2020 Nissan Frontier 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 cargo bed, made it a standout. However, not everyone was a fan, as some found its appearance less appealing. The Gladiator was available in four trims: Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon, all featuring 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 Nissan Frontier retained a design that had aged well since its 2005 debut. The PRO-4X trim, in particular, stood out with its unique features like a tube-style roof rack and knobby tires. Available in King Cab and Crew Cab styles, the Frontier offered various trims and packages, with the PRO-4X Crew Cab priced at $38,745. Inside, the Frontier's cabin felt like a time capsule from the mid-2000s, with hard plastic materials but a solid build quality. Despite its age, the Frontier's design had a certain charm, appealing to those who appreciated a straightforward, no-frills truck.

Driving the 2020 Jeep Gladiator felt like piloting a long Wrangler. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine produced 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission that provided smooth shifts and quick acceleration. The Gladiator could tow up to 5,000 pounds, though it struggled a bit on inclines. Off-road, the Rubicon trim excelled with its Rock-Trac 4WD system, 84:1 crawl ratio, and various off-road features. The Overland trim, while less rugged, still handled rocky trails well. The Gladiator's fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, with real-world testing averaging 20.3 mpg. Despite its truck-like handling and less-than-stellar gas mileage, the Gladiator offered a unique driving experience, especially with its removable top and doors.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier, on the other hand, featured a new 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 310 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. This new powertrain replaced the older engines and provided a smoother, more refined driving experience. The Frontier's acceleration was strong, and the transmission delivered quick shifts. Fuel economy improved slightly, with an average of 19.3 mpg in testing. However, the Frontier's steering was slow and heavy, and its turning radius was wide. The PRO-4X trim's Bilstein shocks handled off-road conditions well but allowed road imperfections to be felt inside the cabin. Despite its age, the Frontier's new powertrain added a refreshing touch to its driving dynamics.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's cargo bed was designed to accommodate most motorcycles with the tailgate down, offering a maximum payload of 1,600 pounds. The bed was shallow but featured various tie-downs and a middle tailgate mode for hauling materials like plywood. Inside, the Gladiator Overland had heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and durable black cloth upholstery. The cabin provided ample space, with high front seats and sufficient rear seat room for adults. Storage options included bins, nets, and a grab handle for the front passenger. The Gladiator's convertible nature allowed for various top configurations, though the hardtop required storage space when removed.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier offered plenty of storage despite its dated design. The PRO-4X trim featured an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, though it wasn't as comfortable as Nissan's Zero Gravity seats. Rear seat space was tight, with a flat bench seat and limited backrest angle. The Frontier's bed, equipped with a spray-in bedliner and Utili-Track system, could handle up to 1,020 pounds of payload. However, the bed's depth and volume were limited. Overall, the Frontier's interior was functional but lacked modern conveniences like rear air vents and USB ports.

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

The 2020 Nissan Frontier's technology was limited, with a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that included NissanConnect Apps, satellite radio, navigation, and a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Frontier's voice recognition system worked well with specific prompts, and Siri Eyes Free was available for iPhone users. The simplicity of the Frontier's technology was both a drawback and a charm, appealing to those who preferred a straightforward approach.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered optional safety packages, including the Active Safety Group with blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors, and the Advanced Safety Group with adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. The Gladiator's adaptive cruise control was particularly useful on long drives. However, the lack of crash-test data and automatic emergency braking resulted in a conservative safety rating.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier's safety ratings were less impressive. The NHTSA gave it an overall rating of four stars, with lower scores for frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance. The IIHS rated it "marginal" in the small overlap frontal-impact test, and its headlights received a "poor" rating. The Frontier's safety features were limited to a reversing camera, antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control, making it less competitive in terms of modern safety technology.