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered modern technology despite its rugged nature. The base Uconnect 3 system with a 5-inch display included Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen, standard on Sport S trim, added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-shelf Uconnect 4C system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, SiriusXM Guardian connected services, and an Alpine premium sound system. The forward-facing Trail Cam, available with the Overland trim, helped drivers navigate off-road obstacles.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty included standard safety features like front- and side-impact airbags, trailer sway control, hill start assist, and AdvanceTrac traction control with roll stability control. Optional features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and a 360-degree camera system. The F-250 had not been tested by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator's standard safety features were limited to a reversing camera. Depending on the trim level, advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams were available. The Gladiator received a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA with the standard gasoline engine and a three-star rollover resistance rating.