The 2020 Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator compete for your attention with their rugged performance and neck-in-neck towing capabilities. Which should you choose? Our comparison guide has the answers you seek.
Best Price: 2020 Ford Ranger
Although the 2020 Jeep Gladiator gets great reviews in general, the one thing that critics will quickly point out is its hefty price. With a starting MSRP of $33,545, the Gladiator can take a big bite out of your savings. As you climb the trim levels and add extra features, that price only grows. The Gladiator’s MSRP range reaches all the way up to $43,545.
The 2020 Ranger offers midsize truck performance at a much better rate, starting at just $24,410. Indeed, a fully loaded Ranger won’t set you back much more than the entry-level Gladiator, because the MSRP range only goes up to $36,500.
Tech Lineup: 2020 Ford Ranger
Although both trucks actually offer similar infotainment options, you’ll spend a lot less on the Ranger’s lineup, making it our tech leader. This midsize Ford pickup keeps you connected with a standard Wi-Fi hotspot. And all but the base Ranger trim come standard with Ford’s Sync 3 infotainment system, which includes Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration.
Although the Jeep Gladiator doesn’t come standard with a Wi-Fi hotspot, it does deliver Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. Upgrade to at least the Sport S for optional Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Jeep’s optional Uconnect infotainment system gets high marks for its user-friendly touchscreen and menus.
Rugged Performance: 2020 Jeep Gladiator
The all-new Gladiator tows best-in-class loads. Properly equipped, this rugged beast can tow trailers weighing up to 7,650 pounds. If you’ve got especially heavy toys at home, you might just need the Gladiator’s extra muscle.
Although it’s not quite as capable, the 2020 Ranger still offers one of the best towing performances in the segment. With the right configuration and equipment, the Ranger can tow up to 7,500 pounds.
Off-Road Options: 2020 Ford Ranger
Once again, shoppers can add the FX4 Off-Road package to their Ranger for increased performance on the trail. New for 2020, the Ranger is rolling out the FX2 package, featuring off-road gear for its two-wheel-drive models. Now you can take on the elements, no matter which Ford Ranger you select.
We won’t deny that the Jeep Gladiator is capable on off-road terrain. Indeed, each of these Jeep trucks comes standard with traction-inducing four-wheel drive. But the Gladiator doesn’t offer shoppers the same options as the Ranger. If you’ll be spending most of your time on the pavement, for instance, you may want rear-wheel drive for better fuel economy. But you won’t find it on the Gladiator.
The Jeep Gladiator is one tough truck, but the 2020 Ford Ranger appeals with much friendlier price tag, highly configurable performance, and cabin rich in modern tech features.