2021 Ford Ranger vs 2020 Jeep Gladiator

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator made a striking impression during its debut, especially in the vibrant Firecracker Red color. As it cruised through Los Angeles, it turned heads and sparked conversations, with many people eager to capture it on their smartphones. Despite its attention-grabbing presence, opinions on its aesthetics were divided. Some found its design appealing, while others, like a neighbor who commented on its appearance, were less impressed. The Gladiator's design was a blend of familiar Wrangler elements with new features, such as a high-strength steel cargo bed, making it a unique entry in the midsize truck segment.

In contrast, the 2021 Ford Ranger, particularly in the Tremor Off-Road Package, exuded a purposeful and rugged look. Its stance was enhanced by unique wheels, all-terrain tires, and distinctive graphics, signaling its off-road capabilities. Inside, the Ranger offered a clean and contemporary cabin with comfortable seating and modern amenities. The Tremor's interior was well-equipped, featuring simulated suede seat inserts and all-weather floor mats, making it a practical choice for both on-road and off-road adventures.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator was powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Its 8-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts and decent acceleration, although towing heavy loads could be challenging. Off-road, the Gladiator excelled, especially in the Rubicon trim with its Rock-Trac 4WD system and impressive crawl ratio. The Overland trim, while less aggressive, still managed rocky trails with ease. On highways, the Gladiator was loud and less refined, but it offered a unique open-air driving experience reminiscent of the Wrangler.

The 2021 Ford Ranger featured a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. Its 10-speed automatic transmission ensured swift acceleration and smooth power delivery. The Ranger Tremor's off-road prowess was enhanced by its Terrain Management System and Trail Control, making it adept at handling various terrains. With a towing capacity of up to 7,500 pounds, the Ranger was versatile for both work and play. On paved roads, the Ranger offered a comfortable ride, with its suspension providing a good balance between off-road capability and on-road comfort.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's cargo bed was designed to accommodate most motorcycles, with a maximum payload of 1,600 pounds. Its interior was spacious, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel in the Overland trim. The cabin offered ample storage options and a convertible top for open-air driving. However, the side steps on the Overland trim could be cumbersome for taller individuals. The Gladiator's interior was practical, with features like air vents and USB ports for rear passengers.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor came with high-mounted step bars, which could be inconvenient for taller individuals. Inside, the Ranger offered comfortable power-adjustable seats, though the driver's seat could use more travel for taller drivers. The rear seat space was generous, but the lack of rear air vents was a drawback. The cargo bed was spacious, with a light tailgate for easy operation. However, the bed lacked built-in cargo solutions, requiring additional accessories for customization.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered a basic yet functional infotainment system, with options for an upgraded system featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a premium sound system. The Uconnect system was user-friendly, with responsive controls and voice recognition. However, it lacked a breadcrumb function for off-road navigation. A unique feature was the removable Bluetooth speaker, adding versatility for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Ford Ranger Tremor was equipped with the Sync 3 infotainment system, featuring an 8-inch touchscreen, voice recognition, and smartphone integration. While the system was competitive, its voice recognition was inconsistent during testing. The Ranger also included a premium sound system and navigation, enhancing the overall driving experience. The integration of climate controls into the infotainment system added convenience.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered optional safety packages, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. However, it lacked automatic emergency braking, and its crash protection ratings were not available at the time of review, leading to a conservative safety score.

The 2021 Ford Ranger came with the Co-Pilot360 suite of driver-assist features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keep assist. The adaptive cruise control was smooth but lacked full-stop capability. The Ranger's crashworthiness was rated four stars by the NHTSA, with some areas for improvement noted by the IIHS.