2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2021 Honda Ridgeline

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator was a unique creation, derived from the Wrangler but extended and reinforced for enhanced towing and hauling capabilities. It featured a compact 5-foot cargo bed, designed to maintain a favourable departure angle while offering the utility expected by midsize pickup buyers. Initially, its appearance seemed unconventional, with its tall, long, and narrow build, especially when combined with the Wrangler-inspired bodywork. However, driving the Gladiator, particularly in remote locations with the top down, revealed its charm. The introduction of the Willys grade added rugged features like a blacked-out grille and 32-inch all-terrain tires, while the High Altitude model brought luxury with body-colour detailing and premium Nappa leather.

In contrast, the 2021 Honda Ridgeline underwent a redesign, focusing on a more traditional truck appearance. It featured a long, flat hood, an aggressive grille, and new wheel designs in black and gunmetal. The Ridgeline was available in Sport, EX-L, Touring, and Black Edition trims, with pricing starting at $44,355. It came equipped with a 280-horsepower V6 engine, standard torque-vectoring all-wheel drive, and a nine-speed automatic transmission. The interior, inspired by the Honda Pilot SUV, emphasized functionality with generous storage and durable materials. The Ridgeline's design changes and features aimed to appeal to those seeking a more conventional truck look.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered a new 3.0-litre EcoDiesel turbo-diesel V6 engine, providing 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This engine option, priced at $9,190 in Canada, delivered impressive low-end torque and improved 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 variant managed between 2,720 to 2,948 kilograms due to cooling restrictions. Despite not towing or hauling during testing, the diesel-powered Gladiator excelled in off-road conditions, thanks to its torque and Selec-Speed off-road cruise control system.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline featured a 280-horsepower V6 engine with 262 pound-feet of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The standard all-wheel-drive system, with Intelligent Variable Torque Management, allowed up to 70% of the engine's power to be directed to a single rear wheel. The Ridgeline's Intelligent Traction Management offered Snow, Sand, and Mud settings, but it wasn't designed for rock-crawling. With a maximum towing capacity of 2,267 kilograms and a payload rating of 694 kilograms, the Ridgeline was competitive in its class. It excelled in handling and driving dynamics, thanks to its unibody construction and independent rear suspension.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with agreeable seats but cramped interior space. The small door openings and snug seating positions required some adjustment. In-cabin storage included netting on the door panels, a small centre console bin, and a locking storage bin under the rear seat. The Gladiator's 1,531 mm steel cargo box offered 1,005 litres of cargo space and featured an adjustable tailgate for accommodating large items.

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline excelled in comfort and functionality, offering a spacious interior with a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat and a roomy rear seat. Standard features included triple-zone automatic climate control, a power moonroof, and heated seats. The Ridgeline's composite cargo bed was dent- and scratch-resistant, with 960 litres of cargo space and a dual-action tailgate. The standout feature was the 207-litre in-bed trunk, providing additional storage and versatility.

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

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline came with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Higher trims added features like SiriusXM, HD Radio, and a premium sound system. The Ridgeline's technology was straightforward, with standard wireless smartphone charging and basic HondaLink connected services.

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

The 2021 Honda Ridgeline included the Honda Sensing suite of safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assistance. While generally helpful, these systems were not infallible. The Ridgeline also featured a multi-angle reversing camera and automatic high-beam headlights. It earned high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, although the redesigned front-end affected its small overlap front: passenger side crash test score.