2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2021 Ford F-150

The 2021 Ford F-150 retained its rugged exterior styling, reminiscent of its predecessors, with oversized wheel arches and a tall hood. However, it introduced a new front fascia with larger headlights and a rounder grille shape, offering 11 design options and new tailgate appliques. Ford claimed these changes improved aerodynamics, thanks to active grille shutters, an automatically-deploying air dam, and modifications to the cab and tailgate shape, all aimed at enhancing fuel efficiency. The aluminum bodywork, including the cab, bed, fenders, and hood, reduced weight, contributing to better fuel economy and increased payload capacity. Inside, the F-150 maintained its distinctive design with large angular air vents and a high centre console, offering a range of materials from basic to luxurious, as seen in the King Ranch trim with leather upholstery and wood trim.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, derived from the Wrangler, featured a stretched and fortified frame for towing and hauling, with a 5-foot cargo bed designed to maintain a good departure angle. Its unique appearance, tall and narrow with Wrangler-based bodywork, initially seemed odd but grew on drivers, especially in off-road settings. The Gladiator introduced a new Willys grade with a blacked-out grille, limited-slip rear differential, rock rails, and 32-inch all-terrain tires. At the top of the lineup, the High Altitude model offered luxury with body-colour detailing, black 20-inch wheels, and premium Nappa leather. The Gladiator's cabin mirrored the Wrangler's, with modifications to the rear seating area, emphasizing utility and durability. Despite its rugged nature, the Gladiator's interior offered comfort with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and leather upholstery in higher trims.

The 2021 Ford F-150 offered a range of powertrains, including a base 3.3-litre V6 with 290 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, and a 5.0-litre V8 producing 400 hp and 410 lb-ft. Two twin-turbocharged EcoBoost V6 engines were available: a 2.7-litre with 325 hp and 400 lb-ft, and a 3.5-litre with 400 hp and 500 lb-ft. A 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 provided 250 hp and 440 lb-ft. The new PowerBoost hybrid combined a 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 with an electric motor, delivering 430 hp and 570 lb-ft, making it the most powerful option. The F-150 excelled in payload and towing capacity, with the 5.0-litre V8 achieving a maximum payload of 3,325 pounds, and the non-hybrid 3.5-litre EcoBoost V6 towing up to 14,000 pounds. The hybrid's towing capacity was 12,700 pounds. The PowerBoost hybrid offered impressive power, though the transition between electric and hybrid modes was not seamless. The F-150's road manners were commendable, with good ride quality and low cabin noise.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator initially offered a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6, but for 2021, a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel turbo-diesel V6 became available, producing 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine provided substantial low-end torque and 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 and eight-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel towed between 2,720 and 2,948 kilograms due to engine-cooling restrictions. The diesel's payload capacity was similar to other Gladiator configurations. Off-road, the diesel-powered Gladiator excelled, with its torque making challenging trails manageable. On paved roads, the Gladiator exhibited slow steering, a stiff ride, and wind noise, but these quirks added to its charm.

The 2021 Ford F-150 catered to those using their trucks as mobile offices, with features like a fold-flat shifter creating a work surface for a 15-inch laptop. Higher trims offered fold-flat Max Recline Seats for resting. The F-150 provided ample storage, including a centre-console bin and large cupholders. It came in three cab configurations: a two-door regular cab, a SuperCab with rear half doors, and a SuperCrew with full-size rear doors. Bed sizes included 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8-foot options. The F-150 featured power running boards and a tailgate with rulers and power opening/closing. The Pro Power Onboard system offered in-bed power outlets, with up to 7.2 kW of output in the PowerBoost hybrid.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with supportive seats but cramped interior space. The truck's small door openings and snug seating positions required adjustment. Side steps or rails, mounted high for breakover angle, were challenging to use. In-cabin storage included netting, a small centre console bin, and a locking storage bin under the rear seat. The Gladiator's 5-foot steel cargo box held 1,005 litres of cargo and featured an adjustable tailgate for accommodating plywood. Payload ratings varied from 487 to 696 kilograms, depending on trim and engine.

The 2021 Ford F-150 featured the new Sync 4 infotainment system with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. An 8-inch touchscreen was standard, while higher trims offered a 12-inch touchscreen and digital instrument cluster. The system included physical buttons for essential functions. The F-150 also offered Pro Trailer Backup Assist, Trailer Reverse Guidance, and Dynamic Hitch Assist for easier towing.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while old school, offered modern technology. The Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen was standard, with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The High Country trim featured the Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation, paired with an Alpine premium sound system. The system was user-friendly but showed signs of aging with slow load times. The Gladiator also offered a forward-facing Trail Cam for off-road navigation.

The 2021 Ford F-150 had not yet received full crash-test ratings, but the IIHS gave a "good" rating for roof strength. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional features included lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and intersection assist. The F-150 was set to receive Ford's BlueCruise system for hands-free driving later in the year.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered basic safety features, with a reversing camera as standard. Depending on trim, advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring were available. The Gladiator received a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA with the standard engine and a three-star rollover resistance rating.