2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2022 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator had an unmistakable presence, building on its Wrangler heritage. Jeep took the classic Wrangler, extending and reinforcing the frame for serious towing and hauling, and crafted a short 5-foot cargo bed to maintain the departure angle while providing utility. Initially, the Gladiator’s appearance—tall, long, and somewhat narrow—might have struck as unusual, causing a bit of cognitive dissonance. However, it offered a rugged charm, especially appealing when driven off the beaten path with its open-air design.

In 2021, Jeep introduced new variants such as the Willys special edition, which came with a blacked-out grille, limited-slip rear differential, rock rails, and 32-inch all-terrain tires. The 80th Anniversary Edition featured special badges, materials, and finishes, while the High Altitude luxury model debuted with body-color detailing, black 20-inch wheels, and premium Nappa leather. Pricing for the base model started at $33,545, whereas a fully equipped Overland trim with a turbo-diesel engine could go up to $58,525.

Despite its robust off-road nature, the Gladiator didn't skimp on interior comfort, offering optional heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a top-tier infotainment system. The cabin closely mirrored the Wrangler’s, featuring durable materials and unique Jeep design quirks.

In contrast, the 2022 Honda Ridgeline sported a more conservative but refined look. Built on a unibody platform similar to crossovers like the Honda Pilot, the Ridgeline prioritized rigidity and driving comfort. While the design seemed subdued compared to traditional trucks, its snub nose was a clear giveaway of its car-like construction.

Inside, the Ridgeline's no-nonsense design offered high-quality fit and finish, with leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a moonroof. However, the piano black trim proved easily smudged and didn’t stand out from the largely monochromatic interior.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator initially came with a 3.6-liter gasoline V6 engine. For 2021, Jeep added a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 as an option for an extra $4,000, except for the Mojave trim. The diesel engine delivered 260 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and a robust 442 pound-feet of torque from 1,400 rpm to 2,800 rpm, providing significant low-end grunt and better fuel economy, although the test average was slightly below the EPA’s estimate at 22.6 mpg.

The Gladiator Sport could tow up to 7,650 pounds with the standard gasoline engine and eight-speed automatic transmission. The turbo-diesel variant towed between 6,000-6,500 pounds due to cooling restrictions but excelled in off-road conditions thanks to the substantial torque. However, the ride was stiff and noisy, typical of its rugged design, making it a mixed experience on paved roads.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline opted for a single powertrain configuration: a 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. This engine produced 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. The Ridgeline’s towing capacity maxed out at 5,000 pounds, significantly lower than competitors like the Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado.

Despite its lower towing numbers, the Ridgeline excelled in ride quality and handling, thanks to its unibody construction and fully independent suspension. The torque vectoring AWD provided a car-like driving experience with smooth handling and a quiet cabin. However, the unibody design limited its off-road prowess, making it less suited for rugged terrains compared to traditional 4WD systems.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator was not built for comfort but for utility and adventure. The seats, while supportive, were enclosed in a cramped cabin with small door openings and minimal rear legroom. Entry and exit were particularly challenging with high-mounted side steps or rails, often transferring mud onto clothing.

In terms of storage, the Gladiator offered netting on the door panels, a small center console bin, cupholders, a dash-top tray, and a modest glove compartment. An optional locking storage bin under the rear seat provided additional security. The 5-foot cargo box held 35.5 cubic feet of cargo with multiple tie-down hooks and could accommodate standard sheets of plywood. Payload ratings varied from 1,075 to 1,535 pounds depending on the configuration.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline was only available in a four-door crew cab with a 64-inch bed, balancing passenger and cargo space effectively. The Ridgeline’s bed was versatile, featuring a 7.3-cubic-foot lockable in-bed trunk with a drain plug for easy cleaning. The bed also included a slot for the spare tire and an in-bed audio system. The Dual-Action Tailgate, which could open down or to the side, was a standout feature, along with enough width to carry 4-foot-wide sheets of plywood.

Inside, the Ridgeline offered under-seat storage, additional USB ports, a large center console storage bin, and a wireless phone charger, making it functional and user-friendly. Although the headroom and legroom measured similarly to competitors, the Ridgeline felt roomier thanks to its wider stance and lower dashboard height.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator combined its off-road heritage with modern technology. Even though the standard Uconnect 3 system with a 5-inch display sufficed, upgrading to Uconnect 4 with a 7-inch screen or the premium Uconnect 4C with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation was well worth it. The Uconnect 4C included connected services, WiFi hotspot, an Alpine premium sound system, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa.

Despite its reliability, the infotainment system began showing signs of aging with slower response times and less intuitive voice recognition. Notably, the forward-facing Trail Cam, introduced with the Overland trim, proved invaluable during off-road escapades, providing real-time visual guidance over difficult terrain.

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline featured an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and Bluetooth. SiriusXM and navigation were available on higher trims. While the graphics and features were dated, the user-friendly interface and analog controls for essential functions made it practical and easy to use.

Although not cutting-edge, the Ridgeline’s infotainment system was highly functional and easy to navigate, a notable advantage in everyday use.

For safety, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator came with a reversing camera as standard but offered optional advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Our test truck included all these features, providing enhanced safety. The Gladiator earned a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The 2022 Honda Ridgeline performed well in safety tests, achieving top scores in most Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) tests, except for an "Average" score in the passenger-side small overlap frontal test. The IIHS also rated the Ridgeline’s front-crash prevention as "Superior" but marked it down for headlight performance and child seat anchor ease of use.

Additionally, the Ridgeline received a five-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA. Standard safety features included the Honda Sensing package, comprising automatic emergency braking, Road Departure Mitigation, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Higher trims added blind-spot monitoring and automatic high beams, although a 360-degree camera system was notably absent.