2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2022 RAM 1500

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator was a unique creation, derived from the Wrangler but with a stretched and reinforced frame to enhance its towing and hauling capabilities. It featured a short 5-foot cargo bed, designed to maintain a good departure angle while offering the utility midsize pickup buyers sought. Initially, its appearance seemed unconventional, with a tall, long, and narrow stance, especially with the Wrangler-based bodywork. However, driving the Gladiator, particularly in remote areas with the top down, was an experience that many came to appreciate. The 2021 model introduced a new Willys grade with distinctive features and a High Altitude luxury model, adding to its appeal. Pricing for the Gladiator Sport S started at $49,315, but our test model, equipped with Overland trim and a turbo-diesel engine, reached a total of $77,475. The interior, while luxurious with options like heated seats and leather upholstery, remained rugged and durable, true to its off-road nature.

In contrast, the 2022 RAM 1500 was available in Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, with a variety of trim levels and customization options. The new model year introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, enhancing the truck's technological offerings. Our test truck, a Crew Cab Limited trim, came with a turbodiesel engine and a host of features, including a Limited 10th Anniversary Edition package. The RAM 1500's design was clean and contemporary, with a touch of luxury in the Limited model. Inside, the cabin exuded quality, with a busy yet impressive design featuring mixed materials and patterns. The Indigo and Sea Salt colour scheme, along with the construction quality, stood out. The RAM 1500 was praised for its luxury truck feel, with a quiet cabin and a comfortable ride, making it a standout in the full-size truck segment.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered a new 3.0-litre EcoDiesel turbo-diesel V6 engine, priced at $9,190 in Canada, alongside the existing 3.6-litre Pentastar gasoline V6. The diesel engine produced 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, providing substantial low-end power and improved fuel efficiency. During testing, it averaged 10.4 L/100 km, slightly above the estimated 9.8 L/100 km. The Gladiator Sport S could tow up to 3,469 kg with the standard engine, but the diesel's towing capacity was limited to 2,720 to 2,948 kg due to cooling restrictions. Despite this, the diesel engine excelled in off-road conditions, offering impressive torque at low speeds. The Gladiator's driving experience was characterized by its slow steering, stiff ride, and wind noise, but these quirks added to its charm.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered several engine options, including a 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 with eTorque, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 for the TRX model. Our test truck featured the EcoDiesel engine, generating 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The EcoDiesel's towing capacity reached up to 5,697 kg, with our Crew Cab Limited 4WD managing 4,354 kg. Fuel consumption was estimated at 9.7 L/100 km, and we achieved 9.5 L/100 km during testing. The RAM 1500's ride quality was exceptional, thanks to its coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension. The cabin was quiet, and the truck handled well on various road conditions, though the brake pedal required careful modulation.

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, and side steps or rails could complicate entry and exit. In-cabin storage was limited, but the Gladiator's cargo box offered 1,005 litres of space and included tie-down hooks and an adjustable tailgate. Payload ratings varied depending on the configuration, with a maximum of 696 kg.

The 2022 RAM 1500 Limited provided a comfortable and spacious interior, with power-deploying running boards for easy access. The cabin featured heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and ample storage options, including Ram Bins and a multi-function tailgate. The tailgate could support 900 kg and offered versatile loading options. The RAM 1500's interior was designed for comfort and practicality, with thoughtful storage solutions and a focus on passenger comfort.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while traditional in many aspects, offered modern technology, including the Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and smartphone connectivity. The High Country trim featured 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 and limited voice recognition capabilities. The forward-facing Trail Cam was a useful addition for off-road adventures.

The 2022 RAM 1500 introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster performance and a wider range of features. The system included wireless smartphone connectivity, a 12-inch touchscreen, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. While the system worked well overall, it had some quirks, such as voice recognition issues and occasional system reboots. The RAM 1500 also offered advanced trailering technology and driver assistance features, enhancing its overall appeal.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator's standard safety features were basic, with a reversing camera as standard. Optional advanced driving assistance systems included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA gave the Gladiator a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered a range of driver-assist features, including blind-spot monitoring, forward-collision warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Advanced Safety Group added features like a head-up display and surround-view camera. The RAM 1500 received a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA, though frontal-impact ratings suggested room for improvement.