2024 Jeep Gladiator Vs. Ford Ranger Comparison
Hit any trail in a Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger, and you'll quickly see why the Gladiator truck tops the midsize ranks in off-road attitude and open-air freedom – plus, it's downright fun to drive! With its bigger range of trim levels, more interior space, superior off-road attributes, and elevated interior technology, the Jeep Gladiator rises above the Ford Ranger without breaking a sweat.
Dive into the rugged details of this head-to-head truck comparison below, then visit our Jeep dealership in Rockville, MD, today to take a new Gladiator trim and all its 2024 updates for a legendary test drive.
2024 Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger Specs & Performance
The new Jeep Gladiator for sale is a wild off-road warrior that combines the capabilities of a pickup truck with the adventure of a four-door Wrangler. Dropping its 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine this year in favor of its more efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, the Jeep engine powers over rocky roads and steep gradients with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
Need to pack up and tow a heavy load? The Gladiator truck can handle up to a 1,725-pound payload1 in its Sport S trim and can tow up to 7,700 pounds2 when equipped with a Max Tow Package, beating the top Ranger towing specs by 200 pounds. The 2024 Jeep Gladiator also offers standard 4WD, while three of the four Ranger trims charge extra for it.
Though fuel economy likely isn't why you're purchasing a Jeep Gladiator in the first place, this truck still pulls through with an EPA-estimated 16/21/18 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).3 The Ford Ranger offers a slightly higher MPG for city and highway driving, but it also comes with a smaller 18-gallon gas tank (or 20-gallon tank on Raptor trims). When you factor in the larger 22-gallon tank of the Jeep Gladiator, both trucks will likely need to stop at the gas pump at about the same time.
The Ford Ranger technically offers three engines, but the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost is the standard option on three of its trims. This four-cylinder powertrain outputs 270 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Choose the available 2.7-liter EcoBoost, and you will get more power under the hood – 315 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque – but you'll be paying thousands more for those specs, and they'll reduce your MPG.
The top-spec Ranger Raptor trim houses a 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder beneath its hood and is the only Ford trim to offer standard four-wheel drive. The Raptor engine increases your power to 405 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque but lowers your EPA-estimated MPG to 16/18/17 (City/Highway/Combined).4
Ready to choose your next midsize pickup? Explore the entry-level specs of the Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger below to see which model offers the capability you need most, or scroll down to take a closer look at each truck's off-road capabilities.
Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger Specs Comparison
| 2024 Jeep Gladiator Sport | 2024 Ford Ranger XL | |
| Passenger Seating | 5 | 5 |
| Engine | 3.6L V-6 | 2.3L 4-Cyl |
| Horsepower | 285 | 270 |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | Standard 4x2 or Available 4x4 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual | 10-Speed Automatic |
| Maximum Payload Capacity | 1,150 lbs1 | 1,805 lbs5 |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 7,700 lbs2 | 7,500 lbs6 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy/Comb) | 16/21/18 MPG3 | 21/25/22 MPG4 |
| Fuel Tank | 22 gal | 18 gal |
| Ground Clearance | 10 in | 8.8 in |
Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger Off-Road Credentials
The Jeep Gladiator is the only open-air pickup on the market, giving you the versatility of a truck and jeep in one rugged package. Its bold exterior design reflects its off-road attitude, and its Trail-Rated Heavy-Duty Dana 44 axles are the same style used in rock crawlers and drag racers. Add in the Gladiator Rubicon trim's Rock-Trac 4x4 System, and you'll gain a low-range transfer case that delivers an 84:1 crawl ratio on steep inclines or large rocks.
Jeep vehicles have a long history of all-terrain dominance, and the 2024 Gladiator is no exception. This truck is built to tackle water fording with an all-terrain ground clearance of up to 11.6 inches, and its available Sway Bar Disconnect gives you impressive front-wheel articulation. Front and rear Tru-Lok Electronic Locking Differentials help you maintain momentum and traction, and the rear axle can even be locked in 4HI Mode when climbing at higher speeds.
The durable steel bed features built-in tie-downs and a three-position tailgate for simple loading and unloading, which means the Gladiator truck not only conquers trails but also helps you set up camp more quickly when you reach your destination. Even its signature wheels, which are uniquely crafted for each Gladiator trim, can be fitted with available snowflake-rated tires to improve your winter traction above typical all-season or all-terrain performance.
Although the 2024 Ford Ranger redesign makes it look more rugged, its build doesn't act the part. Its solid stabilizer bar reduces sway but doesn't improve your truck's articulation on uneven surfaces. As noted above, the first three Ranger trims come with a standard 4x2 drivetrain, which limits your off-road capabilities, particularly in snow.
The Ranger truck also maxes out with 10.7 inches of ground clearance, and that's only in the top-tier Raptor trim – the standard Ranger trim only offers 8.8 inches of ground clearance. The 2024 Ford Ranger offers an available rear e-locking differential, but only the Raptor trim comes with a standard Ford Trail Control system. After comparing the Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger off-road capabilities, it's clear that the more powerful Gladiator trims are your best bet when the going gets tough.
2024 Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger Comparison: Trim Level Lineup
Compare Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger trim levels, and you'll see this contest isn't even close. The new Jeep Gladiator for sale gains a stunning lead straight out of the gate by equipping its entry-level Sport trim with elevated standard features. Enjoy a 12.3-inch Uconnect touch screen with voice-activated audio control across the entire Jeep lineup, as well as small yet thoughtful touches like adjustable front head restraints, illuminated cup holders, and a locking glove box.
Keep your Jeep Gladiator roof on and windows up to clean your cabin with a built-in air filter, or open your truck to the sky and wind by detaching its top and sides. A tire-specific pressure monitor lets you know when and if a tire needs air. Choose any trim but the base Sport to gain deep-tinted sunscreen windows, Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control, and a premium-wrapped or competition leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Visit our dealership to choose your favorite of these seven rugged Jeep trims, test-drive it around Rockville, and buy or lease using our new vehicle specials:
- Jeep Gladiator Sport
- Jeep Gladiator Sport S
- Jeep Gladiator Willys
- Jeep Gladiator Mojave
- Jeep Gladiator Rubicon
- Jeep Gladiator Mojave X
- Jeep Gladiator Rubicon X
In an attempt to keep pace with the off-road styling of the Jeep Gladiator trims, the 2024 Ford Ranger got a bold exterior redesign – yet these updates come at a cost. Unlike the 2023 Ranger truck, the new model year offers only a SuperCrew Cab configuration, and its cabin features are overly reliant on the center touch screen.
Upgrading to a LARIAT or Raptor trim will broaden your center display to 12 inches and add leather to your steering wheel, but the first two Ranger editions rely on a 10-inch center display and a urethane or vinyl steering wheel. The starting MSRP has also increased significantly across the four 2024 Ranger trim levels:
- Ford Ranger XL
- Ford Ranger XLT
- Ford Ranger LARIAT
- Ford Ranger Raptor
Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger Interior Dimensions
Settle into a Jeep Gladiator or Ford Ranger, and it's evident that interior space is another victory for the Gladiator truck. The Ranger trims have 41 inches of front headroom, while the more spacious Gladiator trims provide 42.8 inches of front headspace.
Both trucks can seat five, but only the Jeep Gladiator makes its back seat comfortable for adult passengers, with 42.8 inches of rear headroom and 38.3 inches of rear legroom. If you choose a Ford Ranger trim, backseat passengers will need to squeeze themselves into only 38.3 inches of rear headroom and 34.6 inches of rear legroom.
Find Your Jeep Gladiator Trim Today
From stunning off-road specs to relaxing interior space, the Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger comparison is an easy win for the 2024 Gladiator truck. If you're ready to elevate your midsize truck experience and tackle any road with new capabilities, talk to our finance department about finding the rates and incentives you need on a new Jeep Gladiator trim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better: Jeep Gladiator or Ford Ranger?
Ultimately, which one is better is up to your personal preferences. However, we think it's clear the 2024 Jeep Gladiator beats out the new Ford Ranger with a higher maximum towing capacity, better off-road capability, higher maximum ground clearance, extra cabin space, roomier rear seats, and more trim levels. Visit DARCARS CDJR of Rockville today to explore all the benefits of an off-road, open-air Jeep Gladiator.
Is the 2024 Jeep Gladiator bigger than the Ford Ranger?
Yes, the Gladiator truck is larger overall than the Ranger. The new Jeep Gladiator base model measures 218 inches long, 73.8 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 75 inches tall, while the 2024 Ford Ranger base model is only 210.6 inches long, 75.5 inches wide (excluding mirrors), and 73.9 inches tall. The Jeep Gladiator has roomier rear seats to boot, plus a higher-rated maximum towing capacity.
Is 4x4 standard on the Jeep Gladiator?
Yes, every new Jeep Gladiator comes with standard 4WD for increased traction on every terrain. Only the top-spec Ford Ranger has standard 4x4 capabilities – all other Ford trims have a 4x2 drivetrain. The iconic Jeep Gladiator also features 11.6 inches of maximum ground clearance, an available Sway Bar Disconnect for better front-wheel articulation, and front and rear Tru-Lok differentials to maintain momentum and traction.
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1When properly equipped. Max payload ratings shown for base configuration. Additional options, equipment, passengers, and cargo weight may affect payload weights. Contact dealer for details.
2When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
3EPA-estimated 16 city/21 hwy/18 comb MPG with 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine and six-speed manual transmission. Actual mileage may vary.
4EPA-estimated city/hwy mpg for the model indicated. See fueleconomy.gov for fuel economy of other engine/transmission combinations. Actual mileage will vary. On plug-in hybrid models and electric models, fuel economy is stated in MPGe. MPGe is the EPA equivalent measure of gasoline fuel efficiency for electric mode operation.
5Maximum payload capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and vary based on vehicle configuration, accessories, and option content. Horsepower, torque, payload, and towing are independent attributes and may not be achieved simultaneously
6Maximum towing capabilities are for properly equipped vehicles with required equipment and a 150-lb. driver and passenger and vary based on cargo, vehicle configuration, accessories, option content, and number of passengers.