2022 RAM 1500 vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2022 RAM 1500 was available in both Quad Cab and Crew Cab styles, offering a standard 6-foot, 4-inch cargo box, with a 5-foot, 7-inch box option for Crew Cab models. Canadian buyers could choose from eight trim levels, ranging from the basic Tradesman to the high-performance TRX. The model year introduced the next-generation Uconnect 5 infotainment system, available on lower trims and standard on higher ones, featuring an 8.4-inch or 12-inch touchscreen display. The Trailer Tow Group added a new Trailer Hitch Light feature, enhancing visibility after dark. The Limited trim test truck came with a turbodiesel engine, 4WD, and a host of luxury features, including a Limited 10th Anniversary Edition package with premium leather upholstery and a 19-speaker sound system. The RAM 1500's design was clean and contemporary, with a luxurious interior that exuded quality, thanks to its high-end materials and construction.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator saw minimal changes, with a new High Velocity Yellow paint colour and added standard equipment for the Willys model. The Canadian lineup included six trims, starting with the Sport S and topping out with the High Altitude. Our test vehicle, the Gladiator Mojave, was equipped for high-speed desert driving with Fox shocks, a front suspension lift, and 33-inch all-terrain tires. The Mojave's interior mirrored the Wrangler's, with easy-to-clean materials and practical features like drain holes in the floorboards. Despite its rugged nature, the Mojave offered a higher sense of quality with orange detailing and fabric seats. The Gladiator's unique attributes, such as a removable top and doors, made it a standout in the midsize pickup segment, though its proportions were unconventional due to its extended wheelbase.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered a range of engines, including a standard 3.6-litre V6 with a mild-hybrid system, a 5.7-litre Hemi V8, and a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 for the TRX. Our test truck featured the EcoDiesel engine, a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 producing 260 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It boasted a towing capacity of up to 5,697 kilograms, with our Crew Cab Limited 4WD managing 4,354 kilograms. The EcoDiesel's fuel economy was impressive, averaging 9.5 L/100 km. The RAM 1500's ride quality was exceptional, thanks to its coil-spring rear suspension and optional air suspension, providing a quiet and comfortable driving experience. However, the brake pedal's delayed action was a minor drawback.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engine choices: a standard 3.6-litre V6 with 285 horsepower and an optional 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. Our Mojave test truck had the gas V6 and Command-Trac 4WD, averaging 13.6 L/100 km. The Gladiator's cabin was noisy, but the Fox shocks provided excellent off-road performance and a smoother ride in urban settings. The Mojave's suspension upgrades made it more enjoyable to drive, though its steering precision was lacking on highways. Despite its faults, the Gladiator's unique driving characteristics and off-road capabilities made it an appealing choice for adventurous drivers.

The 2022 RAM 1500 featured power-deploying running boards, which could be turned off for off-roading. The Limited trim offered heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and ample space for passengers. Practical storage solutions included a versatile centre console, rear-seat storage, and a multi-function tailgate. The RAM 1500's cabin was designed for comfort and convenience, with thoughtful features like concealed storage and a centre bed step for easy access to the cargo area.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator required practice to enter and exit, especially through the narrow rear doors. The manually adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, but frequent re-adjustment was necessary. The rear seats provided good legroom and support, though taller passengers might find the plastic seatback panels uncomfortable. Storage options included door panel netting, cupholders, and a dashboard tray. The Gladiator's cargo box was shallow but offered features like a spray-in bedliner and a Trail Rail Management System. Its best-in-class payload capacity and available portable Bluetooth speaker added to its utility.

The 2022 RAM 1500 introduced the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, offering faster performance and a range of features. The 12-inch touchscreen in our test vehicle included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, satellite radio, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. While the system worked well, its complexity posed challenges, and the voice recognition system needed improvement. Additional tech options included a head-up display, digital rearview camera mirror, and trailer-specific features.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator featured a 7-inch Uconnect 4 system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot was available. Our test vehicle had these features, along with a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. The voice recognition system was less reliable, but the passive keyless entry and dual-zone climate control with an air filter were appreciated. The Off-Road+ mode and TrailCam added to the Gladiator's off-road capabilities.

The 2022 RAM 1500 offered driver-assist features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The Advanced Safety Group added features like a head-up display and surround-view camera. The IIHS awarded the RAM 1500 a Top Safety Pick rating, while the NHTSA gave it a five-star overall rating, though frontal-impact ratings suggested room for improvement.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator had limited standard safety features, with optional packages adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave the Gladiator a four-star frontal-impact rating, and the IIHS rated its headlights as Marginal. Our test vehicle's safety features were effective, but the lack of lane-departure warning or lane-keeping assistance was notable.