2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2020 RAM 2500

The 2020 RAM 2500 stood out with its elegant design, contrasting sharply with the chunkier Chevrolet Silverado 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty. Each of the six trim levels featured a unique grille, and the truck's imposing size was complemented by sleek LED headlights and optional chrome or body-color bumpers. The Limited trim, in particular, showcased 20-inch chrome wheels and LED taillights, giving it a sophisticated yet robust appearance. Inside, the RAM 2500 impressed with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship, especially in the upper trims like the Laramie Longhorn and Limited. The interior boasted soft-grained, perforated leather, light wood trim, and a stunning beige-and-navy-blue color combo, making it feel more like a luxury vehicle than a heavy-duty pickup.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, derived from the Wrangler, featured a stretched and fortified frame with a 5-foot cargo bed. Its unique design, though initially causing cognitive dissonance, grew on drivers, especially when taken off-road. The Gladiator introduced new editions like the Willys special edition and the 80th Anniversary Edition, adding distinctive features and finishes. The High Altitude luxury model topped the lineup with body-color detailing and premium Nappa leather. Despite its rugged exterior, the Gladiator's interior remained practical, with durable materials and a design focused on utility and purpose. The cabin, nearly identical to the Wrangler's, included Jeep Easter eggs and a sense of exclusivity with the Jeep Wave.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered two engine options: a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 with 410 horsepower and 429 pound-feet of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.7-liter Cummins inline-six turbo diesel producing 370 horsepower and 850 pound-feet of torque. The V8 trims boasted the highest payloads, up to 4,380 pounds, and a towing capacity of up to 17,350 pounds. The diesel variant excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 19,780 pounds and a payload of 3,060 pounds. Despite its size, the RAM 2500 offered decent acceleration and a comfortable ride, though it lacked the precision of the RAM 1500. The diesel's exhaust brake was particularly effective, enhancing safety and extending brake life. Fuel economy was not rated by the EPA, but the RAM 2500 averaged close to 19 mpg over 515 miles.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator introduced a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 option, producing 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, offering substantial low-end grunt and better fuel economy than the standard 3.6-liter gasoline V6. The diesel engine averaged 22.6 mpg during testing, slightly below the EPA's estimated 24 mpg. The Gladiator Sport, with the standard engine, could tow up to 7,650 pounds and haul up to 1,700 pounds of payload. The diesel variant, while not matching these figures, still offered impressive towing and payload capacities. Off-road, the diesel-powered Gladiator Rubicon excelled, with its torque making it ideal for challenging trails. On paved roads, the Gladiator exhibited the same charms and quirks as the gasoline version, with a stiff ride and wind noise, but the diesel engine added to its overall appeal.

The 2020 RAM 2500 offered three cab options and two bed lengths. Single cabs provided the most payload and seating for up to three, while the four-door Crew Cab and Mega Cab offered more space and luxury. The Mega Cab allowed rear passengers to recline and hide behind a thick C-pillar, providing unmatched comfort. The Crew Cab, even without the Mega Cab, offered ample space and convenience features like power running boards and a retractable tailgate step. The RAM 2500 also featured lockable storage bins, a spray-in bed liner, and LED lighting. Diesel models included a countdown timer for glow plugs and an analog gauge for Diesel Emissions Fluid levels, enhancing usability in cold climates.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while not focused on comfort, provided adequate support with its seats. However, the small door openings, snug seating positions, and cramped rear legroom required some adjustment. Side steps or rails, though preserving breakover angle, made entry and exit challenging. In-cabin storage included netting on door panels, a small center console bin, cupholders, and a dash-top tray. The 5-foot steel cargo box offered 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with multiple tie-down hooks and an adjustable tailgate. Payload ratings varied from 1,075 to 1,535 pounds, depending on the trim level, engine, and transmission.

The 2020 RAM 2500 came standard with a 5-inch touchscreen, but the 8.4-inch Uconnect upgrade was highly recommended for its quick, logical, and high-resolution interface. The 12-inch display, however, was the standout feature, offering a user-friendly experience with large maps, dual information tiles, and 360-degree cameras. This system made managing the truck's features, including trailer settings and rear-view cameras, incredibly easy. The instrument cluster also featured a large display that duplicated many functions of the main screen.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, despite its old-school charm, offered modern technology. The standard Uconnect 3 system with a 5-inch display included Bluetooth and SiriusXM satellite radio. The Uconnect 4 system, with a 7-inch touchscreen, added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier Uconnect 4C system, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation, provided connected services like emergency assistance, remote engine starting, and a WiFi hotspot. The system, though user-friendly, showed signs of aging with slower response times and specific voice recognition prompts. The forward-facing Trail Cam, available with the Overland trim, was a useful addition for off-road adventures.

The 2020 RAM 2500 was not rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the 2020 RAM 1500, which shares many features, earned a Top Safety Pick+ and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Optional driver assists included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and forward emergency braking, which worked even with a trailer attached. These features, combined with the RAM 1500's strong crash test performance, suggested a high level of safety for the RAM 2500.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, in its standard form, included a reversing camera but few other safety features. Depending on the trim level, advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert were available. The test truck included all these features, with adaptive cruise control performing well on the freeway. The NHTSA gave the Gladiator a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.