2025 Jeep Gladiator vs 2026 Ford F-150

While this midsize truck can tow up to 7,700 pounds and haul up to 1,725 pounds of payload, those figures apply only to the base Sport trim. The more you spend, the less capable the Gladiator is. The 2025 Gladiator loses its manual transmission, gains a few special-edition models, and adds Fathom Blue, ’41, Joose, and Mojito paint colors. The Sport trim now has standard power windows and door locks as well.

Verdict: Unique among pickup trucks, the Jeep Gladiator is an appealing alternative to the status quo. That’s especially true if you value open-air driving or you plan to tackle untrodden territory. But for serious towing and hauling tasks, there are better choices than the Gladiator.

In its 14th generation and two years after a modest refresh, the 2026 Ford F-150 reshuffles standard and optional equipment across its eight trims, three beds, three cabs, and six powertrains. The electric F-150 Lightning ended production after the 2025 model year, leaving with it the potential for a plug-in hybrid in a future generation. For this test, we grabbed a low-level trim—the STX Lobo—to see how the F-150 fares with a traditional V8 and fewer features.

Verdict: The F-150 is the full-size truck with the most versatility and configurations on the market today.