2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator was a unique creation, born from the iconic Wrangler but extended and reinforced for enhanced towing and hauling capabilities. Its design included a short 5-foot cargo bed, maintaining a balance between utility and off-road prowess. Initially, its appearance seemed unconventional, with its tall, long, and narrow stance, especially when paired with the Wrangler-inspired bodywork. However, once behind the wheel, drivers often found themselves enamored with its adventurous spirit, particularly when exploring remote locations with the top down. The Gladiator lineup expanded with new editions, such as the Willys special edition and the 80th Anniversary Edition, offering unique styling and features. The High Altitude model introduced luxury elements like body-color detailing and premium Nappa leather. Pricing for the Gladiator started at $33,545, but our test model, equipped with Overland trim and a turbo-diesel engine, reached an MSRP of $58,525. Inside, the Gladiator offered a rugged yet comfortable environment, with durable materials and optional luxury features like heated seats and a top-tier infotainment system.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning presented a more familiar appearance, closely resembling its gas-powered F-150 siblings. Despite its groundbreaking status as an electric vehicle, the Lightning maintained a conventional look, with subtle differences like a distinctive LED headlight bar and a faux grille. Available in four trim levels—Pro, XLT, Lariat, and Platinum—the Lightning offered a crew cab and a 5.5-foot bed as standard. The base Pro trim started in the low $40,000 range, making it an attractive option for those seeking an affordable entry into electric trucks. The Lightning's interior was spacious, with ample legroom and quality materials, especially in higher trims. The Lariat trim featured a panoramic sunroof, under-seat storage, and a 9.6-kilowatt-hour power supply with multiple outlets. The Lightning's air conditioning and ventilated seats provided comfort in hot climates, while the interior work surface added practicality. Overall, the Lightning combined traditional truck functionality with modern electric innovation.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine, providing 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This engine option, priced at an additional $4,000, delivered impressive low-end power and improved fuel economy compared to the standard 3.6-liter gasoline V6. During testing, the diesel engine achieved an average of 22.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 24 mpg. The Gladiator Sport, with its standard engine, could tow up to 7,650 pounds and haul 1,700 pounds of payload. However, the diesel powertrain's towing capacity was limited to 6,000-6,500 pounds due to cooling restrictions. Despite this, the diesel engine excelled in off-road conditions, providing ample torque for challenging trails. The Gladiator's driving experience was characterized by slow steering, a stiff ride, and wind noise, but these quirks added to its charm.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning stood out with its dual electric motors, delivering 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and 563 horsepower with the extended range battery. Regardless of the battery choice, the Lightning boasted an impressive 775 pound-feet of torque and all-wheel drive. The standard range battery offered an EPA-estimated 230 miles of range, while the extended range battery increased it to 320 miles. The Lightning's acceleration was rapid, and its low center of gravity improved handling. However, its substantial weight limited its cornering capabilities. The Lightning featured an independent rear suspension, a departure from traditional leaf springs, to accommodate the battery packs. The standard-range battery measured 98-kilowatt hours, while the extended-range battery was 131-kilowatt hours. Fast charging allowed the battery to reach 80% in under 45 minutes, enhancing its practicality for long journeys.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with agreeable seats but limited cabin space. The small door openings, snug seating positions, and cramped rear legroom required adjustment. Side steps or rails, while preserving breakover angle, made entry and exit more challenging. In-cabin storage included netting, a small center console bin, cupholders, and a dash-top tray. The 5-foot cargo box offered 35.5 cubic feet of space, with tie-down hooks and an adjustable tailgate for versatility. Payload ratings varied from 1,075 to 1,535 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning emphasized functionality with its 5.5-foot bed and numerous tie-down points. Its standout feature was the "Mega Power Frunk," a 14.1-cubic-foot front trunk with an underfloor storage bin and drain. The Lightning's ability to serve as a backup generator, powering a household for three days, added to its appeal. The truck's towing capacity reached 10,000 pounds, and it could carry 2,000 pounds of payload. Onboard scales helped manage payload weight, adjusting the driving-range estimate accordingly.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator combined traditional ruggedness with modern technology. The optional Uconnect 4 system, with a 7-inch touchscreen, offered Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier Uconnect 4C system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and an Alpine premium sound system. While the system was user-friendly, its aging technology resulted in slower response times. The forward-facing Trail Cam, available with the Overland trim, aided off-road navigation.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning impressed with its technology offerings. All trims featured at least a 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 and navigation. The Lariat and Platinum trims boasted a 15-inch portrait-oriented screen, though its layout could be confusing. The Lariat trim included a wireless charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a selection of games for entertainment during charging. The Platinum trim upgraded to a 15-speaker B&O stereo system.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered basic safety features, including a reversing camera. Depending on the trim, advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring were available. The test truck included these features, enhancing safety. The NHTSA awarded the Gladiator a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning came equipped with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 ADAS, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot warning. The XLT trim added a surround-view camera, while the Lariat trim offered Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system. BlueCruise utilized cameras and sensors for safe highway driving, ensuring the driver remained attentive.