Honda Ridgeline Vs Jeep Gladiator: Which One Is The Best Off-road Truck?

What To Know

  • The Gladiator’s engines are mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it has a maximum towing capacity of 7,650 pounds.
  • It features a solid front axle, a Dana 44 rear axle, and a Rock-Trac 4×4 system with a low-range transfer case.
  • The Ridgeline gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the Gladiator gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

When it comes to midsize pickup trucks, two of the most popular choices are the Honda Ridgeline and the Jeep Gladiator. Both vehicles offer unique features and capabilities, making them appealing to different types of drivers. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll put the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator head-to-head to determine which one comes out on top.

Engine and Performance:

The Honda Ridgeline boasts a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and is capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds. On the other hand, the Jeep Gladiator offers a variety of engine options, including a 3.6-liter V6 that generates 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 that produces 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.4-liter V8 that delivers 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The Gladiator’s engines are mated to either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, and it has a maximum towing capacity of 7,650 pounds.

Off-Road Capabilities:

The Jeep Gladiator is renowned for its exceptional off-road capabilities. It features a solid front axle, a Dana 44 rear axle, and a Rock-Trac 4×4 system with a low-range transfer case. The Gladiator also has a ground clearance of 11.1 inches, approach and departure angles of 43.6 and 26 degrees, respectively, and a breakover angle of 20.3 degrees. In contrast, the Honda Ridgeline is more suited for on-road driving, with a fully independent suspension, a ground clearance of 8.6 inches, and approach and departure angles of 24.4 and 21.2 degrees, respectively.

Interior and Features:

The Honda Ridgeline offers a spacious and comfortable interior with seating for up to five passengers. It comes standard with features such as a 5-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. The Gladiator’s interior is more rugged and utilitarian, with seating for up to five passengers. It comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen display, a rearview camera, and Bluetooth connectivity. Both vehicles offer a variety of available features, including leather upholstery, heated seats, and a premium audio system.

Safety and Reliability:

The Honda Ridgeline has received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It comes standard with a suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. The Jeep Gladiator has also received good safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS. It comes standard with a similar suite of safety features, including airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control. Both vehicles offer a variety of available safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Price and Warranty:

The Honda Ridgeline starts at $36,490, while the Jeep Gladiator starts at $33,545. Both vehicles offer a variety of trim levels and options, which can affect the final price. The Honda Ridgeline comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The Jeep Gladiator comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Verdict:

The Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator are both excellent midsize pickup trucks with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Ridgeline offers a more comfortable ride, better fuel economy, and a more spacious interior. The Gladiator, on the other hand, has superior off-road capabilities, a more powerful engine lineup, and a higher towing capacity. Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts:

Whether you’re looking for a versatile pickup truck for everyday use or a capable off-roader for your next adventure, the Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator are both worthy contenders. Test drive both vehicles to see which one is the right fit for you.

1. Which vehicle has better fuel economy?

The Honda Ridgeline has better fuel economy than the Jeep Gladiator. The Ridgeline gets an EPA-estimated 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, while the Gladiator gets an EPA-estimated 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.

2. Which vehicle has more cargo space?

The Honda Ridgeline has more cargo space than the Jeep Gladiator. The Ridgeline offers 50.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats, while the Gladiator offers 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats.

3. Which vehicle has a better warranty?

The Honda Ridgeline and Jeep Gladiator both come with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.