The 2021 Ford Ranger Is Crushing the Jeep Gladiator
Holy moly, the 2021 Ford Ranger just pulled off a significant victory. It turns out that the Ford Ranger is more popular than the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The Ranger feels like an underdog in this situation but deserves its victory.
The 2021 Ford Ranger vs. the 2021 Jeep Gladiator
The battle between which truck is best will continue for decades, but at the moment, the 2021 Ford Ranger is more popular than the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. According to CarProUSA, the Ford Ranger is outselling the Jeep Gladiator this year.
In the first quarter of 2021, the Ranger sold 24,166 units, and the Gladiator sold 18,822 units. During the second quarter, the Ranger sold 20,988 units, and the Gladiator sold 15,258 models. However, the semiconductor shortage and Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak may have limited production. Either way, let’s see how the Ranger and Gladiator compare.
How do the Gladiator and Ranger perform?
Under the hood of the 2021 Ford Ranger, you’ll find a 2.3-liter turbo-four engine with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,860 lbs.
The 2021 Jeep Gladiator has a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. You can also upgrade to the 3.0-liter V6 diesel engine for 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,700 lbs.
You can equip the Ranger with the new Tremor Off-Road package to enhance its off-roading capabilities. It won’t get you as far as the Gladiator Rubicon but adds more features for a reasonable price.
The Jeep Gladiator can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which is a little slow for a midsize truck. It has a smoother ride than the Wrangler, and its off-roading setup contributes to road and wind noise in the cab. But the seats are supported, and the powerful climate control system keeps everyone comfortable.
The Ranger can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is pretty quick. It’s a little slow to downshift, and the suspension is unsettled over bumps. Plus, according to Edmunds, sudden braking may cause a nosedive. Wind and road noise are nicely controlled, and the seats are well padded, but the climate control system is a little frustrating to use.
Does the Ranger or Gladiator have better features?
Both the 2021 Jeep Gladiator and 2021 Ford Ranger struggle with cargo space. But the Gladiator has a larger backseat that easily folds out of the way. The one-piece bench in the Ranger makes storing items with passengers in the back a little tricky.
The interior of the Gladiator is described as spacious, durable, and comfortable. The Ranger’s interior is described as a little dull with the use of cheap plastic materials. The base model of the Ranger comes with an AM/FM audio system, but you can upgrade to the 8.0-inch touchscreen.
With the Gladiator, you get a standard touchscreen and can upgrade to the 7.0 and 8.4-inch sizes. Both trucks come with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you upgrade to larger screens.
The Ford Ranger starts at about $24,820, while the Jeep Gladiator begins at around $34,040. But the Gladiator provides standard 4×4. The lower price may influence buyers. While the Ranger serves as a more practical option, the Gladiator is built for adventuring. Both trucks can work and play hard, so we recommend test-driving both.
