2025 Ram 3500 vs 2026 Jeep Gladiator

$46,570 · Truck

$38,830 · Truck

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical disparity between the 2025 Ram 3500 and the 2026 Jeep Gladiator lies in fuel economy, with the Gladiator achieving a combined 19 MPG compared to the Ram’s significantly lower efficiency (implied to be lower due to the large power/size difference, although not explicitly stated for the Ram). Power output shows a substantial 120 hp advantage for the Ram (405 hp vs. 285 hp) and a massive 169 lb-ft torque advantage (429 lb-ft vs. 260 lb-ft), confirming the Ram as the superior towing/hauling platform. The difference in entry pricing is $7,740, with the Gladiator starting at $38,830 versus the Ram's $46,570 MSRP. Dimensionally, the Ram 3500 is 14 inches longer (232.0 inches vs. 218.0 inches) and 5.6 inches wider, reflecting its heavier-duty design focus. While both use an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, the Ram's robust powertrain specifications suggest a different use case entirely from the more nimble Gladiator.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Jeep Gladiator

The 2026 Jeep Gladiator offers significantly better fuel economy at 19 combined MPG, which is crucial for daily driving costs.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Jeep Gladiator

The Gladiator's smaller footprint (218.0 inches long) makes it easier to maneuver and park compared to the massive 232.0-inch Ram 3500.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Ram 3500

The 2025 Ram 3500 delivers 405 hp and 429 lb-ft of torque, vastly outperforming the Gladiator's 285 hp and 260 lb-ft for performance driving.

💰 Best Value

2026 Jeep Gladiator

The 2026 Jeep Gladiator has a notably lower starting MSRP of $38,830, providing a $7,740 cost advantage over the Ram 3500.

Choose the Ram 3500 if...

The highest available torque output of 429 lb-ft is required for heavy-duty tasks.
A full-size, long-bed truck architecture providing 232.0 inches of length is preferred.
The greater standard power output of 405 hp is necessary, irrespective of lower fuel efficiency.

Choose the Jeep Gladiator if...

Maintaining a lower upfront cost, evidenced by the $38,830 MSRP, is a primary concern.
Better urban usability is sought through smaller dimensions (73.8 inches wide vs. 79.4 inches).
Fuel economy is a priority, given the 19 combined MPG rating against the Ram's likely lower rating.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ram 3500	Jeep Gladiator
Length	232.0"	218.0"
Width	79.4"	73.8"
Height	77.8"	75.0"
Wheelbase	140.0"	137.3"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ram	Jeep
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	—
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
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 Fog Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Front Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	—	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	—	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	—	✓
Rear Headrests	—	3
Rear Folding Headrests	—	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ram	Jeep
Base Engine Displacement	6.4 L	3.6 L
Number of Cylinders	V8	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	405 hp @ 5600 rpm	285 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	429 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm	260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Overhead valves (OHV)	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
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—
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 Driving Range (City/Highway)	0/0 mi.	374.0/484.0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	32.0 gal.	22.0 gal.
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	—	17/22 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	—	19 MPG

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ram	Jeep
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt Steering Wheel	✓	—
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Cruise Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Passenger Vanity Mirror	✓	—
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	—	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	—	✓
Rear Cupholders	—	✓
Rear Door Pockets	—	✓
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	4	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
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
One-Touch Power Windows	—	2
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ram	Jeep
Front Head Room	39.8 in.	42.8 in.
Front Leg Room	40.9 in.	41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room	65.9 in.	55.7 in.
Front Hip Room	62.9 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	—	42.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	—	38.3 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	—	55.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	—	55.9 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ram	Jeep
Wheel Finish	Painted Steel	Painted Steel
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	LT275/70R18	245/75R17
Spare Tire Type	Full Size Non-Matching	Full Size Non-Matching
Spare Tire Location	Underbody Mounted	Underbody Mounted

Suspension

Feature	Ram	Jeep
Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
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 3500 and 2026 Jeep Gladiator.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 Ram 3500 and the 2026 Jeep Gladiator?

The Ram 3500 is built for sheer power, boasting 405 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque. The Gladiator prioritizes efficiency and size, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.

How much more affordable is the 2026 Jeep Gladiator compared to the 2025 Ram 3500?

The Gladiator presents a significant entry-level cost benefit, with an MSRP of $38,830 compared to the Ram 3500's $46,570, resulting in a $7,740 price gap.

Which truck is dimensionally larger for external maneuvering and parking?

The Ram 3500 is considerably larger, measuring 232.0 inches in length and 79.4 inches in width. The Gladiator is more compact at 218.0 inches long and 73.8 inches wide.

Are there any differences in drivetrain configuration between these two trucks?

Yes, the base 2025 Ram 3500 utilizes Rear Wheel Drive, whereas the 2026 Jeep Gladiator comes standard with Four Wheel Drive, affecting off-road capability.

How significant is the MPG advantage of the Gladiator in daily commuting?

The Jeep Gladiator achieves 19 combined MPG (17 city/22 highway), which represents a substantial advantage over the Ram 3500, given the latter's heavy-duty engine architecture and larger size.

Do both vehicles utilize the same type of transmission?

Both the 2025 Ram 3500 and the 2026 Jeep Gladiator are equipped with an 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission, suggesting similar gear engagement mechanisms.