What is the towing capacity of a Jeep Gladiator V6?

Equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and Max Tow Package, the Jeep Gladiator achieves a class-leading maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs.

Jeep Gladiator vs. Ford Ranger: Pickup Truck Comparison

When searching for a midsize pickup truck in East Tennessee, drivers face a crowded market of hard-working options. Whether you are hauling supplies along West Morris Boulevard in Morristown, commuting down US-11E from Jefferson City, towing a boat to Cherokee Lake, or hitting off-road trails in the Great Smoky Mountains, having a truck that balances daily practicality with genuine capability is essential. Two of the most popular contenders in this segment are the Jeep Gladiator and the Ford Ranger.

While the Ford Ranger operates as a traditional, highway-composed midsize truck, the Jeep Gladiator stands alone in the automotive industry. As the only convertible pickup truck on the market—featuring removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and open-air freedom—the Gladiator combines standard 4x4 capability, heavy-duty Dana 44 solid axles, exceptional towing power, and generous rear-seat passenger space. In this comprehensive comparison, we evaluate side-by-side specifications, bed utility, interior dimensions, fuel economy and range, off-road clearance, towing limits, trim level highlights, 10 frequently asked questions, and local dealership inventory.

Expanded Head-to-Head Specifications Comparison Table

Compare core dimensions, bed utility, passenger room, fuel capacities, ground clearance, engine specs, and maximum towing capacities between the Jeep Gladiator and Ford Ranger at a glance:

Feature / Specification	Jeep Gladiator	Ford Ranger
Base Engine & Horsepower	3.6L Pentastar V6 (285 hp / 260 lb-ft)	2.3L EcoBoost Turbo 4-Cyl (270 hp / 310 lb-ft)
Standard Drivetrain	Standard 4WD (Command-Trac or Rock-Trac 4x4)	Standard 2WD (4WD optional)
Transmission Options	8-Speed Automatic or 6-Speed Manual	10-Speed Automatic strictly
Maximum Towing Capacity	Up to 7,700 lbs. (Max Tow Package)	Up to 7,500 lbs. (Class IV Tow Package)
Maximum Payload Allowance	Up to 1,725 lbs.	Up to 1,805 lbs.
Maximum Ground Clearance	Up to 11.6 inches (Rubicon / Mojave trims)	Up to 10.7 inches (Raptor trim) / 8.8 in. (Standard)
Bed Length & Width Between Wells	60.3 in. Length / 44.8 in. Width between wells	59.6 in. Length / 48.2 in. Width between wells
Fuel Tank Capacity & Highway Range	22.0 Gallons (Up to 484 Miles Range)	18.0 Gallons (Up to 450 Miles Range)
EPA Fuel Economy (Standard 4WD)	17 City / 22 Highway (19 MPG Combined)	20 City / 24 Highway (22 MPG Combined)
Rear Legroom (2nd Row Passenger Space)	38.3 inches (Generous adult seating space)	34.6 inches (Tight rear cabin layout)
Infotainment Touchscreen	Standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 Screen	Standard 10.0-inch SYNC Screen
Front & Rear Axle Hardware	Solid Heavy-Duty Dana 44 Axles (Front & Rear)	Independent Front Suspension / Solid Rear Axle
Open-Air Convertible Design	Yes (Removable doors, soft/hard top, fold windshield)	No (Standard enclosed steel cab)

Specifications represent maximum equipped ratings. Explore our inventory of quality pre-owned trucks in Morristown, TN and browse reliable used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Jefferson City.

Interior Dimensions: Rear Seat Legroom and Passenger Comfort

When transporting family, work crews, or friends through Hamblen and Jefferson counties, passenger comfort becomes a priority. The structural differences between the two trucks create distinct cabin experiences:

Jeep Gladiator Rear Legroom Advantage: Thanks to its extended 137.3-inch wheelbase, the Gladiator offers an impressive 38.3 inches of second-row legroom. Adults can sit comfortably in the back row without their knees pressing against the front seats, making long road trips to Knoxville or the Smoky Mountains effortless.
Ford Ranger Rear Legroom Limits: The Ford Ranger features a traditional midsize crew cab layout with 34.6 inches of second-row legroom. While suitable for children or short trips around town, adult passengers will find the rear seat significantly tighter during extended drives.
In-Cabin Storage Solutions: The Gladiator includes lockable, under-seat rear storage bins that allow you to lock away tools, fishing gear, or valuables when parking with the doors or roof off.

Fuel Economy, Fuel Tank Capacity, and Driving Range

Evaluating fuel efficiency alongside total cruising range helps set expectations for daily commutes and weekend road trips:

EPA Mileage Estimates: The Ford Ranger's turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder earns an EPA-estimated 20 MPG City / 24 MPG Highway in 4WD setup. The Jeep Gladiator's naturally aspirated 3.6L Pentastar V6 achieves an EPA-estimated 17 MPG City / 22 MPG Highway. While the Ranger holds an efficiency edge in stop-and-go city driving, the Gladiator's naturally aspirated V6 delivers consistent, linear power delivery when towing heavy loads up steep mountain inclines.
Fuel Tank Capacity Advantage: The Jeep Gladiator comes equipped with a large 22.0-gallon fuel tank compared to the Ford Ranger's smaller 18.0-gallon tank. This extra 4.0 gallons of fuel capacity allows the Gladiator to travel nearly 484 highway miles on a single fill-up, reducing the frequency of gas station stops on long trips down I-81 or I-40.

Jeep Gladiator Trim Levels: Finding Your Ideal Configuration

The Jeep Gladiator lineup offers specialized trim levels engineered for different lifestyle demands, from daily commuting to high-speed desert running and extreme rock crawling:

1. Gladiator Sport & Sport S

The gateway to Gladiator ownership. Equipped with the reliable 3.6L Pentastar V6, Command-Trac part-time 4x4, heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, and a standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen display. Ideal for budget-conscious buyers who want genuine 4x4 truck utility without paying for unnecessary extras.

2. Gladiator Willys

Adds aggressive off-road style and enhanced trail hardware, including 32-inch mud-terrain tires, a rear Trac-Lok anti-spin differential, rock rails, and blacked-out exterior accents. Perfect for exploring dirt roads and trails around Panther Creek State Park.

3. Gladiator Rubicon & Rubicon X

The legendary off-road benchmark. Features the Rock-Trac 4:1 low-range 4x4 system, front and rear Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials, electronic front sway-bar disconnect, 33-inch all-terrain tires, high-clearance fender flares, and steel bumpers. Built to tackle demanding rock crawling trails across East Tennessee.

4. Gladiator Mojave & Mojave X

The industry's first Desert Rated vehicle. Engineered for high-speed off-road terrain, featuring FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs, FOX front hydraulic jounce bumpers, a 1-inch factory front suspension lift, and a reinforced frame.

Off-Road Hardware: Dana 44 Solid Axles vs. Independent Front Suspension

When navigating unpaved mountain roads, mud, and steep inclines across East Tennessee, suspension architecture makes all the difference:

Heavy-Duty Solid Dana 44 Axles: Unlike the Ford Ranger, which uses an independent front suspension tuned for soft street driving, the Jeep Gladiator features heavy-duty Dana 44 solid axles at both the front and rear. Solid axles articulate significantly better over large boulders and uneven ruts, keeping tires planted on the ground for maximum traction.
Electronic Sway-Bar Disconnect: On Gladiator Rubicon models, drivers can electronically disconnect the front sway bar with the press of a dashboard button, increasing front wheel articulation by up to 30%.
Water Fording & Ground Clearance: With up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance and high-mounted air intakes, the Gladiator can cross standing water up to 31.5 inches deep, giving you total peace of mind near local rivers and Cherokee Lake. Read our detailed guide on whether you need 4WD or AWD in East Tennessee.

Towing & Hauling: Heavy Capability for Cherokee Lake & Job Sites

A midsize pickup truck must earn its keep when pulling trailers or hauling heavy supplies:

7,700-Lbs. Maximum Towing Capacity: When equipped with the available Max Tow Package (featuring a 4.10 rear axle ratio, heavy-duty engine cooling, and a 240-amp alternator), the Gladiator pulls up to 7,700 lbs. This outperforms the Ford Ranger’s 7,500-lb. rating, allowing you to tow travel trailers, ski boats, or farm equipment with ease. Read our guide to the best vehicles on the market for towing.
5-Foot Steel Bed Features: The Gladiator's 60.3-inch steel bed features an integrated three-position tailgate, available 115-volt bed power outlet, LED bed lighting, and an under-rail tie-down system to secure cargo along I-40 or US-11E.

Interior Technology & Wash-Out Cabin Durability

Inside the cabin, the Jeep Gladiator blends modern digital connectivity with rugged interior durability built for active outdoor lifestyles:

Standard 12.3-Inch Uconnect 5 Screen: The Gladiator features a massive 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, vastly outclassing smaller standard displays found in competitor trucks.
Wash-Out Interior with Removable Carpets: Designed for life outdoors, the Gladiator features floor drain plugs and removable carpet. After a muddy day on the trail or at the lake, you can pull the plugs and hose out the floorboards without damaging interior electronics.

The Convertible Truck Factor: Unmatched Open-Air Freedom

The single biggest advantage the Jeep Gladiator holds over the Ford Ranger and every other pickup truck on the market is its open-air design:

Removable Doors: Lightweight aluminum doors can be removed in minutes using standard tools included in the glove box tool kit.
Fold-Down Windshield: Lowering four bolts allows the front windshield to fold flat onto the hood for a completely open driving experience.
Multiple Roof Options: Choose between a Sunrider soft top, a three-piece Freedom Top hardtop, or a body-color hardtop. Enjoy sunny spring and summer drives through the Smoky Mountains like no other truck permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the Jeep Gladiator longer than the Ford Ranger?
A: Yes. The Jeep Gladiator has an overall length of 218.0 inches with a 137.3-inch wheelbase, making it slightly longer than the Ford Ranger (210.6 inches length). This extended wheelbase provides exceptional highway tracking, smoother ride control, and extra rear passenger legroom.

2. Which truck can tow more weight, the Gladiator or the Ranger?
A: The Jeep Gladiator holds the edge with a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 lbs. (when equipped with the Max Tow Package) compared to the Ford Ranger's 7,500-lb. maximum towing capacity.

3. Does the Jeep Gladiator come standard with 4x4?
A: Yes! Every Jeep Gladiator model comes standard with a proven four-wheel-drive system (Command-Trac or Rock-Trac 4x4), whereas the Ford Ranger comes standard with rear-wheel drive (4x2) with 4x4 as an optional add-on.

4. Can you take the doors and roof off a Jeep Gladiator?
A: Absolutely! The Gladiator is the only midsize pickup truck on the market featuring removable doors, a removable hardtop or soft top, and a fold-down windshield.

5. Is the 3.6L Pentastar V6 in the Gladiator reliable over time?
A: Yes. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine is widely recognized for long-term mechanical dependability and simple maintenance. Learn more about evaluating expected vehicle mileage and engine lifespan.

6. Does the Jeep Gladiator fit comfortably in a standard residential garage?
A: Yes. With a total width of 73.8 inches and height around 73.1 inches, the Gladiator fits inside standard residential garages in Morristown and Jefferson City.

7. How does the Gladiator handle winter snow and mountain driving in East Tennessee?
A: Exceptional. Standard 4WD, heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, high ground clearance, and available locking differentials allow the Gladiator to easily navigate winter slush, ice, and steep mountain driveways.

8. What is the fuel economy and driving range for a Jeep Gladiator V6?
A: The Gladiator achieves an EPA-estimated 17 MPG City / 22 MPG Highway. Coupled with its 22.0-gallon fuel tank, it delivers up to 484 miles of highway range on a single tank.

9. Can I trade in my current truck or car toward a new or used Gladiator?
A: Yes! Farris Motor Company accepts all vehicle trades. Get an instant appraisal for your current vehicle using our online trade-in appraisal tool.

10. How can I finance a Jeep Gladiator if I am establishing or rebuilding credit?
A: We work with over 30 regional and national lenders to provide flexible financing options for buyers with all credit backgrounds. Apply online via our secure confidential finance application. Read our guide on financing options for first-time buyers.

Test Drive the Jeep Gladiator at Farris Motor Company

While the Ford Ranger is a solid conventional truck, the Jeep Gladiator’s unmatched combination of standard 4x4, solid Dana 44 axles, 7,700-lb. towing capacity, generous rear legroom, and convertible open-air freedom makes it the ultimate pickup truck for life in Morristown and Jefferson City, TN.

Visit our showrooms on West Morris Boulevard in Morristown or East Broadway Boulevard in Jefferson City today: