2020 Jeep Gladiator vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator made waves when it first appeared on the streets. During its video review shoot in Los Angeles, the reception was nothing short of extraordinary. The temperature had just crossed the 80-degree mark for the first time in months, and Malibu’s beaches were teeming with people. Traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway mirrored that of the infamous 405 freeway. In this setting, the Firecracker Red 2020 Jeep Gladiator Overland turned heads everywhere it went.

I had driven the Gladiator from its media introduction event near Sacramento to L.A., and the truck sparked conversations at every stop. People couldn't help but stare, point, and even pull out their smartphones to capture the sight of this new Jeep on the road. Zuma Beach saw a crowd that reacted as if a celebrity had arrived. Yet, the Gladiator’s looks weren’t universally appealing. A neighbor once stopped by and remarked on how ugly he found the truck, despite his curiosity about its price.

Available in four trims—Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon—all Gladiators came with 4-wheel drive, a 3.6-liter V6 engine, and a 6-speed manual transmission. Prices ranged from $33,545 for the base Sport to $43,545 for the Rubicon, excluding a $1,495 destination charge. Features like an automatic transmission and hardtop could push the price significantly higher. My fully upgraded Overland trim review model came in at $52,920, lacking only a roll-up bed cover and leather seats.

The Gladiator bore resemblance to the Wrangler from the front doors forward, including minor distinctions like wider grille slots and unique wheels. However, from the front doors back, it was an entirely new design, featuring a high-strength steel 5-foot cargo bed. The frame, 80% of which was new, supported this transition, extending the wheelbase to accommodate the roomy cab and cargo bed while maintaining Jeep’s signature off-road capability.

The interior, based on the Wrangler, was built to endure dirt and water, with optional slush mats and removable drain plugs for easy cleaning. While the Gladiator was designed as a robust off-roader, it was louder and less refined than many would expect. But for those who love an adventurous and versatile truck, it provided an unmatched driving experience.

As for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, it presented a wide range of design options, from various grilles and finishes to different wheel sizes and bumper styles. You could choose between Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab styles along with trims like WT (Work Truck), Custom, LT, RST, LTZ, and High Country. Those keen on off-roading could opt for the Trail Boss treatment for the Custom or LT trims. Prices varied from $28,500 to $57,100, excluding a $1,595 destination charge.

For review purposes, Chevrolet provided a Silverado LT Trail Boss equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 engine and four option packages: Midnight Edition, Convenience Package II, Leather Package, and Advanced Trailering Package, pushing the price to $59,185. This truck had a custom appearance with black paint, wheels, and trim, which required significant effort to keep clean, especially if used as intended for off-roading.

While some trim treatments were more aesthetically pleasing than others, the Silverado's interior drew more criticism. The cabin, with its industrial appearance, conveyed a sense of raw architectural strength but used plastic rather than metal for the silver trim, resulting in a dated and unrefined look. Despite leather seats, the interior did not justify the nearly $60,000 price tag, lacking a cohesive, modern design compared to many other full-size pickups.

Driving along Interstate 5 through California's San Joaquin Valley, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator's performance became clear. With the 3.6-liter V6 engine generating 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, the 8-speed automatic transmission provided smooth and speedy acceleration. However, towing a 5,000-pound trailer and ski boat proved challenging, especially uphill, although the Gladiator eventually cruised steadily.

The Rubicon trim's Rock-Trac 4WD system offered an 84:1 crawl ratio in 4-Lo for unbeatable off-road capability. With features like sway bar disconnects, locking differentials, Off-Road+ traction system, and Falken mud-terrain tires, the Gladiator Rubicon could conquer the roughest terrains. Standard rock rails added extra protection, and while the Overland trim had less aggressive tires, it handled off-road trails admirably with its Command-Trac 4WD system.

On paved roads, the Gladiator's handling was more truck-like with slow and vague steering. The live-axle suspension transmitted road imperfections, and gas mileage was average, rated at 19 mpg combined. However, the open-top and removable door experience added a unique driving element, making it as fun to drive as a Wrangler.

In contrast, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a wider range of powertrains. The new 3.0-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder engine delivered 277 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, with up to 27 mpg highway, although it could add $6,705 to the cost. More accessible in 2020 was the turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, 6.2-liter V8, and 10-speed automatic transmission, with the 6.2 V8 in the LT Trail Boss test truck generating 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque.

The 6.2 V8 provided impressive thrust and an authoritative exhaust note, efficiently managed by the Autotrac 4WD system's Auto mode. The LT Trail Boss, equipped with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, performed well off-road with its Z71 Off-Road Package, although steering response lagged slightly. Ride quality was generally comfortable, and fuel efficiency averaged 16.8 mpg, close to the EPA's 17 mpg combined rating.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered practical cargo solutions with a cargo bed designed to accommodate 95% of motorcycle designs. The maximum payload capacity was 1,600 pounds, and the tailgate had an impressive 1,800-pound step load rating. Although the bed’s volume wasn't vast, it had various cargo tie-downs and a middle tailgate mode to help haul materials like plywood or drywall.

The Gladiator Overland test truck featured heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and durable black cloth upholstery. Despite the Overland trim’s side steps complicating entry for taller individuals, they helped my wife and kids climb in gracefully. Inside, the spacious cab accommodated adults comfortably in both front and rear seats, with additional storage options throughout the cabin. The convertible soft top made the Gladiator adaptable, though storing the hardtop posed challenges when not in use.

On the other hand, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's Crew Cab provided a cavernous back seat with excellent thigh support despite a low seating position. Front occupants enjoyed leather upholstery and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat but lacked a height-adjuster for the front passenger seat. Storage was ample, with dual glove compartments, a large center console bin, lower door panel bins, and hidden compartments within the rear seatback cushions.

For towing and payload, the Silverado 1500 stood out with a maximum payload capacity of 2,250 pounds and towing up to 13,400 pounds, depending on configuration. The LT Trail Boss’s payload was rated at 2,170 pounds, and it could tow up to 11,300 pounds with the Max Trailering Package, making it a formidable choice for heavy-duty tasks.

Regarding technology, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator kept things relatively basic but functional. It offered remote start, passive entry, a removable Bluetooth speaker, and optional Alpine premium sound with an 8.4-inch touchscreen. This system included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, a navigation system, WiFi hotspot, and SiriusXM Guardian connected services with a one-year free trial.

The user-friendly Uconnect infotainment system responded well to inputs, and features like Off-Road Pages provided valuable information during backcountry excursions. However, it lacked a breadcrumb function to track paths off-road, which was a notable omission for such a capable vehicle.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came standard with a 7 or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Chevrolet Connected Access services, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included high-def displays, navigation, SiriusXM 360L, wireless charging, and a Bose premium sound system. Despite the useful Advanced Trailering Package, which cost $250, the Silverado’s 8-inch screen felt small by modern standards, and the premium sound system had room for improvement in high-range clarity.

Jeep’s 2020 Gladiator offered essential safety options through its Active Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Active Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking-assist, and LED taillights, while the Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. The Overland trim I tested included both packages, making long drives more manageable with adaptive cruise control.

However, Jeep’s safety track record, particularly with the Wrangler, left room for improvement. Since the new Gladiator hadn’t undergone extensive crash testing at the time, its structural robustness remained uncertain, and the absence of automatic emergency braking was a drawback.

In contrast, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 included standard rear-seat reminder and Teen Driver technologies. However, advanced driving assistance systems were more restricted, primarily available in the LTZ and High Country trims. These systems included forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and camera-based adaptive cruise control. The LT and RST trims offered optional blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic warning.

Safety ratings for the Silverado were less than stellar, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and mixed results from the IIHS, including Marginal and Poor ratings in specific areas. Thus, Chevrolet needed to enhance both the availability and performance of its safety systems.