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Which Beast Will Conquer The Trails? Ford F-150 Raptor Vs. Jeep Gladiator – Uncovering The Off-road Champion

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to...

What To Know

  • The Ford F-150 Raptor and the Jeep Gladiator are two of the most iconic off-road vehicles on the market, each boasting a reputation for ruggedness, power, and capability.
  • The Gladiator features an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 4×4 drivetrain with a Dana 44 solid front axle and a Dana 44 rear axle with a Trac-Lok limited-slip differential.
  • While the Jeep Gladiator offers a more affordable price point and a solid off-road performance, it falls short in terms of power, features, and overall refinement.

The Ford F-150 Raptor and the Jeep Gladiator are two of the most iconic off-road vehicles on the market, each boasting a reputation for ruggedness, power, and capability. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit these titans against each other, examining their key features, performance specs, and off-road prowess to determine which one emerges as the ultimate off-road champion.

Performance and Power:

1. Engine Options:

  • Ford F-150 Raptor: The Raptor offers two engine choices – a 3.5L EcoBoost V6 producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.2L Supercharged V8 generating a massive 700 horsepower and 640 lb-ft of torque.
  • Jeep Gladiator: The Gladiator comes with a standard 3.6L V6 engine that delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. However, it also offers a more potent 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 that produces 260 horsepower and an impressive 442 lb-ft of torque.

2. Transmission and Drivetrain:

  • Ford F-150 Raptor: The Raptor is equipped with a 10-speed automatic transmission and a 4×4 drivetrain with an electronically locking rear differential.
  • Jeep Gladiator: The Gladiator features an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 4×4 drivetrain with a Dana 44 solid front axle and a Dana 44 rear axle with a Trac-Lok limited-slip differential.

Off-Road Capabilities:

1. Suspension and Ground Clearance:

  • Ford F-150 Raptor: The Raptor boasts a FOX Racing suspension with long-travel shocks and a ground clearance of 13.1 inches.
  • Jeep Gladiator: The Gladiator comes with a FOX Racing suspension with remote reservoirs and a ground clearance of 11.1 inches.

2. Approach and Departure Angles:

  • Ford F-150 Raptor: The Raptor has an approach angle of 31 degrees, a departure angle of 23.9 degrees, and a breakover angle of 22.7 degrees.
  • Jeep Gladiator: The Gladiator has an approach angle of 43.6 degrees, a departure angle of 26 degrees, and a breakover angle of 20.3 degrees.

3. Traction Control Systems:

  • Ford F-150 Raptor: The Raptor comes with Terrain Management System with six selectable drive modes and a Trail Control feature for low-speed off-road crawling.
  • Jeep Gladiator: The Gladiator offers the Jeep Active Drive II 4×4 system with Selec-Speed Control, which allows drivers to set a desired speed for off-road driving.

Interior and Comfort:

1. Seating and Cabin Space:

  • Ford F-150 Raptor: The Raptor has a spacious cabin with comfortable seating for five passengers. It features Recaro sport seats with suede inserts and heated and ventilated front seats.
  • Jeep Gladiator: The Gladiator offers a comfortable cabin with seating for five. It comes with cloth seats as standard, but leather upholstery is available as an option.

2. Infotainment and Technology:

  • Ford F-150 Raptor: The Raptor comes with a 12-inch touchscreen infotainment system with SYNC 4, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.
  • Jeep Gladiator: The Gladiator features an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 4, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a premium Alpine audio system.

Safety Features:

1. Ford F-150 Raptor:

  • The Raptor offers a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking.
  • Jeep Gladiator:**
  • The Gladiator comes with safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a forward-collision warning system with automatic emergency braking.

Price and Value:

1. Ford F-150 Raptor:

  • The Raptor starts at a base price of around $65,000. However, fully loaded models can easily exceed $80,000.
  • Jeep Gladiator:**
  • The Gladiator has a starting price of approximately $35,000. However, higher trim levels and options can push the price closer to $50,000.

Which Off-Road Beast Reigns Supreme?

Based on our comprehensive comparison, the Ford F-150 Raptor emerges as the clear winner in terms of overall performance, off-road capabilities, and interior comfort. Its potent engine options, advanced suspension system, and impressive ground clearance make it a formidable force on any terrain. While the Jeep Gladiator offers a more affordable price point and a solid off-road performance, it falls short in terms of power, features, and overall refinement.

The Verdict:

In the battle between the Ford F-150 Raptor and the Jeep Gladiator, the Raptor takes the crown as the ultimate off-road beast. Its superior power, off-road prowess, and luxurious interior make it the ideal choice for adventure-seekers and off-road enthusiasts who demand the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which vehicle has better fuel efficiency?

  • The Jeep Gladiator offers better fuel efficiency than the Ford F-150 Raptor. The Gladiator’s 3.6L V6 engine returns up to 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the Raptor’s 3.5L EcoBoost V6 gets 15 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.

2. Does the Jeep Gladiator have removable doors and roof?

  • Yes, the Jeep Gladiator offers removable doors and a removable hardtop roof, providing an open-air driving experience.

3. Which vehicle has a higher towing capacity?

  • The Ford F-150 Raptor has a higher towing capacity than the Jeep Gladiator. The Raptor can tow up to 8,200 pounds, while the Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 pounds.

Mike Sullivan

Mike has spent over 15 years working in the automotive industry and is a lifelong Ford truck guy. He currently drives a 2018 Ford F-150 Lariat that he enjoys customizing on the weekends. As editor of wheelsgeeks.com, Mike focuses on sharing his passion for Blue Oval vehicles through reviews, how-to guides and industry news updates. When he's not writing about Ford, you can find Mike cheering on his favorite NFL team at the local pub on game days.
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