2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2021 RAM 1500

The 2021 RAM 1500 retained its bold design introduced in 2019, with configurations that included quad or crew cabs available with either a five-foot, seven-inch bed or a six-foot, four-inch bed. The two-door variant exclusively featured the longer bed. Both the quad and crew cab options could be selected with rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Of particular note in 2021 was the TRX variant which boasted commanding styling cues such as a functioning hood scoop, massive grille, and fender vents designed for off-road enthusiasts. The TRX, based on the Rebel trim, maintained a muted yet functional design. It was exclusively available in a crew cab 4x4 setup with a smaller five-foot, seven-inch box and an overall length of 232.9 inches.

Compared to other Ram 1500 configurations, the TRX sat higher and wider, straddling the edge of the Department of Transportation’s commercial vehicle definition with a height of 80.9 inches and a girth of 88 inches. Notable features included skid plates, 11.8-inches of ground clearance, and the ability to traverse water up to 32 inches deep. The TRX was equipped with large 35-inch all-terrain tires, prominent "R-A-M" badging, composite fender flares, and a new Ignition Orange paint option. Its interior reflected the rest of the Ram brand’s commitment to comfort with standard black premium cloth, vinyl upholstery, and a 12-inch Uconnect infotainment display.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator started with a Wrangler base, stretching and fortifying the frame for better towing and hauling capabilities. It featured a short five-foot cargo bed designed to preserve departure angles while offering utility. Initially, it appeared a bit disproportionate given its tall, narrow, and elongated build. However, the Gladiator truly shined when driven off-road, inviting nature into the cabin with its open-air design.

New variants for 2021 included the Willys edition with a blacked-out grille and 32-inch all-terrain tires for the Sport and Sport S trims. The 80th Anniversary Edition added special badges and premium materials, and the High Altitude luxury model introduced body-color details, black 20-inch wheels, and premium Nappa leather. The Gladiator’s cabin mirrored the Wrangler, featuring durable materials and practical designs such as a manual transfer case lever and rubber-sealed surrounds for the touchscreen. Under the rear seats, there was a locking and removable storage bin, while the small center console, door panel netting, and cup holders provided additional storage.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX was powered by a 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, generating 702 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque. This allowed it to tow up to 8,100 pounds with a payload capacity of 1,310 pounds. The TRX boasted a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.9 seconds at 108 mph. It consumed fuel rapidly, averaging 10 mpg city and 14 mpg highway, requiring 91 octane fuel. With eight on- and off-road drive modes, including Baja mode, the TRX handled a plethora of terrains with ease. A test route through the Sierra Nevada underlined its comfortable driving experience on both highways and rocky off-road paths, highlighted by launch control and Selec-Speed off-road cruise control.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, until 2021, solely offered a 3.6-liter gasoline V6 engine. However, a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 option generated 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided better fuel efficiency, averaging 22.6 mpg during testing, compared to the gasoline engine's 20.3 mpg. The standard V6-powered Gladiator Sport could tow up to 7,650 pounds and haul up to 1,700 pounds of payload.

The turbo-diesel powertrain, though not matching these figures due to cooling restrictions, still provided significant towing and payload capacities. During testing, the diesel-powered Gladiator Rubicon showcased its off-road prowess, tackling rugged trails with its substantial low-end torque. However, on paved roads, the diesel model exhibited the same slow steering and stiff ride as the standard model, making it less suited for meandering mountain roads. Despite this, the diesel engine's characteristics added to the Gladiator's charm.

Despite the exterior brawn of the 2021 RAM 1500 TRX, its interior maintained similar dimensions to the standard 1500, with 40.9 inches of front headroom and legroom, and rear seats offering 39.8 and 45.2 inches respectively. Its interior was equipped with ample storage such as a large center storage bin and a top tray. The seats, particularly in the TRX Level 2 package, were comfortable, complemented by power-adjustable pedals, adding to the overall driver comfort during long drives.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while providing ample off-road capabilities, fell short in terms of interior comfort. The snug seating positions, tight rear legroom, and proximity to the steering wheel and windshield required some acclimation. Entering and exiting the vehicle was more challenging when equipped with side steps or rails due to their high placement. Storage solutions included door panel netting, a small center console bin, cupholders, a dash-top tray, and an undersized glove compartment. The Gladiator's five-foot steel cargo box had a capacity of 35.5 cubic feet, with features like multiple tie-down hooks, an adjustable tailgate, and available bedliner options enhancing practical utility. Its payload ratings varied from 1,075 to 1,535 pounds based on trim level and engine options, falling slightly short compared to the RAM 1500 TRX's capabilities.

The 2021 RAM 1500 featured a standard 12-inch touchscreen with the Uconnect 4C infotainment system that offered navigation and a customizable display. However, it lacked haptic feedback and was prone to fingerprints. Performance Pages and Off-Road Pages provided detailed vehicle information. The Uconnect system also included wireless charging, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, Bluetooth connectivity, and several ports for different connectors. Entertainment options featured HD Radio, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium audio package with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. The new head-up display, customizable via the instrument cluster, offered real-time driving information but had occasional mismatches between GPS-based speed limits and actual road conditions.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator also came with modern tech, particularly with the optional Uconnect 4 system, standard from the Sport S trim and above, which included a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen provided navigation, SiriusXM Guardian connected services, remote engine starting, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. Despite its user-friendly design, the underlying technology revealed slower system load times and required specific prompts for voice recognition. For 2021, Jeep introduced the forward-facing Trail Cam on the Overland trim, improving the driver’s awareness of obstacles during off-road adventures.

The 2021 RAM 1500 TRX was designed to endure both unpredictable on- and off-road conditions, featuring over 100 safety and security options, including several advanced driver-assistance systems. A rear backup camera with dynamic guidelines was standard, while a 360-degree view, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and several other features were available through various safety packages. Passive safety included an auto-reverse feature for windows and sunroof, and an enhanced accident response system that activated during airbag deployment.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator came with a reversing camera as standard but offered ADAS such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, depending on the trim level. The test truck featured all these systems, enhancing safety with practical features like adaptive and standard cruise control for different preferences. At the time of review, NHTSA ratings were limited, providing a four-star frontal-impact rating for the standard gasoline engine and a three-star rollover resistance rating.