2020 Jeep Gladiator vs 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator made a striking impression when it first hit the roads, especially in its vibrant Firecracker Red color. As it cruised through Los Angeles, it turned heads and sparked conversations, with many people eager to capture its unique design on their smartphones. Despite its popularity, not everyone was a fan of its aesthetics, as evidenced by a neighbor's candid remark about its appearance. The Gladiator was available in four trims: Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon, all equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine and a 6-speed manual gearbox. Prices ranged from $33,545 for the base Sport to $43,545 for the Rubicon, with additional costs for options like an automatic transmission and a hardtop.

The 2021 Nissan Titan retained its refreshed look from the previous year, offering a variety of trims with distinct design elements. The Titan's exterior featured different grille designs for each trim, with the Pro-4X model standing out with its black grille and lava-red accents. The truck boasted improved lighting, including new headlights and LED fog lights, enhancing visibility. The Titan's bed was equipped with a Utili-track Bed Channel System, making it easy to secure cargo. Available in eight exterior colors, the Titan's interior received significant upgrades, including a modern infotainment screen and comfortable seating. However, the steering wheel design felt outdated compared to its competitors.

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. Its 8-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts and decent acceleration, though towing heavy loads could be challenging. Off-road, the Rubicon trim excelled with its Rock-Trac 4WD system and various off-road features, making it nearly unstoppable on rough terrain. The Gladiator's fuel economy was rated at 19 mpg combined, with the test drive averaging 20.3 mpg. Despite its rugged capabilities, the Gladiator's ride was loud and less refined, but it offered a unique open-air driving experience.

The 2021 Nissan Titan came with a powerful 5.6-liter V8 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, making it the best-in-class standard powertrain. Its 9-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, though it struggled in mid-range gears. The Titan offered both rear-wheel and four-wheel drive options, with an EPA-estimated 18 mpg combined fuel economy. The truck's steering was traditional, with a bit of play, and its ride quality was average for the class. The Titan's towing capacity reached up to 9,310 pounds for RWD models, and the Pro-4X trim offered off-road capabilities with features like hill-descent control and an electronic locking rear differential.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's cargo bed was designed to accommodate most motorcycle designs, with a maximum payload of 1,600 pounds. The bed was shallow, but various tie-downs and a middle tailgate mode made it versatile. The Gladiator's interior featured heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with durable black cloth upholstery. The cab offered ample space for passengers, though the Overland trim's side steps could be cumbersome. The Gladiator's convertible options included a soft top and a removable hardtop, providing a unique open-air experience.

The 2021 Nissan Titan offered seating for five or six, with available heated and cooled front seats. The Titan's Zero Gravity seat design ensured comfort for long journeys, though petite drivers might struggle to find an ideal seating position. The truck provided ample storage space, including a large center console and smartphone holders. Available features like a panoramic moonroof and power-sliding rear window added to the Titan's appeal. The interior layout was thoughtful, with easy-to-reach grab handles and folding rear seatbacks for added convenience.

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 touch controls and voice-command capabilities. The Gladiator also offered a removable Bluetooth speaker for added convenience. However, it lacked a breadcrumb function for off-road navigation, which could be a drawback for adventurous drivers.

The 2021 Nissan Titan boasted a standard 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, the largest in its class, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The system was responsive, though its graphics were less modern than competitors. The Titan offered a WiFi hotspot for up to seven devices and an available Fender Premium Audio System. NissanConnect provided navigation, security, and entertainment features, along with a concierge service for added convenience.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered optional safety packages, including the Active Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group, which added features like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control. However, the Gladiator lacked automatic emergency braking, and its crash protection ratings were not yet available, leading to a conservative safety score.

The 2021 Nissan Titan came standard with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a comprehensive suite of safety features including automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Additional safety options included an Around View Monitor and adaptive cruise control. The Titan's five-year/100,000-mile warranty was the best in its class, providing peace of mind for buyers.