2023 Jeep Gladiator vs 2024 Ford F-150

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator retained much of its previous design, with a few notable updates. The introduction of the Gladiator Freedom Edition paid tribute to American servicemen and servicewomen, featuring gloss black wheels, body-color fender flares, and a winch-capable steel front bumper. This edition also included LED headlights, cloth seats with leather trim, and special decals. Jeep committed to donating $250 to military charities for each unit sold, and offered a $500 discount to active and recently retired service members. Other updates for the year included a new High Velocity Yellow paint color and additional standard equipment for the Willys model. The Gladiator lineup spanned nine trim levels, starting at $38,305 for the basic Sport trim and reaching $54,475 for the High Altitude trim, excluding a $1,595 destination charge.

The Gladiator Mojave, tested for its high-speed desert driving capabilities, featured Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, a 1-inch front suspension lift, and 33-inch all-terrain tires. It was equipped with a locking rear differential and high-clearance front fender flares. The test vehicle included an automatic transmission, Granite Crystal paint, a black hardtop, and a range of optional packages, bringing the MSRP to $62,160. Despite its price, the Gladiator offered unique features like a removable top and doors, and a diesel engine option, making it a standout in the midsize pickup class. Its design, based on the Wrangler, included a longer wheelbase and frame, giving it a distinctive look. Inside, the Gladiator shared similarities with the Wrangler, featuring easy-to-clean materials and practical design elements, while the Mojave model added unique interior touches for a higher sense of quality.

The 2024 Ford F-150 offered a wide array of configurations and trim levels, with eight different trims and options for regular, SuperCrew, or Super Cab configurations. Buyers could choose from three bed lengths, 4WD or 2WD, and six engine options. The base XL model was basic, while the King Ranch trim provided luxury with heated and ventilated leather seats, wood trim, and ambient lighting. Mid trims, however, had some cheap-looking surfaces. The F-150 retained physical controls for the HVAC system and stereo, making it user-friendly even with gloves on. The shifter could fold down for a flat workspace, showcasing Ford's understanding of its customers' needs.

The exterior of higher trims like the Lariat and Platinum received subtle updates, while the Tremor model featured more noticeable changes with orange accents and unique running boards. Ford introduced new interior earth tones, dubbed "Truffle," for certain models, adding a touch of sophistication. The F-150's design updates were subtle but effective, maintaining its status as a versatile and capable full-size pickup.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engine choices: a standard 285-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, and an optional 260-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with 442 lb-ft of torque. The turbodiesel aimed to improve fuel economy but had a lower towing capacity. The Gladiator featured Command-Trac part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case, with options to upgrade to Selec-Trac full-time 4WD or Rock-Trac 4WD on Rubicon models. The Mojave model, tested with the gas V6 and Command-Trac, averaged 17.3 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 19 mpg. The Gladiator's powertrain delivered strong off-the-line acceleration and low-speed throttle response, but passing power was limited.

The Mojave's suspension, with Fox shocks, excelled in off-road conditions, providing a smooth ride over rough terrain. In urban settings, the Gladiator handled well, absorbing imperfections and offering a comfortable ride. However, on highways, the noise and steering slop could be tiring, requiring constant corrections. The Gladiator's length posed challenges in tight spaces, but its off-road capabilities and unique features made it a compelling choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2024 Ford F-150 came standard with a turbocharged 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6, but the PowerBoost Hybrid was a standout option, offering 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque. The 10-speed automatic transmission performed seamlessly, adapting to driving demands. The Tremor variant, tested with a 5.0-liter V8 producing 400 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque, featured off-road enhancements like a 1-inch lift, off-road-tuned shocks, and an electronic locking rear differential. The Tremor handled off-road challenges with ease, aided by features like Trail Turn Assist and Trail Control.

For those seeking extreme performance, the Raptor R boasted a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 with 720 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with 37-inch tires and advanced suspension, the Raptor R excelled in high-speed desert running. The 3.1-inch Fox Live Valve shocks provided variable compression and rebound control, ensuring stability over rough terrain. The F-150's performance options catered to a wide range of needs, from everyday driving to off-road adventures.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator required practice to enter and exit, especially through the narrow rear doors. Optional side steps were more of a hindrance than a help, as they interfered with off-roading capabilities. Inside, the manually height-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable but required frequent readjustment. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available for extended open-air driving. The rear seats offered good legroom and support, though taller passengers might find the plastic front seatback panels uncomfortable.

Storage options included netting on door panels, cupholders, and a dashboard tray. The center armrest bin and glove compartment were narrow, but a generous storage bin under the back seat was available with a locking lid. The Gladiator's five-foot cargo box offered 35.5 cubic feet of space, with features like a spray-in bedliner, tonneau cover, and Trail Rail Management System enhancing utility. A portable Bluetooth speaker and best-in-class payload capacity of 1,710 pounds added to its appeal.

The 2024 Ford F-150 excelled in "truck stuff," with a new Pro Access tailgate offering a 20/60/20 split for easier bed access. The tailgate could stop at various angles to avoid obstacles, and a rear bumper step and lockable bed storage boxes were available. Pro Power Assist allowed for powering accessories, with gas-powered trucks offering a 2.0-kW generator and the PowerBoost hybrid providing 2.4 kW of power. The F-150's towing and hauling capabilities were best in class, with a maximum towing capacity of 13,500 pounds and a payload rating of 2,445 pounds, depending on configuration.

The hybrid engine offered a towing capacity of 11,200 pounds and a payload of 1,755 pounds, while the Raptor R prioritized off-road performance with a towing capacity of 8,700 pounds and a payload of 1,400 pounds. The F-150's versatility and capability made it a top choice for those needing a reliable and powerful full-size pickup.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, despite its rugged appearance, offered advanced technology features. The Mojave test truck included an Off-Road+ driving mode and an optional TrailCam forward-facing camera for off-road adventures. The Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system provided access to Off-Road Pages, displaying data related to off-road performance. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an eight-speaker stereo. An 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot was available, along with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system.

The Gladiator's voice recognition system had limitations, often struggling with commands. Additional tech features included passive keyless entry and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with an air filter. The Gladiator's technology offerings catered to off-road enthusiasts while providing essential connectivity features.

The 2024 Ford F-150 featured a 12-inch touchscreen with SYNC 4, offering a user-friendly interface with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The voice recognition system performed well, even with complex street names. Standard features included satellite radio, a 5G LTE wireless hotspot, and wireless charging. A 12-inch digital gauge cluster was also standard, providing customizable displays.

New for 2024 was an available head-up display, offering information on towing, off-roading, and driving assistance. Ford Stolen Vehicle Services provided security features, alerting owners to tampering and assisting with vehicle recovery. The F-150's towing technology included Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Smart Hitch tech, simplifying trailer management. The F-150's technology suite offered comprehensive features for connectivity, safety, and convenience.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator came with minimal standard safety features, with optional packages enhancing safety capabilities. SiriusXM Guardian Services offered connected services like SOS emergency calling and automatic collision notification. The optional Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, addressing the Gladiator's small exterior mirrors and three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance were not available. The Gladiator received a four-star frontal-impact protection rating from the NHTSA, while the IIHS rated its headlights as Marginal.

The 2024 Ford F-150 featured the Ford CoPilot 360 suite of advanced driver aids, including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and cross-traffic alert. A 360-degree camera was recommended for added visibility. The Blue Cruise driving-assist system, available on higher trims, offered hands-free driving with new lane-change assist and lane-repositioning features.

The NHTSA awarded the F-150 a five-star overall safety rating, with top scores in side and frontal crashes. The IIHS rated the F-150 SuperCrew as Good in crashworthiness, though front crash testing revealed potential rear-seat passenger injuries. Seatbelt reminders and child seat anchors received lower ratings. The F-150's comprehensive safety features and high safety ratings made it a secure choice for drivers.