Jeep Gladiator vs Ford F-150 Lightning

When the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning was first introduced, it was heralded as a groundbreaking entry into the automotive world. Despite its revolutionary electric powertrain, its design remained strikingly similar to the traditional gas-powered F-150 models that populate American roads. The Lightning showcased some unique exterior styling cues, such as a broad LED headlight bar across the front and a plastic façade replacing the traditional grille. Its rear had specific badges outlining its electric identity and a taillight bar spanning the rear width for higher trims.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator embodied ruggedness with a few marked changes. The new Freedom Edition celebrated military service with specific decals, a steel bumper, and rock rails. The Gladiator's lineup was vast, featuring nine trims, with our test vehicle being the Mojave trim. This version boasted high-clearance fender flares, Fox shocks, and a hood scoop—all contributing to its hardcore off-road persona. Inside, although basic with easy-to-clean plastic and rubber materials, the Gladiator added touches of luxury like orange contrast stitching and fabric patterns, unlike the familial spaciousness and sophisticated interior touches of the F-150 Lightning.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning offered impressive performance metrics with its dual-motor setup, producing 426 horsepower with the standard range battery and an awe-inspiring 563 horsepower when equipped with the extended range battery. All models shared a substantial 775 lb-ft of torque, guaranteeing swift off-the-line acceleration. The Lightning’s powertrain supported AWD and came with standard all-wheel drive and a locking differential, making it theoretically adept at tackling rugged terrains. It also boasted an EPA-estimated range of 230 miles (320 miles with the extended range battery). However, its substantial curb weight and tame tires suggested it was more suitable for paved roads despite its immense power.

In comparison, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator provided a choice between a 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and a 260-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. The latter, though powerful with 442 lb-ft of torque, didn’t tow as much and was chosen mainly for fuel efficiency. Our Mojave test model was geared with the gas V6, offering smooth acceleration but average passing power. Gladiator owners benefited from specialized 4WD systems like Command-Trac and Rock-Trac, with the Mojave specifically featuring Fox 2.5-inch shocks, making it exceptionally capable of handling rough, uneven terrains like those near Ojai, California. However, it was notably noisy on highways and required constant steering corrections, hinting at a love-hate relationship for daily drivers.

Functionality was a strong suit of the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning. This pickup had a 5.5-foot bed, equipped with numerous tie-down points and an innovative mega power frunk offering 14.1 cubic feet of space. The frunk also had underfloor storage with a drain, making it an unconventional yet highly practical cooling storage. With a payload capacity of 2,000 pounds and a towing capacity up to 10,000 pounds, the Lightning was designed with utility in mind, though these figures could affect its range.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator might not rival the Lightning in terms of raw cargo capacity, with a five-foot bed providing 35.5 cubic feet of space, but it boasted uniquely practical touches like a three-position tailgate and an optional Trail Rail Management System. Its crew cab featured ample rear seat space, albeit challenging to access due to narrow doors and obstructive side steps. The Gladiator held a best-in-class payload capacity of 1,710 pounds and had practical interior storage solutions, such as netting and generous bins.

Technologically, the 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning shone brightly. All trims included a 12-inch touchscreen running Sync 4, with higher trims upgrading to a 15-inch portrait-oriented screen. The Lariat and Platinum trims offered enhanced audio experiences with upgraded B&O stereo systems. Wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of in-car games collectively made the Lightning’s tech suite both functional and entertaining, proving invaluable during charging downtime.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator's tech offerings were more rugged, with an Off-Road+ driving mode and an optional TrailCam for trail navigation. It had a standard 7-inch touchscreen, easily upgraded to an 8.4-inch system with added features like navigation and Alexa integration. Despite these perks, its voice recognition system was subpar, struggling with accuracy and functionality compared to Ford's intuitive setup.

The 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning came well-stocked with safety features. Standard across all trims were Ford’s Co-Pilot 360 ADAS, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assists. The XLT trim added a surround-view camera and adaptive cruise control, while higher trims like the Lariat featured Ford BlueCruise, a hands-free driving system continuously monitored by a driver-facing camera for safety.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered only the essential safety technologies as standard. Higher trims or optional packages could add features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. However, without lane-keeping assistance, the Gladiator lagged behind the F-150 Lightning in advanced safety tech. Moreover, its mixed crash test ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS highlighted areas for improvement.