2025 Ram 1500 vs 2026 Jeep Gladiator
Comparison Overview
The 2025 Ram 1500 arrives with a spirited 305 hp powertrain offering a respectable 22 combined MPG, presenting a compelling option for those prioritizing highway efficiency and refined road manners. Conversely, the 2026 Jeep Gladiator immediately captivates the adventurous soul with standard four-wheel drive, perfectly complementing its rugged, off-road stance, despite achieving a slightly lower 19 combined MPG. The Ram boasts superior power output, generating 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, potentially offering quicker acceleration on pavement compared to the Gladiator's 285 hp. While the Ram is the larger machine at 228.9 inches long, the Gladiator undercuts it significantly in starting price, beginning at $38,830 versus the Ram’s $40,275 MSRP. These key differences define the choice: pavement-focused power versus trail-ready capability.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Ram 1500
The 2025 Ram 1500 offers better fuel economy at 22 combined MPG, which is more favorable for daily driving than the Gladiator's 19 combined MPG.
2025 Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is substantially longer at 228.9 inches, suggesting more overall cabin and/or bed volume which benefits family utility.
2026 Jeep Gladiator
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator’s standard four-wheel drive configuration is inherently more exciting for drivers focused on conquering diverse terrain.
2026 Jeep Gladiator
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator holds the advantage with a lower starting MSRP of $38,830 compared to the Ram 1500's $40,275.
Choose the Ram 1500 if...
- You prioritize smoother highway performance supported by 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque.
- Fuel economy is important, as the Ram achieves 25 Highway MPG versus the Gladiator's 22 Highway MPG.
- You need the imposing size and presence of the longer vehicle, measuring 228.9 inches in length.
Choose the Jeep Gladiator if...
- You require standard four-wheel drive capability right out of the box for off-pavement use.
- You are seeking a lower entry price point, with the Gladiator starting at $38,830.
- You prefer a slightly narrower vehicle footprint (73.8 inches wide) for navigating tighter trails or urban spaces.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Ram 1500 | Jeep Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 228.9" | 218.0" |
| Width | 82.1" | 73.8" |
| Height | 77.6" | 75.0" |
| Wheelbase | 140.5" | 137.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Ram | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Solid Disc Brakes | ✓ | — |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | — |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Headlight Delay-Off | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 3 | 2 |
| Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | 3 |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Front Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Ram | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.6 L | 3.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | V6 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | mild hybrid | gas |
| Horsepower | 305 hp @ 6400 rpm | 285 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 269 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
Drive Train
| Feature | Ram | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | — | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Manual Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
Fuel
| Feature | Ram | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/25 MPG | 17/22 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 22 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 0/0 mi. | 374.0/484.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | — | 22.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Ram | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | — |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Vanity Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Power Steering | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Ram | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.4 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 6 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | — | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | — | 6 months |
Power Feature
| Feature | Ram | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 2 | 2 |
| Remote Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | Ram | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.9 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 40.9 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 66.0 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 63.4 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Vinyl | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: 40-20-40 Split Bench | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 6-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 4-way | 4-way |
| Seat Material: Cloth | — | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | — | Manual |
Rearseats
| Feature | Ram | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 39.2 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.6 in. | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 65.7 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | 63.4 in. | 55.9 in. |
| Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Ram | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Steel | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | 18 x 7.5 in | 17 x 7.5 in |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | 275/65R18 | 245/75R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Temporary | Full Size Non-Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
Suspension
| Feature | Ram | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Ram | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ram 1500 and 2026 Jeep Gladiator.
Which truck offers better performance for acceleration between the 2025 Ram 1500 and 2026 Jeep Gladiator?
The 2025 Ram 1500 technically offers superior pavement performance with 305 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the Gladiator's 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. This extra 20 hp output suggests the Ram will accelerate more quickly when driven on paved roads.
How does the fuel economy compare for city driving in these two trucks?
The 2025 Ram 1500 is more efficient for city commuting, delivering an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city. The 2026 Jeep Gladiator trails slightly behind with an estimated 17 MPG in city conditions, making the Ram the thirstier option for stop-and-go traffic.
Is there a significant difference in price between the base models?
Yes, there is a noticeable gap in the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. The 2026 Jeep Gladiator starts at $38,830, making it more budget-friendly than the 2025 Ram 1500, which begins at $40,275.
What does the standard 4WD on the Gladiator mean for Ram owners?
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator comes standard with four-wheel drive, indicating it is immediately ready for low-traction or off-road scenarios. Conversely, the 2025 Ram 1500 comes standard with rear-wheel drive, meaning 4WD capability might require a higher trim level or optional package.
If I need maximum interior or cargo space, which truck is physically larger?
The 2025 Ram 1500 is the larger vehicle overall, measuring 228.9 inches in length and 82.1 inches in width. The Gladiator is slightly smaller, measuring 218.0 inches long and 73.8 inches wide, which could translate to a difference in overall passenger or bed space.
Do both trucks use the same type of fuel and transmission?
Both the 2025 Ram 1500 and the 2026 Jeep Gladiator utilize regular unleaded fuel. Furthermore, both trucks are equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission across these base configurations.
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