2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, nearly as tall as the average American woman. Redesigned in 2020, it received further updates in 2021, including new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available in various body styles, trims, and bed lengths, the Silverado 2500HD offered a range of options, from the Work Truck to the luxurious High Country. Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Midnight Edition added unique flair. The truck featured high-strength steel beds, 17- to 20-inch wheels, and practical BedSteps and CornerSteps for easier access. However, its exterior design leaned more towards rugged than sophisticated.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, derived from the Wrangler, featured a stretched and fortified frame for towing and hauling, with a 5-foot cargo bed. Its unique design initially caused cognitive dissonance, but driving it, especially off-road, revealed its charm. New for 2021 were the Willys special edition and the 80th Anniversary Edition, adding distinctive features and materials. The High Altitude luxury model introduced body-color detailing and premium Nappa leather. Starting at $33,545, the Gladiator offered various trims and options, including a turbo-diesel engine. The interior, while durable, was designed for off-road adventures, with features like heated seats and a top-shelf infotainment system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine choices: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The gasoline engine had a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds (RWD) and 3,965 pounds (4WD), while the diesel engine had a 3,715-pound maximum payload. Towing capacities varied, with the gas engine capable of 14,500 pounds (conventional) and 17,370 pounds (fifth wheel/gooseneck), and the diesel engine pulling up to 18,500 pounds. The diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator introduced a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine, producing 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, offering better fuel economy than the standard 3.6-liter gasoline V6. The diesel engine averaged 22.6 mpg during testing, compared to the gasoline engine's 20.3 mpg. The Gladiator Sport could tow up to 7,650 pounds with the standard engine and haul up to 1,700 pounds of payload. The diesel engine's towing capacity ranged from 6,000 to 6,500 pounds, with similar payload capacities to other Gladiator models. Off-road, the diesel engine's torque excelled, making it ideal for challenging trails. On paved roads, the Gladiator exhibited the same characteristics as the gasoline version, with added low-end grunt and a distinctive clatter.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample headroom and seating for three adults across the cab. The Crew Cab version provided the most rear legroom. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or cloth upholstery, and a power-sliding rear window. Higher trims added bucket seats, a center console, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Assist handles, manual windows, and single-zone climate control were standard, with upper trims offering more luxurious features. However, competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500HD offered more upscale interiors.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with supportive seats but cramped rear legroom and small door openings. Side steps or rails, while preserving breakover angle, made entry and exit challenging. In-cabin storage included netting on door panels, a small center console bin, cupholders, a dash-top tray, and an undersized glove compartment. The 5-foot steel cargo box held 35.5 cubic feet of cargo, with multiple tie-down hooks and an adjustable tailgate. Payload ratings ranged from 1,075 to 1,535 pounds, depending on trim and engine.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD featured a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with Chevrolet Infotainment 3, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system worked well but had issues with station scrolling. Standard features included a 12-volt front power outlet, two-speaker audio system, 3.5-inch driver information display, Bluetooth, and Chevrolet Connected Access. Available features included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hotspot, 8-inch driver information screen, bed view camera, Bose audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry, rear camera mirror, remote start, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet's camera technology was a highlight, with a bed-view camera available on lower trims.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered modern technology despite its old-school design. The standard Uconnect 3 system with a 5-inch display included Bluetooth, voice text reply for Android devices, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The optional Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen, standard on Sport S trim, added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-shelf Uconnect 4C system, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation, included SiriusXM Guardian connected services, an Alpine premium sound system, and an Amazon Alexa skill. The system was user-friendly but showed signs of aging with slow response times and specific voice recognition prompts. The forward-facing Trail Cam, available on Overland trim, was useful for off-road adventures.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It came standard with six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control with traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Safety Confidence Package, available on Work Truck and Custom models, included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, steering-wheel audio controls, a 4.2-inch driver information screen, and cruise control. Additional safety features included cruise control, forward-collision warning, front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services, rear-seat reminder, high-beam assist, and following distance indicator.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, in standard specification, included a reversing camera. Depending on trim and equipment, it could be upgraded with ADAS such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The test truck had all these features, with blind-spot monitoring being particularly useful due to narrow side mirrors. Adaptive cruise control worked well, and Jeep offered both adaptive and standard cruise control. NHTSA gave the Gladiator a four-star frontal-impact rating with the standard gasoline engine and a three-star rollover resistance rating.