2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Creating the 2021 Jeep Gladiator involved an intriguing transformation. Jeep started with the Wrangler framework, extending and reinforcing the frame to handle serious towing and hauling while adding a short 5-foot cargo bed. The aim was to maintain a significant departure angle alongside the practical utility that midsize pickup buyers required. This result was a vehicle that was undoubtedly unique.

Initially, the Gladiator’s appearance might have struck some as peculiar; its height, length, and narrowness, especially given the Wrangler-based bodywork, seemed slightly out of proportion. However, over time, this unique look grew on drivers, especially those who ventured into remote areas, as the truck's open-air design invited the outside world in.

In terms of special editions, 2021 saw the introduction of the Willys edition with a blacked-out grille, limited-slip rear differential, rock rails, and 32-inch all-terrain tires, available on the Sport and Sport S trims. Additionally, the 80th Anniversary Edition, positioned just above the Overland, boasted unique badges, materials, and finishes. At the high end of the range, the new High Altitude model featured body-color detailing, black 20-inch wheels, and premium Nappa leather upholstery.

Pricing for the Jeep Gladiator started at $33,545, featuring essentials like a manual transmission, all-season tires, and a simplistic 5-inch display radio. However, the test truck was in a different league, lined with Overland trim, numerous options, and a new turbo-diesel engine that required an automatic transmission. Including a $1,495 destination charge, the MSRP soared to $58,525.

The interior of the Gladiator, equipped with optional heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, leather upholstery, and top-tier infotainment systems, was as luxurious as it gets for this Jeep model. Nonetheless, the vehicle’s rugged nature meant durable materials were predominant. The cabin design closely mirrored the Wrangler, emphasizing utility and purpose with features like a manual transfer case lever and rubber-sealed surround for the infotainment display. And the ever-present Jeep Easter eggs enhanced the feeling of belonging to an exclusive club.

When it came to the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, shoppers were presented with three cab styles, three bed lengths, and eight distinctive trim levels. The Silverado also offered six different engines paired with six-, eight-, and ten-speed automatic transmissions, with four-wheel drive as an optional feature while rear-wheel drive came standard.

The test truck in question was a crew cab with a short bed and LTZ trim, close to the top tier. It boasted 4WD and an impressive 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel engine, priced at a reasonable $995. Additionally, it came equipped with the LTZ Premium Package, Technology Package, and a spray-in bed liner, pushing the MSRP to $61,165, including a $1,695 destination charge.

The Silverado’s exterior presented itself as a commanding and attractive truck, characterized by its boxy design, chiseled details, flared fenders, and blunt nose. The Northsky Blue paint, chrome trim, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels amplified its striking appearance.

However, the aesthetic appeal didn’t fully translate to the interior. Despite the addition of silver accent trim, the cabin felt dated, with glossy plastic, large panel joints, and inelegant control panels. This lack of refinement, including the relatively small infotainment screens, detracted from the overall quality experience expected from a modern pickup.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator initially offered only a 3.6-liter gasoline V6, but 2021 brought a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 option, adding $4,000 to the price. This diesel engine, unavailable in the Mojave version, produced 260 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and an impressive 442 pound-feet of torque from 1,400 rpm to 2,800 rpm. Its robust low-end torque delivered substantial grunt and improved fuel efficiency over the gasoline engine. During testing on a mountainous loop, the diesel Gladiator averaged 22.6 mpg, slightly lower than the EPA's estimated 24 mpg for combined driving but better than the standard V6's 20.3 mpg during highway travel.

The Gladiator Sport, with its standard engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, and 4.10 axle ratio, could tow up to 7,650 pounds and haul up to 1,700 pounds of payload with a six-speed manual transmission. Although the diesel powertrain fell short in towing figures due to engine-cooling concerns linked to the seven-slot grille, it managed to pull between 6,000 to 6,500 pounds and kept up with most other Gladiator configurations in terms of payload.

Off-road, the diesel-powered Gladiator Rubicon shone, tackling tough trails effortlessly with its stump-pulling torque. With Jeep’s Selec-Speed off-road cruise control system engaged, navigating tough terrains was a breeze. On paved roads, the diesel Overland exhibited standard Gladiator quirks like slow steering, stiff ride, wind noise on highways, and unsuitable handling on curvy roads, but the turbo-diesel engine added a layer of charm with its low-end grunt and characteristic clatter.

Conversely, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered maximum towing capabilities and the satisfying rumble of an American 6.2-liter V8 engine. For those not needing such power, the Duramax turbodiesel was an excellent alternative. Remarkably priced at $995, it offered exceptional fuel efficiency and torque. In combined driving with Auto 4WD, the test truck achieved 22.6 mpg, powered by a 3.0-liter turbodiesel generating 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at 1,500 rpm.

The diesel’s towing and payload capabilities were significant. Chevrolet increased the Duramax’s towing capacity to 9,500 pounds (9,100 pounds with 4WD), and the payload capacity measured 1,870 pounds. However, these numbers didn't match the peak Silverado configurations, which included a 13,300-pound tow rating with a 6.2-liter V8 and a 2,280-pound payload with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine.

The Silverado's Duramax paired with a flawless 10-speed automatic transmission and an electronic Autotrac 4WD system. Despite the test truck’s average of 22.6 mpg falling short of its 24-mpg EPA rating for combined driving, the performance remained impressive without babying the truck for fuel efficiency.

For a more refined ride, the Z71 Off-Road Package was recommended, featuring a re-tuned suspension with Rancho twin-tube shock absorbers, improving the Silverado's handling on rough terrains. The standard suspension offered a firm and athletic feeling in urban settings but allowed too much body motion on highways and rough pavements. A brief off-road venture emphasized the need for the Z71 setup as the Silverado’s nose and underbelly risked slamming into the terrain due to the weak suspension.

Comfort wasn’t the 2021 Jeep Gladiator's primary goal. While the seats provided adequate support, the truck's small door openings, close seating positions, and cramped rear legroom made for a tight fit. Side steps or rails, mounted high to preserve the breakover angle, complicated entry and exit, especially when muddy.

In-cabin storage was minimal with door panel netting, a small center console bin, cupholders, a dash-top tray, and an undersized glove compartment. An optional locking and removable storage bin under the rear seat added some practicality.

The Gladiator’s 5-foot steel cargo box offered 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space, with 18-inch depth, multiple tie-down hooks, and an adjustable tailgate accommodating flat-lying sheets of plywood. Available options included a spray-in bedliner, several tonneau covers, and a Trail Rail cargo organizer. The payload ratings ranged from 1,075 pounds to 1,535 pounds, depending on the trim, engine, and transmission.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab offered substantial interior space with wide, flat, supportive front seats that provided 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The test truck also came with a heated steering wheel. Without power running boards, climbing into and out of the Silverado required effort.

The Silverado's interior storage was extensive but lacked innovation, with dual dashboard glove compartments but smaller storage areas than competitors and missed opportunities like shelved interior door panels.

The rear seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with a low cushion but ample headroom and legroom compensating for it. The test truck had heated outboard seat cushions and a power sliding center rear window section. Built-in storage areas in the rear seatbacks and an optional locking compartment under the rear seat added convenience.

For cargo, the Silverado boasted one of the deepest and roomiest beds, with useful CornerStep rear bumper designs and up to 12 tie-down hooks. The new Multi-Flex tailgate option offered six configurations, enhancing versatility, though the test truck featured a remote power tailgate instead.

Though inherently old-school, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator wasn’t without modern technology. Drivetrain innovations like Selec-Speed and off-road features such as an electronic-disconnecting sway bar were notable. The infotainment system varied from the basic Uconnect 3 setup with a 5-inch display, featuring Bluetooth, voice text reply for Android, and SiriusXM satellite radio, to the superior Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto – standard from Sport S trim onward.

The test truck boasted the top Uconnect 4C system, featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, SiriusXM Guardian connected services, and an Alpine premium sound system. Despite user-friendly controls and large knobs, underlying technology showed its age with slower load and response times. However, the interface remained intuitive and straightforward.

New for 2021, the forward-facing Trail Cam, available with the Overland trim, functioned effectively during off-road adventures, assisting drivers with terrain visibility and obstacle navigation.

For the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the smaller 7-inch and 8-inch screens provided a lower-tech feel compared to rivals. However, the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 was impressive with quick loading and response times, modern graphics, standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Even the basic WT trim allowed access to a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot via a paid subscription.

The test truck featured a fully-functional infotainment system with an 8-inch HD display, dual Bluetooth connections, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, navigation, enhanced voice recognition, wireless smartphone charging, and a 7-speaker Bose premium sound system. The system was easy to setup and use, with accessible volume and tuning knobs, and excellent voice recognition technology.

However, the Bose speaker system fell short compared to offerings in competitors. Additional technologies included a head-up display, multiple high-definition cameras for towing and visibility, and numerous trailering technologies, though these often fell short compared to other trucks in the segment.

In standard form, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator was minimal in safety systems, equipped with just a reversing camera. Depending on the trim, it could be upgraded with advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams.

The test truck included all these features. Blind-spot monitoring proved essential due to the narrow side mirrors, and adaptive cruise control performed admirably during brief freeway tests. Jeep also offered both adaptive and standard cruise control options.

Available crash-test results from NHTSA awarded the Gladiator a four-star frontal-impact rating with the standard gasoline engine and a three-star rollover resistance rating regardless of the engine type.

For the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, its crash-test performance was less than admirable, earning a “Marginal” rating from IIHS for front passenger protection in small-overlap frontal collisions, indicating potential safety concerns for front passengers in such scenarios. The NHTSA’s overall four-star rating, with four-star frontal-impact results, fell below expectations for a recent model.

Safety features for the Silverado included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, automatic collision notification, and a rear-seat reminder system in crew cabs. Standard Teen Driver safety technology was also included.

Upgrades offered adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, lane-keep assist, and a Safety Alert Seat, although the lack of stop-and-go adaptive cruise control capability and lane-centering assistance was notable.