2023 Ford Maverick vs 2024 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 Ford Maverick retained its distinctive styling, characterized by its blocky front end and headlights, which set it apart within the Ford truck family. The Maverick Tremor variant added a rugged off-road capability, featuring blacked-out logos, headlights, and taillights, along with unique color options like Avalanche Gray. The Tremor package also included tow hooks in "Tremor Orange," updated fender vents, and a new grille with orange accents. The interior of the Maverick was utilitarian, with a lot of hard plastic, but the Black Onyx seats added a touch of style. Despite the plastic-heavy interior, the Maverick's design leaned towards a highbrow look, especially with the blue-tinted plastic elements.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator offered a range of trim levels, including the new Mojave X and Rubicon X, with a crew-cab, shortbed configuration. The Gladiator's design allowed for removable doors and roof, and a foldable windshield, although the latter was not recommended at high speeds due to bug splatter. The Gladiator's exterior featured a new black seven-slot grille design and integrated whip antenna. Inside, the Gladiator received updates with additional soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Mojave X and Rubicon X trims added 12-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather upholstery, enhancing the interior's comfort and style.

The 2023 Ford Maverick was notable for its hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid version came with a CVT and FWD, while the 2.0-liter, 250-hp EcoBoost engine offered an eight-speed automatic transmission and optional AWD. The Tremor off-road package introduced Ford's "Advanced 4WD" system, capable of sending torque to either rear wheel, and included features like Trail Control, special springs and shocks, and a 1-inch lift for improved ground clearance. The Maverick's towing capacity varied, with the EcoBoost engine capable of pulling up to 4,000 lbs, while the Tremor package reduced it to 2,000 lbs.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator continued with its 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Gladiator offered four 4WD systems, with a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,725 pounds. The Mojave trim was designed for desert running, featuring a one-inch front suspension lift, FOX shocks, and a Tru-Lok locking rear differential. The Gladiator excelled off-road, handling various terrains with ease, but its on-road performance was less refined, with wind noise and steering feel being notable drawbacks.

The 2023 Ford Maverick, with the Tremor package, was 1 inch longer than other models but maintained the same legroom, offering 42.8 inches in the front and 36.9 inches in the rear for gas models. The hybrid version had slightly less rear legroom at 35.9 inches. The Maverick's interior was utilitarian, with options to upgrade the plastic steering wheel and manual seats. The Luxury Package added heated elements and leather wrapping, enhancing comfort and convenience.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator shared design elements with the Wrangler but featured a unique frame and rear suspension, providing a longer body and wheelbase. The Gladiator's cargo bed was simple, with options for a spray-in bedliner and power port. Interior storage was limited, with small bins and nets for smaller items. The Gladiator's new power-adjustable front seats improved comfort, but rear-seat passengers had to be cautious of protruding hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2023 Ford Maverick offered basic tech features, with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that felt dated but functional. Standard features included Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, with a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot available. The Lariat trim added a power-sliding rear window, ambient lighting, and a push-button start. The Luxury Package upgraded the sound system and added a wireless charging pad and Ford's Sync 3 infotainment system.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator introduced a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering improved graphics, responsiveness, and features. The system supported Bluetooth pairing for two devices, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. A TomTom navigation system with Jeep Adventure Guides was available, and the improved microphone enhanced voice recognition capabilities.

The 2023 Ford Maverick came standard with Ford's Co-Pilot 360 suite, including automatic high beams, pre-collision assist, and a rearview camera. Additional safety features were available, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The Maverick received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with some concerns about rollover resistance and crash test performance.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator's safety ratings were not impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. However, the 2024 model received safety-related improvements, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control on the Sport S trim, and blind-spot monitoring on the Mojave X and Rubicon X trims. Structural enhancements and a standard roll cage with side-curtain airbags were also added.