Honda
Ridgeline
Jeep
Gladiator
Honda Ridgeline vs Jeep Gladiator: 2024 Comparison
The short answer
The Honda Ridgeline offers fuel economy, while the Jeep Gladiator excels at power instead. Choose the Honda Ridgeline if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Jeep Gladiator if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Ridgeline
Overall
Mixed to positive sentiment overall. The Ridgeline is consistently praised for its superior ride quality, handling, and daily driving comfort, attributed to its unibody construction and independent rear suspension which make it feel more like a car or SUV than a traditional truck. The V6 engine is appreciated for its smooth, naturally aspirated power delivery and VTEC character.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a definitive "best" trim. Feedback indicates frustration with Honda's packaging, where desirable features (e.g., premium audio) are locked behind top trims like the Black Edition, which may not offer a Bose system.
Known issues
- ⚠Transmission problems (2017-2019 6-speed): rough shifting, clunking, requiring premature fluid changes or flushes as early as 35,000 miles, significant reliability concerns. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Poor driver-assist system implementation: auto high beams described as "unusable" (cycling on/off erratically), radar cruise control described as "jerky" in traffic, lane-keeping assist ineffective on back roads. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Transmission behavior (9-speed): described as "lazy" or unrefined with paddle shifters, can get warm under heavy load. Frequency: recurrent.
Gladiator
Overall
Mixed sentiment with a clear divide. The vehicle is celebrated by a dedicated enthusiast base for its unique open-air capability, unmatched off-road prowess, extensive aftermarket support, and the fun factor of a convertible truck. Owners who prioritize these attributes and accept the trade-offs report high satisfaction.
Best version to buy
The Mojave trim is specifically praised for its superior suspension and ride quality, making it a recommended choice for overlanding and general use. The Rubicon trim is acknowledged for its ultimate off-road capability with front and rear lockers.
Known issues
- ⚠Electrical system failures: very frequent reports of primary/auxiliary battery failures, wiring harness problems, fuse blowouts, and general CAN bus system faults causing cascading issues like power steering failure.
- ⚠Engine valvetrain/camshaft issues: recurrent mentions of problems with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, particularly lifter and camshaft failures, often occurring between 30,000-70,000 miles. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Poor on-road ride and handling: very frequent criticism for a rough, bouncy ride on pavement, excessive wind and road noise, vibrations at highway speeds (noted around 80-85 mph / 129-137 km/h), and vague steering.
The verdict
The Honda Ridgeline is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Jeep Gladiator, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Jeep Gladiator is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Honda Ridgeline or the Jeep Gladiator?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Honda Ridgeline and the Jeep Gladiator. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Honda Ridgeline or the Jeep Gladiator?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Honda Ridgeline or the Jeep Gladiator?
The Honda Ridgeline is more fuel-efficient on paper: 11.5 L/100km combined versus 12.4 L/100km for the Jeep Gladiator, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Honda Ridgeline or the Jeep Gladiator?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.