2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2020 Jeep Gladiator

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator made quite an impression when it first hit the roads. On a warm day in Los Angeles, the Firecracker Red Gladiator Overland drew significant attention, with people stopping to take photos and ask questions. Its design, reminiscent of the Wrangler from the front doors forward, combined with a new high-strength steel 5-foot cargo bed, made it a unique sight. However, opinions were divided; while some admired its rugged look, others found it less appealing. The Gladiator offered four trims: Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon, all equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox, with prices ranging from $33,545 to $43,545 before destination charges.

In contrast, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD faced mixed reactions regarding its design. The truck's exterior, part of the same design language as the Camaro and Blazer, was polarizing. Despite initial criticism, the Silverado's design grew on some over time. The interior, however, remained largely unchanged and functional, with a familiar layout that prioritized ease of use. The Silverado HD came in several trims: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country, each offering various features and upgrades. The LTZ trim, for instance, included leather upholstery, heated and cooled seats, and a heated steering wheel, making it a comfortable and practical choice for many.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator, powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, offered a driving experience similar to a long Wrangler. Its 8-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts and decent acceleration. However, when towing up to 5,000 pounds, the Gladiator struggled slightly on inclines. Off-road, the Rubicon trim excelled with its Rock-Trac 4WD system, 84:1 crawl ratio, and various off-road features, making it nearly unstoppable on rough terrain. The Overland trim, while less rugged, still managed challenging trails with its Command-Trac 4WD system. Fuel economy was reasonable, with an average of 20.3 mpg over 600 miles of mostly highway driving.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two powerful V8 engine options: a 401-horsepower gas V8 and a 445-horsepower Duramax turbodiesel V8 with 910 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum of 18,500 pounds for the 2500HD and up to 35,500 pounds for the 3500HD with a gooseneck hitch. Despite its power, the diesel engine delivered a respectable 17 mpg during a week of testing. The Silverado's performance made it suitable for various heavy-duty tasks, from towing trailers to hauling materials.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's cargo bed, with the tailgate down, could accommodate 95% of motorcycle designs and had a maximum payload of 1,600 pounds. The bed's shallow depth allowed easy access, and various tie-downs and a middle tailgate mode enhanced its utility. Inside, the Gladiator offered a spacious cabin with durable black cloth upholstery, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel. The Overland trim's side steps, while helpful for some, could be cumbersome. The cabin featured ample storage, air vents, and USB ports for rear passengers. The Gladiator's convertible options, including a soft top and removable hardtop panels, provided a unique open-air driving experience.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came in various bed and cab configurations, including a Crew Cab with a standard bed. The truck featured Chevrolet's CornerSteps and BedSteps, designed for easy access even with work boots. The LTZ trim included a power lift-and-lower tailgate, operable from the key fob or cabin buttons. The Silverado's cabin was spacious, with massive storage bins, fold-up rear seats, and hidden cubbies. The familiar layout ensured ease of use, with controls like the trailer-brake control conveniently placed. The Silverado's interior design emphasized practicality and utility, making it a versatile choice for work and daily use.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered basic but functional technology. Standard features included Bluetooth, while the mid-level Uconnect 4 system added Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The top infotainment system, available on the Overland trim, featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an Alpine premium sound system. The system was user-friendly, with responsive inputs and large on-screen buttons. The Gladiator also included an Off-Road Pages system for real-time performance tracking, though it lacked a breadcrumb function. A unique feature was the removable Bluetooth speaker, ideal for outdoor activities.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in its restrained approach to technology. The base trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims like the LT, LTZ, and High Country came with an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system had a straightforward layout with large icons, though the bottom dock icons could be challenging to use while driving. The truck offered multiple USB ports, power outlets, and an optional wireless charging pad. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard on higher trims and available on lower ones, ensuring connectivity for all devices.

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. The Gladiator's adaptive cruise control was particularly useful for long drives. However, the lack of crash-test data and automatic emergency braking resulted in a conservative safety rating.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came with a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The LTZ trim featured a surround-view camera with trailer views and the available Safety Package II, which included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Alert Seat, part of this package, provided tactile feedback for safety alerts. The Safety Package I added front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, essential for maneuvering the large truck. The Silverado's large side mirrors with integrated wide-angle mirrors further enhanced visibility and safety.