2025 RAM 1500 vs 2024 Jeep Gladiator

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator was available in four core trim levels: Sport, Willys, Mojave, and Rubicon, with additional variants like the Sport S and the new-for-2024 Mojave X and Rubicon X. Regionally available versions such as the Beach and Texas Trail were also offered. All Gladiators came in a crew-cab, shortbed configuration with a removable fabric roof or an optional hard top. The doors were also removable, and the windshield could be folded down, although this was not recommended at high speeds due to bug splatter on the Gorilla Glass. The Gladiator's pricing ranged from $37,895 for a base Sport to $63,590 for the Mojave X and Rubicon X, with our test vehicle, a Mojave X, priced at $70,750. The 2024 model featured subtle styling updates, including a new black seven-slot grille and integrated antenna, along with new wheel designs and a premium fabric soft top. Inside, the Gladiator received additional soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, enhancing the overall interior quality.

The 2025 RAM 1500 underwent a subtle refresh, with a revised front fascia, a higher-positioned "RAM" badge, and a larger, more contoured grille. The lineup featured eight different grille treatments, with the Tungsten trim standing out due to its chrome trim and body-colored bumpers. The Rebel trim, in contrast, had a darker headlight finish and black grille surround. The Tungsten and Limited trims introduced a walk-up animation feature, and LED headlights became standard across the lineup. Inside, each trim had its unique character, with the Tungsten offering a two-tone Indigo and Sea Salt interior. The Tungsten tester featured a suede headliner, Natura Plus leather, dual chrome trim, and carbon fiber with a diamond weave pattern. The center console lid was diamond-quilted leather with a "TUNGSTEN" badge, and the dual-pane panoramic moonroof added a touch of luxury. The RAM 1500's interior was designed to satisfy even the most discerning luxury car owners.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator retained its 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a standard automatic engine stop/start system. It offered a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission and four 4WD systems. The Gladiator could tow up to 7,700 pounds, haul up to 1,725 pounds of payload, and had a ground clearance of 11.6 inches. The Mojave trim was built for desert running, featuring a one-inch front suspension lift, FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, and an Off-Road+ driving mode. During testing, the Mojave handled dirt roads near the Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve with ease, providing a sense of adventure and freedom. However, on highways, the Gladiator was loud, with wind noise and a sloppy steering feel. Fuel economy was not its strong suit, averaging 16.7 mpg during testing.

The 2025 RAM 1500 introduced the 3.0-liter Hurricane twin-turbo inline-six engine, replacing the HEMI V8. The base version produced 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque, while the high-output version offered 540 horsepower and 521 lb-ft of torque. The RAM 1500's towing capacity reached 11,580 pounds with the standard-output Hurricane I6, and the max payload was 2,300 pounds with the Pentastar engine. The eight-speed TorqueFlite automatic transmission provided smooth shifts. The Rebel trim impressed off-road with its 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler tires, Bilstein shocks, and factory lift. The air suspension, standard from the Longhorn trim, offered a comfortable ride and optimized height for various purposes. The RAM 1500's performance was versatile, catering to both on-road comfort and off-road capability.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator shared its front design with the Jeep Wrangler but had a unique frame and rear suspension, adding length and capability. The five-foot steel cargo bed featured a dampened tailgate and integrated tie-downs, with optional upgrades like a spray-in bedliner. Inside, the Gladiator lacked practical storage, with small bins and nets for smaller items. Climbing in and out of the Gladiator was challenging, and running boards were not recommended for off-roading. The new power-adjustable front seats provided comfort, but rear-seat passengers had to be cautious of protruding hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2025 RAM 1500 offered 24-way power-adjustable front seats, managed through door-mounted controls and the infotainment screen. The Crew Cab Tungsten tester had heated and ventilated seats front and rear, with 44.8 inches of rear-seat legroom. The Quad Cab provided 35.3 inches of rear-seat legroom. The RAM 1500 retained hard controls for climate and audio, with physical buttons for critical functions. The Tungsten trim featured the RamBox cargo management system, a power open/close tailgate, and a 5-foot-7-inch bed with power outlets. The on-board power inverter produced up to 2 kilowatts, but only when the vehicle was stationary.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator introduced a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5, offering superior graphics, responsiveness, and features. It included Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Amazon Alexa compatibility, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and SiriusXM 360L satellite radio. A TomTom navigation system with Jeep Adventure Guides was available. The improved microphone enhanced voice recognition, although it struggled with complex queries.

The 2025 RAM 1500 featured a 10.25-inch passenger screen, available from the Laramie trim, allowing access to navigation, cameras, and entertainment. The cabin's digital display acreage increased, with an 8.4-inch screen standard and a 14.5-inch touchscreen available. The Uconnect 5 system ran at higher speeds, and the dual wireless charging pad was conveniently positioned. The Tungsten trim included a digital rearview mirror, head-up display, and a 12.3-inch digital driver-information display. The 23-speaker Klipsch Reference Premiere audio system replaced the previous Harmon Kardon system, offering an exceptional audio experience.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator's safety ratings were not impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and criticism from the IIHS. However, safety improvements included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Structural enhancements improved side-impact collision safety, and the roll cage featured side-curtain airbags.

The 2025 RAM 1500 introduced a Hands-Free Driving Assist system, a Level 2+ semi-autonomous driving system. It maintained speed, distance, and lane centering without driver intervention, requiring a turn signal for lane changes. The system mirrored human behaviors for a comfortable experience. Enhanced automatic emergency braking included evasive steering assist, and the vehicle's cameras detected cyclists and motorcycles in blind spots. Blind-spot monitoring and other features were not standard.