2025 Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger: Which Midsize Truck Fits Your Lifestyle?

Picking between the 2025 Jeep Gladiator and Ford Ranger is about finding your perfect adventure vehicle in Westchester County. These two midsize pickups are capable trucks, but they cater to different lifestyles. Whether you need something to haul your kayaks up to Bear Mountain, are tired of white-knuckle driving through February snowstorms, or you just want a solid weekend project partner, our team at Bill Volz Westchester Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) can take you through all the important details to help you make your choice.

2025 Jeep Gladiator Overview: The Only Open-Air Pickup

The 2025 Jeep Gladiator sits in a class all its own — in fact, it’s the only pickup truck that lets you pop the top and doors off. Based on the iconic Wrangler, this truck merges powerful hauling capability with open-top fun. Every model boasts a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Jeep removed the manual option for 2025, so you’ll find an eight-speed automatic transmission on all models.

You can tow up to 7,700 pounds and carry a payload of up to 1,725 pounds, and fuel numbers run 17 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. You have ten trims to choose from: the Sport, Nighthawk, Sport S, Willys, High Tide, Mojave, Big Bear, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Mojave X. Prices start at $38,695 for the Sport, ranging to $61,695 for the Rubicon X.

2025 Ford Ranger Overview: America’s Compact Workhorse Returns

The 2025 Ford Ranger takes a more reserved approach with smooth road handling and better gas mileage. The standard setup is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine getting 270 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination results in 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, if you stick with rear-wheel drive. Ford offers a 2.7-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V-6 that produces 315 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, and for even more power, the Raptor’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6 offers 405 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque.

Towing maxes at 7,500 pounds, while payload tops out at 1,788 pounds. You can choose from four different setups, from the XL starting at $33,350 all the way up to the Raptor starting at $56,070.

Performance and Capability Comparison

Both trucks pack serious muscle but have key differences. The Gladiator edges out the Ranger in towing, while Ford takes the lead in payload. The Ranger’s 2.7-liter twin-turbo can be handy when merging onto I-287 or climbing Saw Mill hills with a trailer.

However, the off-road experience separates these trucks significantly. The Gladiator’s Rock-Trac system sports an 84:1 crawl ratio, locking differentials, and a disconnecting sway bar. With 11.1 inches of ground clearance and a 31.5-inch water fording ability, it goes places that many vehicles can’t. The Ranger’s FX4 package offers an electronic-locking rear differential, off-road-tuned shocks, and underbody armor, but it can’t match the Jeep’s extreme trail skill. For weekend Catskills adventures, the Gladiator is the better option; the Ranger is more suited to daily driving and occasional dirt roads.

Interior Space and Comfort Analysis

Climb inside and you’ll spot some telling differences in priorities between the two trucks. The Jeep gives rear passengers a generous 38.3 inches of legroom, which is almost 4 inches more than typical compact trucks. Up front, you’ll enjoy 42.8 inches of headroom and 41.2 inches to stretch your legs, so long trips with the family become way more comfortable. The Ranger has slightly roomier front legroom at 43.2 inches but skimps on the back seat with just 34.6 inches of legroom.

Let’s talk about the Gladiator’s removable doors and roof panels: nothing else in the truck world lets you feel the sun on your face while cruising through Bear Mountain or hitting the shores of the Long Island Sound on summer weekends. Both trucks seat five, though the Ranger offers 43.5 cubic feet of cargo space, giving it a slight edge for work duties. Materials and build quality vary depending on which trim you pick for either truck, so you get to select the ideal configuration for your needs and budget.

Technology and Infotainment Systems

Exploring the tech features shows how these brands take distinct approaches to the cabin experience. Every Gladiator comes with a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touch screen — the largest standard screen in this segment. It pairs wirelessly through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and you get Jeep Connect remote services plus built-in off-road trail guides. The Gladiator also comes with the most USB ports in its class, with seven throughout the interior.

The Ranger offers a 12-inch touch screen with Ford’s SYNC 4A system. FordPass Connect provides 4G Wi-Fi for up to 10 devices within 50 feet. Navigation includes live traffic and weather updates, as well as wireless map downloads. Like the Jeep, you also get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Lifestyle Fit Assessment

For deciding which pickup suits your life in Westchester County, consider what you plan to do with your truck. If fun and adventure are your goals, the Gladiator’s tough to beat; it’s essentially a convertible pickup with masterful off-road skills. If your family loves boating on the Hudson or needs to haul mountain bikes to Sprain Ridge Park, its rear seat space and towing muscle combination make a lot of sense. For weekend escapes and dirty adventures, this truck’s your match.

The Ranger has a higher payload capacity and a slightly lower starting price than the Jeep. It boasts smoother performance on paved roads and gets better fuel economy, which can add up when commuting from Yorktown to Manhattan or regularly running the I-95. This makes it a better choice if you’re a contractor, a commuter, or frequently take long road trips.

Finding Your Perfect Midsize Truck Match

The Gladiator has unique styling, tons of adventure-ready features, best-in-class rear legroom, solid towing, and unbeatable off-road handling. Plus, it’s the only pickup that goes topless and doorless. It’s made for anyone who sees their truck as more than A-to-B transportation.

But specs only tell some of the story — it’s important to get behind the wheel to experience this midsize pickup for yourself. Contact us at Bill Volz Westchester CDJR to test-drive the Gladiator today. Our team knows local roads and lifestyles better than anyone in the Hudson Valley.

Images from jeep.com

Tags: Jeep Comparison, Jeep Gladiator
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