2023 RAM 1500 vs 2024 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 RAM 1500 was a full-size truck available in both quad cab and larger crew cab configurations, with bed lengths of either 6-foot, 4-inch or 5-foot, 7-inch. The Limited trim, near the top of its eight available trims, offered a sleek appearance with the optional $4,145 Night Edition package, which included a blacked-out grille, black badging, and 22-inch black aluminum wheels. Inside, the Limited trim featured luxurious leather with contrasting stitching, open-pore wood on the dash, and a 12-inch portrait-oriented screen that added a unique touch to the interior.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator was offered in four core trims: Sport, Willys, Mojave, and Rubicon, with additional variants like the Sport S and new Mojave X and Rubicon X. The Gladiator's crew-cab, short-bed configuration came with a removable fabric or hard top, and doors that could be taken off. The 2024 model introduced subtle styling updates, including a new black seven-slot grille and integrated whip antenna. Inside, the Gladiator featured a revised dashboard with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, soft-touch surfaces, and premium leather upholstery in the Mojave X and Rubicon X trims.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered a choice between rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD), with a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine featuring Ram’s eTorque 48-volt mild hybrid system. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with eTorque was optional on lower trims and standard on upper trims, producing 395 horsepower and 410 lb-ft of torque. The TRX trim boasted a supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine with 702 horsepower and 650 lb-ft of torque. The RAM 1500 had a maximum towing capacity of 12,750 pounds and could haul up to 2,300 pounds of payload. The truck's ride was smooth, thanks to its coilover rear suspension and available air suspension.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator continued with its 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Gladiator could tow up to 7,700 pounds and haul up to 1,725 pounds of payload. The Mojave trim was designed for desert running, featuring a one-inch front suspension lift, FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, and a Tru-Lok locking rear differential. The Gladiator excelled off-road, providing a sense of adventure and freedom, but was less agreeable on highways due to wind noise and a sloppy on-center steering feel.

The 2023 RAM 1500 offered ample interior storage with numerous cubbies and a two-tiered center console. The crew cab provided 45.2 inches of rear legroom, and the rear seats could recline and flip up for additional cargo space. The multifunction tailgate and optional RamBox storage added practicality. The Limited trim featured heated and cooled front seats with eight-way adjustability and power-adjustable pedals.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator shared design elements with the Jeep Wrangler but had a unique frame and rear suspension. The five-foot steel cargo bed included a dampened tailgate and integrated tie-downs, with optional upgrades like a spray-in bedliner. Interior storage was limited, with small bins and nets for smaller items. The new power-adjustable front seats improved comfort, but rear-seat passengers had to be cautious of protruding hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2023 RAM 1500 featured a new 12-inch gauge cluster and an available 12-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen. The Uconnect system allowed for dual-function display and Bluetooth connectivity for two phones. The truck offered Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a surround-view camera system. Multiple USB outlets, a wireless charging pad, and 115-volt outlets ensured devices stayed charged.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator introduced a 12.3-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, offering improved graphics and responsiveness. The system supported Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. A TomTom navigation system with Jeep Adventure Guides was available. The improved microphone enhanced voice recognition, though it struggled with complex commands.

The 2023 RAM 1500 lacked standard advanced driver-assist systems, with features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring available as options. The NHTSA awarded the crew cab a five-star overall safety rating, while the IIHS gave it Good marks, except for Marginal grades for seat belt reminders and LATCH ease of use.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator's safety ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. However, the 2024 model included structural improvements and standard safety features like forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control on the Sport S trim. The Mojave X and Rubicon X added blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors.