2021 Jeep Gladiator 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. The truck's unique design, combining elements of the Wrangler with a new high-strength steel cargo bed, sparked conversations and curiosity everywhere it went. Despite some negative opinions, such as a neighbor who found it unattractive, the Gladiator's bold look and off-road capabilities made it a standout.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator continued to build on this foundation, introducing new special editions like the Willys and the 80th Anniversary Edition, as well as a luxury High Altitude model. These additions brought unique styling elements and enhanced features, such as a blacked-out grille and premium Nappa leather. While the Gladiator's appearance remained polarizing, its driving experience, especially off-road, continued to win over enthusiasts. The new turbo-diesel engine option also added a significant boost in low-end torque and fuel efficiency.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator, with its 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, delivered a driving experience reminiscent of a long Wrangler. The 8-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts and decent acceleration, even when towing up to 5,000 pounds. Off-road, the Rubicon trim's Rock-Trac 4WD system and various off-road features made it nearly unstoppable. The Overland trim, while less rugged, still handled rocky trails with ease. Fuel economy was reasonable, averaging 20.3 mpg over a 600-mile journey.

In 2021, the Gladiator introduced a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine, offering 260 horsepower and a substantial 442 lb-ft of torque. This engine improved fuel economy, averaging 22.6 mpg during testing, though it fell short of the EPA's 24 mpg estimate. The diesel engine's low-end torque made it particularly effective in off-road situations, providing effortless power at low speeds. While the diesel couldn't match the towing capacity of the gasoline engine, it still offered competitive figures. The driving experience remained consistent with the 2020 model, with the added benefit of the diesel's grunt.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's cargo bed was designed to accommodate 95% of motorcycle designs, with a maximum payload of 1,600 pounds. The bed's shallow depth allowed for easy access, and various tie-downs and an adjustable tailgate enhanced its utility. Inside, the Gladiator offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and durable cloth upholstery. The cab provided ample space for passengers, though the Overland's side steps could be cumbersome. Storage options included bins, nets, and a grab handle for the front passenger.

The 2021 Gladiator maintained similar interior features but introduced a few refinements. The seats offered proper support, though the cab's snug seating positions and small door openings required some adjustment. Side steps or rails, while preserving breakover angle, made entry and exit challenging. Storage solutions included netting, a small center console bin, and a locking storage bin under the rear seat. The 5-foot cargo box held 35.5 cubic feet of cargo and featured multiple tie-down hooks and an adjustable tailgate. Payload ratings varied depending on the trim and engine.

The 2020 Gladiator offered a range of infotainment options, from the basic Uconnect 3 system with a 5-inch display to the top-tier Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation. The Overland trim included features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an Alpine premium sound system. The system was user-friendly, with large on-screen buttons and responsive voice control. An exclusive removable Bluetooth speaker added a unique touch.

In 2021, the Gladiator's technology offerings remained robust. The Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen became standard on higher trims, while the Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch display and navigation was available. This system included SiriusXM Guardian connected services, remote engine starting, and a WiFi hotspot. The Alpine premium sound system and an Amazon Alexa skill were also part of the package. New for 2021 was the forward-facing Trail Cam, available with the Overland trim, which proved useful during off-road adventures.

The 2020 Gladiator offered optional Active Safety and Advanced Safety Groups. The Active Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking-assist sensors, and LED taillights, while the Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. The Overland trim tested had both packages, enhancing safety on long drives. However, due to a lack of crash-test data and the absence of automatic emergency braking, the Gladiator's overall safety score was conservative.

In 2021, the Gladiator's standard safety features included a reversing camera. Depending on the trim, advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring were available. The test truck had all these features, with the adaptive cruise control performing well on the freeway. The NHTSA gave the Gladiator a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.