2019 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2020 Jeep Gladiator

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 with the Midnight Edition option package was a striking truck, though its triple-black color scheme made it difficult to keep clean. The Colorado lineup offered a range of trims, from a basic extended cab with rear-wheel drive and a 4-cylinder engine starting at $22,395, to a fully loaded ZR2 crew cab with 4-wheel drive and the rugged Bison Package, costing over $52,000. My test vehicle, a 4WD Colorado Z71 crew cab, started at $37,000 and reached $41,765 with the Midnight Edition treatment and side-step running boards. The Colorado's design was clean and balanced, with functional styling changes in the rugged ZR2 version. Inside, the cabin emphasized practicality with basic materials and an organized control layout, though the plastic panels were prone to scuffing and scratching.

In contrast, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland in Firecracker Red turned heads everywhere it went. During a trip from Sacramento to Los Angeles, the Gladiator sparked conversations and drew attention from onlookers. The Gladiator's design was polarizing, with some people loving its unique look while others found it unattractive. The Gladiator lineup included four trims: Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon, all featuring a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox. Prices ranged from $33,545 for the base Sport to $43,545 for the Rubicon, with the Overland trim priced at $40,395. My test truck, equipped with nearly every upgrade, cost $52,920. The Gladiator's design was a blend of Wrangler elements and new features, with a high-strength steel 5-foot cargo bed and a frame that was 80% new. The Gladiator's cab was designed for rugged use, with optional slush mats and a focus on durability over refinement.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado offered three engine choices depending on the trim. The entry-level engine was a 200-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 191 pound-feet of torque. Most Colorados featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 308 horsepower and 275 pound-feet of torque. A 2.8-liter turbo-diesel 4-cylinder engine, available for LT, Z71, and ZR2 trims, delivered 181 horsepower and an impressive 369 pound-feet of torque. The maximum tow rating for the Colorado was 7,700 pounds with the turbo-diesel engine, while the V6 could handle up to 7,000 pounds. The Z71 trim came with off-road suspension tuning and Chevy’s Autotrac system, offering various drive modes. The V6 engine provided strong acceleration, though the throttle response was sluggish. The Z71 suspension made the ride bouncy on rough roads, but the truck handled well on twisty mountain roads.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator, powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, featured an 8-speed automatic transmission that provided smooth and speedy acceleration. The Gladiator could tow up to 5,000 pounds, though it labored a bit with heavy loads. Off-road, the Rubicon trim's Rock-Trac 4WD system and various off-road features made it nearly unstoppable. The Overland trim, with less aggressive tires, still performed well on rocky trails. The Gladiator's live-axle suspension and slow steering made it feel like a long Wrangler, with a rough ride on bad pavement. Fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, and I averaged 20.3 mpg on a highway-heavy trip. The Gladiator's convertible features, including removable doors and a fold-down windshield, added to its unique driving experience.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado's interior was designed with practicality in mind. The controls were easy to use, and there were plenty of storage spots. The front seats offered power adjustment for seat height and lumbar support, with durable leatherette upholstery and firm cushions. The rear bench seat was cramped, but Chevrolet provided cup holders, USB charging ports, and a power outlet. However, the lack of air conditioning vents in the back was noticeable on hot days. The Colorado's utility features included corner-step bumpers, an EZ Lift and Lower tailgate, a spray-in bed liner, and an overhead cargo light. The truck's maximum payload rating was 1,557 pounds, making it suitable for most utility needs.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's cargo bed was designed to hold 95% of motorcycle designs with the tailgate down. The maximum payload was 1,600 pounds, and the tailgate's step load rating was 1,800 pounds. The bed was shallow, but various cargo tie-downs and a middle mode for the tailgate made it versatile. The Gladiator Overland's interior featured heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and durable black cloth upholstery. The optional body-color hardtop had headliner panels for added insulation. The Gladiator's cab offered plenty of room, with high front seats and ample space for adults in the back. Storage bins and nets were available, and rear occupants had air vents and USB charging ports. The Gladiator's convertible features included a soft top and an optional hardtop, with various configurations for open-air driving.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado featured the new Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, which was user-friendly and similar to a smartphone. The system included a 7- or 8-inch display, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and voice recognition. Upgrades included a navigation system, a Bose premium sound system, and a wireless phone-charging pad. The most frustrating aspect was the tuning knob, which required multiple steps to change stations. However, the steering-wheel buttons provided a more convenient way to cycle through favorite stations.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered various technology features, including remote start, a passive entry system, and a removable Bluetooth speaker. The mid-level Uconnect 4 system included a 7-inch display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The top infotainment system, available in the Overland trim, featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an Alpine premium sound system. The system also included SiriusXM Guardian connected services with a one-year free trial. The Uconnect system was easy to use, with responsive inputs and large on-screen buttons. The Gladiator also had an Off-Road Pages system for real-time performance tracking, though it lacked a breadcrumb function for off-road navigation.

The 2019 Chevrolet Colorado had limited advanced safety technologies. Standard features included a reversing camera and a Teen Driver monitoring system. Crew cab versions also had a rear-seat reminder. The Colorado LT could be optioned with forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning systems. OnStar subscription services provided additional safety features. The Colorado received a 4-star overall rating in federal crash tests, with excellent side-impact protection and good frontal impact protection. However, its rollover resistance rating was only 3 stars, and it had poor ratings for headlights and child seat LATCH anchors from the IIHS.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered optional Active Safety and Advanced Safety Groups. The Active Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking-assist sensors, and LED taillights. The Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. My Gladiator Overland had both packages, and the adaptive cruise control was particularly useful on long drives. The Gladiator's crash protection was uncertain, as the redesigned Wrangler JL had not been tested, and the Gladiator's new frame might affect its performance. The lack of automatic emergency braking also impacted its safety rating.