Comparing Gladiator to Current Truck (F150) - Didn't Fall in Love Like I Wanted To

[SCJeeps]

So I went to my local dealership to check out a Gladiator that they had on the lot, Firecracker Red Overland. The Jeep was fantastic and my wife even gave me the go-ahead if I wanted to buy it and liked the interior. However, I just didn't feel good enough to move forward.

Here are my issues:
Towing Capacity -> I currently tow my 21' boat with my 2015 F150 5.0 without issue. I estimate that boat + trailer is ~5000 lbs. I take long trips to the coast or to other lakes and pulling the trailer I get 14mpg at 70 mph. It has plenty of power, smooth, tons of cargo space, etc. I just can't bring myself to think that the V6 with at least 100 less horse power and more than 100 less torque is going to perform that well doing the same task.

Bed Volume -> We use my current truck as our family vehicle for travel quite often. It has a tonneau cover and it can haul quite a bit. The bed size of the Gladiator looks small and is small. I pulled some specs on bed volume. F150 5.5' bed = 52.8 cubic feed. Gladiator bed = 35.5 cubic feet. In fact I was curious because we used to have a JKUR and the cargo space in an Unlimited is ~ 30-31 cubic feet. This would be a hit to stuff I can carry, not to mention the decrease in payload capacity. It seems at holiday time every year that the back of the truck ends up getting filled hauling stuff to all our families in other states, I don't know how this would work in the Gladiator.

Interior Space-> This is known but it is much smaller than my F150. This is probably the least of my worries however, I love the huge flat floor space in my F150 with the seats are folded up. Often I find myself hauling stuff inside the cab with the seats folded up, you just slide the large box in across the floor.

I was hoping that getting to sit in the Gladiator and check it out would push me over the edge, but it just hasn't done it. I really love the concept and still want one but just don't think it makes sense for me.

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[bangolia]

So I went to my local dealership to check out a Gladiator that they had on the lot, Firecracker Red Overland. The Jeep was fantastic and my wife even gave me the go-ahead if I wanted to buy it and liked the interior. However, I just didn't feel good enough to move forward.

Here are my issues:
Towing Capacity -> I currently tow my 21' boat with my 2015 F150 5.0 without issue. I estimate that boat + trailer is ~5000 lbs. I take long trips to the coast or to other lakes and pulling the trailer I get 14mpg at 70 mph. It has plenty of power, smooth, tons of cargo space, etc. I just can't bring myself to think that the V6 with at least 100 less horse power and more than 100 less torque is going to perform that well doing the same task.

Bed Volume -> We use my current truck as our family vehicle for travel quite often. It has a tonneau cover and it can haul quite a bit. The bed size of the Gladiator looks small and is small. I pulled some specs on bed volume. F150 5.5' bed = 52.8 cubic feed. Gladiator bed = 35.5 cubic feet. In fact I was curious because we used to have a JKUR and the cargo space in an Unlimited is ~ 30-31 cubic feet. This would be a hit to stuff I can carry, not to mention the decrease in payload capacity. It seems at holiday time every year that the back of the truck ends up getting filled hauling stuff to all our families in other states, I don't know how this would work in the Gladiator.

Interior Space-> This is known but it is much smaller than my F150. This is probably the least of my worries however, I love the huge flat floor space in my F150 with the seats are folded up. Often I find myself hauling stuff inside the cab with the seats folded up, you just slide the large box in across the floor.

I was hoping that getting to sit in the Gladiator and check it out would push me over the edge, but it just hasn't done it. I really love the concept and still want one but just don't think it makes sense for me.

Seems like you are not in the market for a midsized truck. You can’t compare an f150 to a gladiator.

 

[Fcmalie]

If you are worried about towing numbers I would wait for the diesel, yes the max is lower, but it will handle the weight better.

The size issues can only be fixed with a
rack more than likely, that's just the way it is on midsize compared to full.

Cabin space wise nothing can match doors and top off on a Jeep.

 

[NORDNDED]

So I went to my local dealership to check out a Gladiator that they had on the lot, Firecracker Red Overland. The Jeep was fantastic and my wife even gave me the go-ahead if I wanted to buy it and liked the interior. However, I just didn't feel good enough to move forward.

Here are my issues:
Towing Capacity -> I currently tow my 21' boat with my 2015 F150 5.0 without issue. I estimate that boat + trailer is ~5000 lbs. I take long trips to the coast or to other lakes and pulling the trailer I get 14mpg at 70 mph. It has plenty of power, smooth, tons of cargo space, etc. I just can't bring myself to think that the V6 with at least 100 less horse power and more than 100 less torque is going to perform that well doing the same task.

Bed Volume -> We use my current truck as our family vehicle for travel quite often. It has a tonneau cover and it can haul quite a bit. The bed size of the Gladiator looks small and is small. I pulled some specs on bed volume. F150 5.5' bed = 52.8 cubic feed. Gladiator bed = 35.5 cubic feet. In fact I was curious because we used to have a JKUR and the cargo space in an Unlimited is ~ 30-31 cubic feet. This would be a hit to stuff I can carry, not to mention the decrease in payload capacity. It seems at holiday time every year that the back of the truck ends up getting filled hauling stuff to all our families in other states, I don't know how this would work in the Gladiator.

Interior Space-> This is known but it is much smaller than my F150. This is probably the least of my worries however, I love the huge flat floor space in my F150 with the seats are folded up. Often I find myself hauling stuff inside the cab with the seats folded up, you just slide the large box in across the floor.

I was hoping that getting to sit in the Gladiator and check it out would push me over the edge, but it just hasn't done it. I really love the concept and still want one but just don't think it makes sense for me.

I have a 15 F150 Lariat CC 4x4 too so I know what you mean, they are two trucks in a different class. The ride, drive and overall comfort is incomparable between the two but in the AM when I walk outside to leave, I'm always drawn to my JKUR vs the F150. If you're a Jeep person then you get it, it doesn't matter what else you have to compare to it, the Jeep wins every time. I'm even lucky enough that my wife gets it too, she traded her loaded QX80 for a JKURHR with no regrets...

 

[Casique]

OP I'm in the same boat. An F-150 Platinum is about the same or less than a loaded Rubi or Overland. I go back and forth, no need to tow with me, but that beautiful awesome Jeep pulls me hard. Owning a Jeep has been on my bucket list for over 30 years. I'm buying an Overland or F-150 come this December...

 

[Sgt Beavis]

I'm in agreement with many others. If you're going to tow, wait for the diesel. You said you're going cross country. TFLTruck said that the V6 isn't up to the task when towing 4000lbs at high altitudes. The fuel economy also dropped to 8mpg (I think it was 8).

I'm right there with you on bed volume. You'll have to decide if you can live with it.

 

[Moab]

I’m must admit early on had this same scenario playing out in my head.
However I don’t tow too often. Hauling is another story. Part of me misses my Grandpa’s old Ford 100 that was sold (back in ‘76) before I could have a say in trying to purchase, ha I was 12! Lot of great memories. The style reminds me of those old workhorse trucks. So it’s a bit of nostalgia for me, but with modern conveniences. So I’m going to have to learn how to arrange whatever the cargo is appropriately.
The dimensions aren’t that far off that old Ford. Good luck in your decisions.
Gladiator will be in my driveway by end of this summer.

 

[drogers]

So I went to my local dealership to check out a Gladiator that they had on the lot, Firecracker Red Overland. The Jeep was fantastic and my wife even gave me the go-ahead if I wanted to buy it and liked the interior. However, I just didn't feel good enough to move forward.

Here are my issues:
Towing Capacity -> I currently tow my 21' boat with my 2015 F150 5.0 without issue. I estimate that boat + trailer is ~5000 lbs. I take long trips to the coast or to other lakes and pulling the trailer I get 14mpg at 70 mph. It has plenty of power, smooth, tons of cargo space, etc. I just can't bring myself to think that the V6 with at least 100 less horse power and more than 100 less torque is going to perform that well doing the same task.

Bed Volume -> We use my current truck as our family vehicle for travel quite often. It has a tonneau cover and it can haul quite a bit. The bed size of the Gladiator looks small and is small. I pulled some specs on bed volume. F150 5.5' bed = 52.8 cubic feed. Gladiator bed = 35.5 cubic feet. In fact I was curious because we used to have a JKUR and the cargo space in an Unlimited is ~ 30-31 cubic feet. This would be a hit to stuff I can carry, not to mention the decrease in payload capacity. It seems at holiday time every year that the back of the truck ends up getting filled hauling stuff to all our families in other states, I don't know how this would work in the Gladiator.

Interior Space-> This is known but it is much smaller than my F150. This is probably the least of my worries however, I love the huge flat floor space in my F150 with the seats are folded up. Often I find myself hauling stuff inside the cab with the seats folded up, you just slide the large box in across the floor.

I was hoping that getting to sit in the Gladiator and check it out would push me over the edge, but it just hasn't done it. I really love the concept and still want one but just don't think it makes sense for me.

Every single one of your concerns screams “i want/need a full size truck”, and really has nothing to do with the gladiator at all. It’d be like shopping for work boots vs flip-flops. I know I’d rather wear flip-flops every day but if my lifestyle dictates work boots, I’m at the Ariat store, not PacSun.

 

[Rex3rd]

As others have said I would keep the f150. Your never going to get that gas mileage the power or the truck bed space with the gladiator... maybe if the f150 is paid off get a sport s as a toy weekend getaway and call it a day

 

[5JeepsAz]

So I went to my local dealership to check out a Gladiator that they had on the lot, Firecracker Red Overland. The Jeep was fantastic and my wife even gave me the go-ahead if I wanted to buy it and liked the interior. However, I just didn't feel good enough to move forward.

Here are my issues:
Towing Capacity -> I currently tow my 21' boat with my 2015 F150 5.0 without issue. I estimate that boat + trailer is ~5000 lbs. I take long trips to the coast or to other lakes and pulling the trailer I get 14mpg at 70 mph. It has plenty of power, smooth, tons of cargo space, etc. I just can't bring myself to think that the V6 with at least 100 less horse power and more than 100 less torque is going to perform that well doing the same task.

Bed Volume -> We use my current truck as our family vehicle for travel quite often. It has a tonneau cover and it can haul quite a bit. The bed size of the Gladiator looks small and is small. I pulled some specs on bed volume. F150 5.5' bed = 52.8 cubic feed. Gladiator bed = 35.5 cubic feet. In fact I was curious because we used to have a JKUR and the cargo space in an Unlimited is ~ 30-31 cubic feet. This would be a hit to stuff I can carry, not to mention the decrease in payload capacity. It seems at holiday time every year that the back of the truck ends up getting filled hauling stuff to all our families in other states, I don't know how this would work in the Gladiator.

Interior Space-> This is known but it is much smaller than my F150. This is probably the least of my worries however, I love the huge flat floor space in my F150 with the seats are folded up. Often I find myself hauling stuff inside the cab with the seats folded up, you just slide the large box in across the floor.

I was hoping that getting to sit in the Gladiator and check it out would push me over the edge, but it just hasn't done it. I really love the concept and still want one but just don't think it makes sense for me.

Makes sense to me on the 100% truck part of the analysis.

And.

Your brand is not 100% Jeep. Offroading comparison? Freedom panels / top off wind in everyone's hair? Does yours have oh shit handles?

 

[Kredit]

I’m keeping my F150 king ranch, I ordered a white launch edition and selling my 2013 rubicon unlimited. They are two different vehicles just like I have two different size tractors on the ranch because they do different jobs. Good luck on your decision.

 

[biggdave92]

I watched my 17' f150 crew cab fx4 5.0 roll out of my driveway yesterday. loved the truck. was my 3rd f150. only way i can explain it is the f150 is the girl your parents want you to marry. the gladiator is the one you want to marry! after years of having a jeep and truck, i can now enjoy driving a jeep and having a truck. still gonna keep my 10A JKR for the trails.

 

[RIPLER]

You sound exactly like me, except I currently have a 2018 Nissan Titan Pro 4X crew cab. I tow my boat every Saturday and Sunday during the summer, I only tow about 15 miles each way. I used to tow with a Nissan Frontier 6 speed and it towed my boat without a problem, so I don't think towing with the Gladiator will be an issue. I'm not to worried about the bed size either, my issue is interior size as compared to my Titan. I drove a JT Rubicon and I was wanting it to make my buying decision easier but it didn't and the price is a huge factor. The dealer that I will likely buy from just got 3 in and I am going to go spend more time test driving and looking it over. I'm having a hard time justifying a 62K midsized truck, if I decide to buy it will more than likely be a Sport S and be under 50K. I've wanted a Jeep for a long time and will more than likely get one. The best scenario for me would be talking my wife into trading in her 2012 Pathfinder on a JLU, but she keeps her vehicles forever unlike me who changes vehicles about every 2 years.

 

[RedTRex]

I have a 15 F150 Lariat CC 4x4 too so I know what you mean, they are two trucks in a different class. The ride, drive and overall comfort is incomparable between the two but in the AM when I walk outside to leave, I'm always drawn to my JKUR vs the F150. If you're a Jeep person then you get it, it doesn't matter what else you have to compare to it, the Jeep wins every time. I'm even lucky enough that my wife gets it too, she traded her loaded QX80 for a JKURHR with no regrets...

You're right 2 diff classes, but more to the point, Jeep peeps don't care

 

[hoch]

Seems like an odd comparison. Jeep never marketed the Wrangler/Gladiator as a HD hauler or towing monster. It's a play toy/lifestyle truck. You can drive it around easier on a daily basis, do some Home Depot runs, and then go out and hit the trails on the weekends.

Looks like you've got what you need with the F150. They're great trucks. Maybe buy a RZR to tow to the trails.

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