2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD vs 2020 Jeep Gladiator

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator made quite an impression when it first hit the roads, especially in its Firecracker Red Overland trim. During its debut in Los Angeles, the Gladiator turned heads and sparked conversations everywhere it went. Its unique design, reminiscent of the Wrangler from the front doors forward, and its new high-strength steel cargo bed from the back doors, made it a spectacle on the Pacific Coast Highway. Despite its popularity, not everyone was a fan of its aesthetics, as evidenced by a neighbor's candid remark about its looks. The Gladiator was available in four trims, all equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox, with prices ranging from $33,545 for the Sport to $43,545 for the Rubicon, excluding destination charges.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD's styling was polarizing, with its front end likened to a vintage furnace or freight train. However, its cabin offered a more conventional and spacious environment, prioritizing quantity over quality. The Silverado 3500HD came in four trims: W/T, LT, LTZ, and High Country, each offering a range of features from basic vinyl seat trim and a 7-inch touchscreen to luxurious leather upholstery and a Bose premium sound system. The High Country trim, in particular, provided a high-end experience with features like heated and ventilated front seats and a spray-in bed-liner.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator, with its 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, although towing a 5,000-pound trailer required some effort. Off-road, the Gladiator Rubicon excelled with its Rock-Trac 4WD system, offering an 84:1 crawl ratio and various off-road features. The Overland trim, while less rugged, still managed challenging trails with its Command-Trac 4WD system. The Gladiator's fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, with an observed average of 20.3 mpg during highway driving.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD offered two engine options: a standard 6.6-liter V8 with 401 horsepower and 464 lb-ft of torque, and an optional Duramax turbodiesel 6.6-liter V8 with 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. The diesel engine, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum capacity of 36,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Silverado's payload capacity reached 7,442 pounds, making it a formidable choice for heavy-duty tasks. The advanced trailering system available on the LTZ trim further enhanced its towing prowess.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's cargo bed, while shallow, was designed to accommodate most motorcycle designs with the tailgate down. It offered a maximum payload of 1,600 pounds and various cargo tie-downs for versatility. Inside, the Gladiator provided ample space for passengers, with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel in the Overland trim. The cabin featured durable cloth upholstery and optional hardtop panels for added comfort. Entry and exit were easy, although the Overland's side steps could be cumbersome. The Gladiator's convertible nature allowed for a unique open-air experience, with options for both soft and hard tops.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD offered multiple cab and bed configurations, including regular, double, and crew cabs with long or standard beds. The crew cab configurations provided generous headroom and legroom, accommodating passengers or valuable items with ease. The Silverado featured integrated bed steps and additional step-ups along the side for convenient access to the cargo area. These practical design elements made it easier to manage the vehicle's large size.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's technology offerings included a range of infotainment options, with the top system featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Uconnect system was user-friendly, with responsive controls and voice-command capabilities. The Gladiator also offered a removable Bluetooth speaker for added convenience during outdoor adventures.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims offering an 8-inch display and navigation. The infotainment system was intuitive, with hard buttons and dials for easy operation. The Silverado's trailering features included multiple camera angles and a trailering app for monitoring critical functions, enhancing its utility for towing tasks.

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. However, the Gladiator lacked automatic emergency braking, and its crash protection ratings were not yet available.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a backup camera and airbags, but advanced safety features like forward collision avoidance and blind-spot monitoring were optional. The Silverado also offered front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system, which were particularly useful given its size.