2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2022 Ford Maverick

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 from a midsize pickup. Initially, its appearance seemed unconventional, with its tall, long, and narrow build, especially when paired 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 enhancements, while the High Altitude model brought luxury with body-colour detailing and premium leather. Pricing for the Gladiator started at $49,315, but our test model, equipped with the Overland trim and a new turbo-diesel engine, reached $77,475. The interior, though durable and designed for off-road adventures, offered a touch of luxury with heated seats and advanced infotainment systems.

In contrast, the 2022 Ford Maverick presented a more conventional pickup appearance, echoing the design cues of larger Ford trucks like the F-150 and Ranger. However, its front end diverged from this pattern, featuring large headlights and a distinctive grille crossbar. The Maverick was smaller than the Ford Ranger, with a length of 5,073 mm and a height of 1,879 mm, built on a unibody platform shared with the Ford Escape and Bronco Sport. The base model came with 17-inch steel wheels, while higher trims offered alloy options. The Maverick's interior was a testament to affordable style, with multicoloured plastics and clever storage solutions. Despite its budget-friendly nature, the Maverick's interior design was innovative, proving that entry-level vehicles could still be stylish and functional.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered a new 3.0-litre EcoDiesel turbo-diesel V6 engine, priced at an additional $9,190 in Canada. This engine produced 260 horsepower and an impressive 442 pound-feet of torque, providing substantial low-end power and improved fuel efficiency compared to the standard 3.6-litre Pentastar gasoline V6. During testing, the diesel engine averaged 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 9.8 L/100 km. The Gladiator Sport S, with its standard engine, could tow up to 3,469 kilograms and haul a payload of up to 771 kg. The diesel powertrain, while not matching these figures due to cooling restrictions, still offered competitive towing and payload capacities. Off-road, the diesel Gladiator excelled, with its torque readily available at low speeds, making challenging trails manageable. On paved roads, the Gladiator's ride was stiff, with noticeable wind noise and less precise steering, but these quirks added to its rugged charm.

The 2022 Ford Maverick came standard with a hybrid powertrain, featuring a 2.5-litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor and CVT, delivering 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque. An optional 2.0L EcoBoost turbocharged engine offered 250 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid was front-wheel drive, while the EcoBoost offered all-wheel drive. The Maverick FX4 package enhanced off-road capabilities with suspension tuning and additional drive modes. On an off-road course, the Maverick FX4 demonstrated its capability, though it was more suited for light off-roading. On pavement, the Maverick's unibody platform provided a smooth ride, akin to a small car or crossover. The hybrid powertrain was particularly refined, offering linear power delivery, while the EcoBoost provided more towing capacity and spirited acceleration.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with seats that provided adequate support but a cabin that required some adjustment due to its compact dimensions. The small door openings and snug seating positions, especially in the rear, were notable. Side steps, while preserving breakover angles, complicated entry and exit. Interior storage was modest, with netting on door panels, a small centre console bin, and a removable storage bin under the rear seat. The Gladiator's 1,531 mm cargo box offered 1,005 litres of space, with features like an adjustable tailgate and available spray-in bedliner. Payload ratings varied, with the Sport S offering the highest capacity.

The 2022 Ford Maverick, available only as a four-door crew cab, offered more legroom than the Toyota Tacoma and Hyundai Santa Cruz. Interior storage was a highlight, with numerous cubbies, under-seat storage, and the innovative FITS system for customizable accessories. The 1,382 mm bed, though shorter than the Ranger's, provided 680 kg of payload capacity and included features like an in-bed power outlet and FlexBed system for versatile cargo management. The Maverick's towing capacity reached 1,814 kg with the 4K Tow Package, offering practical capability for its size.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while traditional in many aspects, included modern technology like the Selec-Speed system and an electronic-disconnecting sway bar. The Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen was standard, offering 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 optional Alpine sound system. Despite its user-friendly interface, the system showed signs of aging with slower response times. The forward-facing Trail Cam was a valuable addition for off-road navigation.

The 2022 Ford Maverick featured the older Sync 3 infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A built-in Wi-Fi hotspot supported up to 10 devices. While the system lacked advanced features like embedded navigation, it provided essential functionality. The hybrid models included a brake-coaching feature to optimize regenerative braking. The Maverick's infotainment was basic but effective, with thoughtful design elements like phone slots and available wireless charging.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator's standard safety features were limited to a reversing camera, with optional upgrades including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Our test model included these features, with adaptive cruise control performing well on the freeway. The NHTSA rated the Gladiator with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2022 Ford Maverick's safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA were not yet available. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams. Optional features under the Ford Co-Pilot360 banner included adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and lane centring.