Off-Road-Duel: 2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2021 Ford-Ranger

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If you're looking for a powerful pickup that has the capacity to venture off-road, there are two highly attractive options for Canadian buyers. The Jeep Gladiator takes all the off-road prowess of its Wrangler stablemate and adds a pickup bed for greater versatility, while the Ford Ranger is more of a dedicated mid-size truck with some additional off-road features added on. Which model is the right choice for you? Read our 2021 Jeep Gladiator vs Ford Ranger comparison review to find out.

Powertrain Options

Every model in the Ranger lineup is equipped with the same powertrain options. A 2.3L four-cylinder turbo gas engine makes 270 horsepower, passed through a ten-speed automatic transmission to either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

In contrast, there's a little more flexibility with the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The standard gas engine is a 3.6L V6 model which outguns the Ranger with an output of 285 horsepower, passed through your choice of a six-speed manual or nine-speed automatic transmission to either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. However, there's also a 3.0L turbodiesel V6 option available, which drops the horsepower slightly to 260 hp but compensates with a greatly improved torque.

High Torque Levels

For many people, the main measure of a truck's off-road prowess and overall capability is found in the engine's torque rating. Higher torques mean more responsiveness under heavy loads or across challenging terrains, compared to raw horsepower which tends to operate more obviously at higher speeds and revs.

And when it comes to torque, the Gladiator has a clear lead. The Ranger's figure of 310lb-ft is good enough for most tasks, but when you need that extra off-road oomph for traversing gradients or crawling over rocks, the diesel Gladiator's 442lb-ft is easily the more attractive option.

Towing and Payload

The two trucks are closely matched when it comes to payload, with the Ranger having a slight lead with 732kg compared to the Gladiator's 669kg. However, the tables are turned when it comes to the more off-road relevant towing capacity, with the Gladiator hauling up to 3,470kg compared to the Ranger's 3,409kg.

2021 Jeep Gladiator vs Ford Ranger Comparison: Conclusion

Both trucks are great performers and are happy to venture away from the pavement without breaking sweat. However, the Ranger's greater payload capacity and smoother transmission might make it a slightly better option for general pickup duties. But when it comes to trail-crawling prowess, the Gladiator's greatly superior torque, better towing capacity, and overall increased ruggedness gives it a substantial edge in the off-road duel.

2021 Jeep Gladiator vs Ford Ranger Comparison Table