Ranger vs Gladiator
Ford versus Jeep: the Ranger and the Gladiator go after the same midsize pickup buyer. On paper, these two are close. Only a handful of specs separate them by a margin you’d actually notice.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Engine & Performance4.5
- Off-road & Towing9.7
- Engine & Performance4.5
- Off-road & Towing10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Ranger has 50 lb-ft more torque
This is one of the widest gaps in the whole comparison: 310 lb-ft for the Ranger versus 260 lb-ft for the Gladiator. Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
-
The Gladiator has 15 hp more power
A modest but measurable lead goes to the Gladiator: 285 hp compared with 270 hp. The Gladiator’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Gladiator has
We don’t score this one. The Gladiator lists 22 gal and the Ranger 18 gal, and the better choice depends on your needs. Tank size and fuel economy together decide your range, so look at both before drawing conclusions.
-
The Gladiator has
Bigger or smaller? On wheelbase, the Gladiator has 137.3 in and the Ranger has 128.7 in. A longer wheelbase often means more cabin space and a smoother ride on the highway.
Design & Size
The Gladiator has the bigger footprint. That can mean more room to work with, but also more to carry, park or pocket.
Dimensions
| Spec | Ranger | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.8 in | 218 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 128.7 in | 137.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
On engine & performance, it’s give and take: the Ranger brings 50 lb-ft more torque, and the Gladiator brings 15 hp more power. If you’re torn on engine & performance, the other sections may help break the tie.
Torque
Ranger: 310 lb-ft Gladiator: 260 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Total system output
Ranger: 270 hp Gladiator: 285 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Both the Ranger and the Gladiator cover space & practicality equally well on paper. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Evenly matched is the fairest summary of the off-road & towing section. Treat off-road & towing as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
The Ranger and the Gladiator match each other closely in this area. So safety & tech is a non-factor here; move on to the areas where they actually differ.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Ranger | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.3L turbo I4 (EcoBoost) | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) |
| Total system output | 270 hp | 285 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft (winner) | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4x4 available) | 4WD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Ranger | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 23 mpg Most efficient in class | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 21 mpg Best city economy | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 26 mpg Best highway economy | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 18 gal | 22 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Ranger | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Ranger | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 11.60 in |
| Max towing | 7,500 lb | 7,700 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Ranger | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 12 in | 12.3 in |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Ford Co-Pilot360 | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Ranger | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.8 in | 218 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 73.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 128.7 in | 137.3 in |
Price
| Spec | Ranger | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $33,350 | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Ranger if…
- you often drive loaded up or with a trailer (310 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft of torque)
- you value compactness over sheer size
- you’re loyal to Ford and happy with it
Choose the Gladiator if…
- you want more power (285 hp vs 270 hp)
- you find that bigger suits the way you use a car
- you already know your way around Jeep’s products
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the Ranger or the Gladiator?
It depends on your priorities: the Ranger is stronger on pulling power, while the Gladiator leads on performance.
Which is larger, the Ranger or the Gladiator?
The Gladiator takes that one. With dimensions of 218 × 73.8 in, it is larger than the Ranger (210.8 in).
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Ford’s Ranger against Jeep’s Gladiator. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the Ranger brings 50 lb-ft more torque. On the other side, the Gladiator brings 15 hp more power, and I wouldn’t dismiss that.
The Ranger is for you if pulling power tops your list; the Gladiator is for you if performance does.
My pick: the Ranger if pulling power is a daily concern, otherwise the Gladiator for its performance.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.