Ridgeline vs Gladiator
If you’re shopping for a car in the midsize pickup class, the Ridgeline and the Gladiator are likely both on your shortlist. Surprisingly little separates them. A handful of specs move the needle; the rest are rounding errors.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Tie
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Gladiator wins
- Safety & Tech Gladiator wins
- Engine & Performance4.2
- Off-road & Towing5.7
- 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 Gladiator has 2,700 lb more towing capacity
This is a headline difference. With 7,700 lb to the Ridgeline’s 5,000 lb, the Gladiator has a lead that’s easy to see on paper and in practice. A higher towing capacity lets you pull bigger trailers, boats and campers.
-
The Gladiator has a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen
Put simply, the Gladiator is far ahead here: 12.3 in compared with 9 in. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
-
The Gladiator has
More isn’t automatically better here: the Gladiator’s 137.3 in and the Ridgeline’s 125.2 in simply suit different preferences. A shorter wheelbase can make a car more agile in tight turns and parking lots.
-
The Ridgeline has
The Gladiator has the lower figure on width (no mirrors) (73.8 in), while the Ridgeline reaches 78.6 in. Width matters if your garage or parking space is tight.
Design & Size
Expect the same physical presence from both; their dimensions are very close.
Dimensions
| Spec | Ridgeline | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.2 in | 218 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.6 in | 73.8 in |
| Height | 70.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 in | 137.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on engine & performance. If engine & performance was going to be your tiebreaker, you’ll need a different one.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
Neither the Ridgeline nor the Gladiator has a real advantage in the space & practicality category. Either car will serve you equally well on space & practicality.
Off-road & Towing
Gladiator leads
The off-road & towing comparison is one-sided. The Gladiator leads where it counts. The Gladiator scores with 2,700 lb more towing capacity. If you tow regularly, the Gladiator’s higher rating gives you more margin. The takeaway: on off-road & towing, the Gladiator is the stronger car.
Max towing
Ridgeline: 5,000 lb Gladiator: 7,700 lb Towing ratings depend on configuration and equipment, so check the exact trim you’re looking at.
Safety & Tech
Gladiator leads
The Gladiator edges the safety & tech section, though the Ridgeline stays close. The Gladiator brings a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen. The Gladiator’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. Net result: the Gladiator leads this part of the comparison.
Largest touchscreen
Ridgeline: 9 in Gladiator: 12.3 in Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Ridgeline | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 3.5L V6 | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) |
| Total system output | 280 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 262 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 9-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | 4WD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Ridgeline | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 21 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 18 mpg Thirstiest in the city | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 24 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 19.5 gal | 22 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Ridgeline | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Ridgeline | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 11.60 in |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 7,700 lb (winner) |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Ridgeline | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 9 in Smallest touchscreen | 12.3 in (winner) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Honda Sensing | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Ridgeline | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 210.2 in | 218 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 78.6 in | 73.8 in |
| Height | 70.8 in | N/A (not specified) |
| Wheelbase | 125.2 in | 137.3 in |
Price
| Spec | Ridgeline | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $40,595 Priciest in class | 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 Gladiator if…
- you want the higher towing capacity (7,700 lb vs 5,000 lb)
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (12.3 in vs 9 in)
- you prefer staying with Jeep
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Ridgeline or the Gladiator?
On the specs compared here, the Gladiator makes more sense for most buyers; the Ridgeline doesn’t win a single measurable area.
Which is larger, the Ridgeline or the Gladiator?
Neither by much. The Ridgeline and the Gladiator have nearly identical dimensions.
Executive Summary
Comparing the Ridgeline and the Gladiator feels a bit like comparing two good restaurants with different menus. If I had to name one reason, it’s that the Gladiator brings 2,700 lb more towing capacity. Secondary, but worth mentioning: the Gladiator has a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen.
If you’d rather have strength in the things a spec sheet can’t capture, go with the Ridgeline. If off-road & towing is what you’d miss, go with the Gladiator.
My pick: the Gladiator.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.