2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty vs 2021 Jeep Gladiator

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty underwent subtle design changes that were noticeable to keen Ford enthusiasts. The front bumper featured more black-painted areas, reducing the bling factor, while the grille transitioned from a large two-bar design to a more restrained look. This alteration also resulted in sleeker headlights, maintaining the overall shape but offering a more refined appearance. The truck was available in various trims, each offering distinct visual elements. The XL trim had a black grille and bumpers, while the XLT added brightwork and alloy wheels. The King Ranch stood out with its two-tone paint and chrome accents, and the Platinum and Limited trims offered luxury touches like 20-inch wheels and satin-chrome grilles. Inside, the F-250 prioritized functionality with a logical layout and ample storage, though it felt somewhat cold and mechanical. The base XL model was equipped with essential features, while higher trims like the Lariat and King Ranch added leather upholstery and advanced technology.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, derived from the Wrangler, featured a unique design with a stretched and fortified frame for towing and hauling. Its appearance was unconventional, with a tall, long, and narrow profile that took some getting used to. However, driving the Gladiator, especially off-road, was a rewarding experience. The new Willys grade introduced blacked-out elements and off-road enhancements, while the High Altitude model offered luxury features like Nappa leather. The Gladiator's interior mirrored the Wrangler's, with modifications for rear seating. It emphasized utility with durable materials and practical storage solutions. The test model, equipped with the Overland trim and a turbo-diesel engine, offered a comfortable interior with leather upholstery and advanced infotainment. Despite its rugged nature, the Gladiator provided a sense of exclusivity with Jeep Easter eggs and the Jeep Wave.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty came standard with a 6.2-litre gasoline V8 engine, producing 385 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. Ford also offered a 6.7-litre Power Stroke turbodiesel V8, delivering an impressive 475 horsepower and 1,050 pound-feet of torque. A new 7.3-litre gas V8 was introduced, generating 430 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. The gas engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel used a six-speed TorqShift automatic. The F-250's towing capacity reached up to 10,977 kilograms with the diesel engine and High Capacity Tow Package. Despite its heavy-duty capabilities, the truck's ride was bumpy when unloaded, and it felt top-heavy on curves. The Tremor off-road package added features like 33-inch tires and a rock crawl mode, enhancing its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator initially offered a 3.6-litre Pentastar gasoline V6 engine, but a new 3.0-litre EcoDiesel turbo-diesel V6 became available, providing 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine offered better fuel efficiency, averaging 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres during testing. The Gladiator Sport S could tow up to 3,469 kilograms with the standard engine, while the diesel's towing capacity ranged from 2,720 to 2,948 kilograms. The diesel engine excelled in off-road conditions, providing ample low-end torque for challenging trails. On paved roads, the Gladiator exhibited a stiff and jouncy ride, with wind noise and slow steering. However, the diesel engine added to the truck's charm, offering a unique driving experience.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty was available in Regular Cab, SuperCab, and Crew Cab configurations, with bed sizes of 2,081 mm or 2,492 mm. The cabin was spacious and functional, with deep cup holders and a massive centre console for storage. The rear seats in the SuperCrew and Crew Cab folded up to reveal a load floor for large items, providing secure storage for equipment.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with agreeable seats but cramped rear legroom and snug seating positions. The truck's small door openings and high-mounted side steps made entry and exit challenging. In-cabin storage included netting, a small centre console bin, and a locking storage bin under the rear seat. The Gladiator's 1,531 mm cargo box held 1,005 litres of cargo and featured an adjustable tailgate for accommodating large items. Payload ratings varied depending on the trim and engine.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty's base XL model came with a basic audio system, while the XLT added features like SiriusXM radio and the SYNC 3 infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. FordPass Connect was standard, offering a WiFi hotspot and remote vehicle management via a smartphone app.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator featured the Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. The High Country trim offered the Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation. The system was user-friendly but showed signs of aging with slow response times. The forward-facing Trail Cam was a useful addition for off-road adventures.

The 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty included standard safety features like airbags, trailer sway control, and traction control. Optional features included forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a 360-degree camera system. However, the truck lacked crash-test ratings from major safety organizations.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered basic safety features, with options for advanced systems like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The test model included these features, enhancing safety on the road. The NHTSA gave the Gladiator a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.