2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2020 Ford Ranger

The 2020 Ford Ranger marked its return to the American market after an eight-year hiatus, having been sold internationally in a different form. This new generation was larger and more sophisticated than its predecessor. Ford attempted to align the Ranger with its F-Series lineup through similar grille styling, but the similarities ended there. The Ranger's international design avoided the "bigger-and-blockier" trend of American trucks, resulting in a clean, somewhat aggressive appearance that highlighted its sporty and capable nature.

Inside, the Ranger featured a function-first cabin with hard plastics, making it durable but less welcoming compared to competitors like the Jeep Gladiator and Honda Ridgeline. The base XL trim came with basic features, while the XLT and Lariat trims offered more amenities, including dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and advanced tech features. Various appearance packages and off-road options like the FX2 and FX4 were also available, enhancing the Ranger's versatility.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator was created by stretching and fortifying the Wrangler's frame, adding a 5-foot cargo bed while maintaining a good departure angle. This unique design initially appeared odd but proved to be highly functional, especially for off-road adventures. The Gladiator's new Willys special edition and 80th Anniversary Edition added unique styling and features, while the High Altitude model introduced luxury touches.

Pricing for the Gladiator started at $33,545 for the base Sport trim, with higher trims offering more features and options, including a new turbo-diesel engine. The test truck, equipped with Overland trim and nearly every option, had an MSRP of $58,525. The Gladiator's interior, while durable and functional, was designed for off-road use, with features like a manual transfer case lever and rubber-sealed touchscreen surround. Jeep Easter eggs and the Jeep Wave added to the vehicle's unique charm.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was powered by a 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission, available in rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. The turbo engine provided ample power for low-speed driving and highway passing, and the Ranger could tow up to 7,500 pounds when properly equipped. The SuperCab with a 4x2 drivetrain offered the best payload capacity at 1,860 pounds.

The Ranger's ride was stiff, similar to a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, and it exhibited some chatter and vibration over bumps. Off-road packages like the FX2 and FX4 added features such as off-road tires, an electronically locking rear differential, and off-road-tuned suspension. The FX4 package also included Trail Control and the Terrain Management System, enhancing the Ranger's off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator introduced a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine, producing 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This engine offered substantial low-end torque and better fuel economy than the standard 3.6-liter gasoline V6. During testing, the diesel engine averaged 22.6 mpg, compared to 20.3 mpg for the gasoline engine. The Gladiator Sport could tow up to 7,650 pounds with the standard engine, while the diesel engine's towing capacity ranged from 6,000 to 6,500 pounds.

The diesel-powered Gladiator excelled in off-road conditions, with its low-end torque and Selec-Speed off-road cruise control system. On paved roads, the Gladiator exhibited slow and sloppy steering, a stiff ride, and wind noise, but these characteristics added to its unique charm. The turbo-diesel engine enhanced the Gladiator's overall performance, making it a capable off-road vehicle.

The 2020 Ford Ranger was available in SuperCab and SuperCrew configurations. The SuperCab seated four with a 2+2 layout, featuring rear-opening clamshell half-doors for accessing the tight rear seats. The SuperCrew, a full four-door crew cab, seated five with a more spacious rear bench suitable for adults. Both configurations offered ample front-row storage, including deep in-door pockets, a center console bin, and a coin/key tray atop the dash.

The Ranger paired a six-foot bed with the SuperCab and a five-foot bed with the SuperCrew. Features included a remote locking tailgate, LED bed lighting, and a wall-style power outlet. However, the Ranger did not offer a bed-step, unlike some competitors.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort. The seats provided proper support, but the small door openings, snug seating positions, and cramped rear legroom required 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. A locking and removable storage bin under the rear seat was also available.

The Gladiator's 5-foot steel cargo box held 35.5 cubic feet of cargo and featured multiple tie-down hooks, an adjustable tailgate, and optional spray-in bedliner and Trail Rail cargo organizer. Payload ratings ranged from 1,075 to 1,535 pounds, depending on trim level, engine, and transmission.

The 2020 Ford Ranger's base XL trim featured an AM/FM stereo with four speakers, Bluetooth connectivity, and a USB port. FordPass Connect, included on the XL, allowed remote locking, unlocking, and starting, as well as WiFi hotspot capability. The XLT trim upgraded to SYNC 3 with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The Lariat trim included a B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen with ten speakers.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while inherently old school, offered modern technology. The standard Uconnect 3 system with a 5-inch display included Bluetooth, voice text reply for Android devices, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The optional 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, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation, included SiriusXM Guardian connected services, an Alpine premium sound system, and an Amazon Alexa skill.

The Gladiator also offered a forward-facing Trail Cam with the Overland trim, aiding drivers in off-road conditions. Despite some aging technology, the Uconnect 4C system remained intuitive and user-friendly.

The 2020 Ford Ranger came standard with front- and side-impact airbags, a child-seat anchoring system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. It also included automatic headlights, automatic emergency braking, forward collision avoidance, and pedestrian detection. The XLT trim added Ford CoPilot 360, which included lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse parking sensors. The Ranger earned top scores in most IIHS crash tests and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator's standard safety features included 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 and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.