2021 Jeep Gladiator VS the Ford Ranger
When shopping for a new car, buyers are met with an overwhelming number of options, especially within the midsize truck segment. With so many vehicles on the market, it can be difficult to keep them all straight, let alone tell which model is right for you. Here at Village Jeep, we understand how much time and consideration goes into choosing a new car; that's why we've selected two strong midsize pickup contenders and pitted them head-to-head to see how their specs compare. Below, we'll be analyzing the 2021 Jeep Gladiator vs the Ford Ranger SuperCrew to see how they stack up side-by-side. Hopefully, this comparison will give you some insight on which vehicle best fits your lifestyle!
2021 Jeep Gladiator Power & Handling
The standard powertrain for the 2021 Jeep Gladiator features a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired to a 6-speed manual transmission. This combination provides a hefty 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission is optional across the lineup, as is the 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine, which offers comparable horsepower, but ramps the torque up to a beefy 442 pound-feet. The Gladiator is incredibly athletic, with standard 4-wheel drive, a tow rating of up to 7,650 pounds, and a maximum payload weight of 1,600 pounds. That's not to mention the Gladiator's exceptional off-roading abilities, with a Mojave trim specially designed for tackling sand dunes and desert terrain, as well as the off-road legend the Rubicon with its standard skid plates and rock rails to expertly crawl over snow, mud, and stone.
2021 Ford Ranger Power & Handling
The Ford Ranger comes with just one powertrain option, the 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4 paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission providing 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is plenty strong, but we do miss having a V6 or diesel option for a little extra muscle. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all models, with 4-wheel drive is available across the lineup. The Ranger is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 pounds, coming in just shy of the Gladiator's 7,650. It does, however, boast a best-in-class payload capacity of 2,128 pounds, which may be a benefit depending on the jobs you're hoping to complete. As far as off-roading, there's little to show in terms of standard equipment, but there are several available packages to add onto the Ford Ranger in order to bulk up its all-terrain abilities, such as the FX2 and FX4 Off-Road packages.
2021 Jeep Gladiator Features & Design
The Gladiator closely follows the design of the iconic Jeep Wrangler, with the same playfulness in its removable roof and doors, as well as a fold-down windshield to fully immerse yourself in the great outdoors. The Gladiator is the only truck on the market with a removable or soft-top roof, which is a huge benefit for any outdoor enthusiast. It also has an easy-to-clean interior complete with drain plugs, practically begging you to go out and get messy on your next adventure. Additional options include an 8.4-inch Uconnect 4C NAV with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and built-in navigation. The Gladiator also offers a removable Bluetooth speaker that charges while you drive, so you can take your music with you when you reach your destination.
2021 Ford Ranger Features & Design
The 2021 Ford Ranger offers some handy features like a fairly simple 4-speaker audio setup, an onboard WiFi hotspot, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. Notably, all trims receive Ford's signature safety package, the Co-Pilot360. Upper trims enjoy a Sync 3 infotainment system with up to an 8-inch touchscreen. The system does allow for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, but unfortunately, there is no standard navigation functionality aside from using your own smartphone or other device. Many of the Ford Ranger's additional premium features are bundled into a wide array of separate packages, like the Technology Package, or the 501A package that includes a more advanced 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
Conclusion:
These are two sturdy and reliable trucks that can manage a variety of tasks. However, by comparing them side by side, we feel that the Jeep Gladiator wins out over the Ford Ranger. We love its versatility, providing strength and ruggedness fit for the job site, as well as its off-road capabilities that add extra enjoyment. Next to the Gladiator, the Ranger seems a bit more conservative in its features and general offerings, which could be limiting in some scenarios. You can view our full Jeep Gladiator inventory right here on our website, or visit us at our showroom in Royal Oak, MI! Get in touch with a member of our expert staff today, at Village Jeep!