Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger Raptor: Which is the Better Off-Roader in Driving Performance?

If you're up for an extreme outdoor adventure, most likely, you are into off-road vehicles and high-performance pickup trucks. And one of the most remarkable in the category is the iconic Jeep Gladiator – an ultimate toy for the big boy.

A unique selling proposition

Even though several years have passed since it was born, the Jeep Gladiator, together with its SUV sibling the Jeep Wrangler, continues to impress the automotive world with its unique features and distinct capabilities on- and off-road. In fact, Jeep Gladiator's ever-famous removable doors, roof, tailgate, and windshields are still unique to it and the Wrangler. This feature alone makes them stand out in their respective categories.

A serious off-roader

Aside from that, since the Gladiator is a certified off-roadable pickup, its durability has become key to a long-lasting relationship with the owner. This is where the brilliance of its makers comes in. The Jeep Gladiator was designed to have components that are not only durable but also water resistant, and even waterproof, for easier maintenance and to reduce the occurrence of rust.  

But that's not all the Jeep Gladiator has to offer.  It also promises an uncanny ability to take on any conceivable bit of driving adventure. To gauge its driving abilities, let's compare it with one of its closest rivals by design – the Ford Ranger Raptor. Although no longer sold brand new, and this can be an advantage for your checking account, the Ranger Raptor can hold its own when it comes to the rough and tumble.

Which pickup do you think will kick up your adrenaline higher and deliver that unmatched off-road adventure every enthusiast has been looking for?

Pound for pound

To give some insight, the Jeep Gladiator is motivated by a 3.6-liter V6 gasoline engine that produces a maximum of 285 horsepower and 352 Nm of torque. It is paired with 8-speed automatic transmission. On the other hand, under the hood of the Ford Ranger Raptor is a 2.0-liter Bi-turbo diesel engine that churns out to 210 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. 

While the Jeep Gladiator comes with a larger displacement 3.6-liter V6 engine, the Ford Ranger Raptor actually has more torque at 500 Nm. When it comes to transmission, the Raptor looks more versatile than the Gladiator with its 10-speed automatic transmission, while the Gladiator comes a little short with its 8-speed automatic.

Behind the wheel

However, all those engine and transmission figures are just on paper.  What are they actually like to drive? Since both pickups are high-performance off-roaders, let's see how well they do on arduous terrains. Taking the Jeep Gladiator and the Ford Ranger Raptor out for an adventure seems the same for a typical driver, but for enthusiasts and adventurers, they have a lot of differences that make them stand out. Both models have aggressive power on tap for off-road duties. While the Ford Ranger Raptor is on the lesser bouncy side because of its suspension setup, the Jeep Wrangler gives a more stable ride, better than any other pickup truck. It is likely because of its wide stance and extreme suspension articulation. Plus, its single solid axle gives it a better grip over slow and rocky terrain. Though it is not necessarily the best on paved roads.

Cabin life

As mentioned before, parts of the Jeep Gladiator, such as the roof panels, windshields, doors, and tailgate, are all removable, which means that the Gladiator is not the best in insulation. So the NVH is a bit compromised in this regard. And this takes the Raptor ahead on that note because of its better sound insulation that makes the cabin much quieter.

However, not all drivers are bothered by some road and engine noise. What many do care about is how engaging the car is when you take it on- and off-road. When it comes to steering, they're pretty much the same. The turning radius of both pickups is good enough in handling the size of the car. The Jeep Gladiator promises better engagement with its four-wheel-drive configuration. It will make you feel this pickup was meant for handling off-road driving. On the other hand, its rival Ford Ranger Raptor gives a lot of fun when you drive it. 

Even over paved roads, good driving visibility is a must. Given the hefty build and style of the Jeep Gladiator, there is a bit of a compromise when it comes to visibility. However, since the Gladiator sits higher than most cars inside the Metro, you do get a higher view of the road. With the Ford Ranger Raptor, visibility is also not perfect, but at least it gives a better view as a whole when driving.

The verdict

From here, you'll have a brief insight into what these two vehicles can give you. What's best is for you to try them out yourself and create an assessment of your own. In the end, whether a car is good, better, or the best differs from person to person. How about you, who's your winner in this duel?

Also Read: The Things That I Liked About the 2022 Nissan Navara