2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator was a unique creation, born from the Wrangler's DNA but stretched and reinforced for enhanced towing and hauling capabilities. Its design included a short 5-foot cargo bed, maintaining a balance between utility and off-road prowess. Initially, its tall, narrow, and elongated appearance might have seemed peculiar, but it quickly grew on those who appreciated its adventurous spirit. The Gladiator's driving experience was particularly enjoyable when exploring remote areas, with the open-air design inviting the outside in. Special editions like the Willys and 80th Anniversary Edition added distinctive features, while the High Altitude model introduced luxury elements. Pricing for the Gladiator started at $33,545, but our test model, equipped with Overland trim and a turbo-diesel engine, reached $58,525. The interior, while rugged, offered optional heated seats, leather upholstery, and advanced infotainment, making it a comfortable yet durable choice for off-road enthusiasts.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD boasted a bold exterior with a commanding presence, thanks to its tall hood, squared-off lines, and massive grille. While its design was subjective, it was considered one of the more attractive heavy-duty trucks. Inside, the Sierra HD's cabin was functional but fell short in material quality compared to competitors like Ram and Ford. Despite this, it offered ample space for passengers, with various cab configurations and bed lengths. The Sierra 2500HD came in five trim levels, each catering to different needs, from the basic Pro trim to the luxurious Denali. Our test vehicle, the off-road-focused AT4, featured rugged design elements and a well-appointed interior with premium materials and advanced technology. Overall, the Sierra 2500HD was a versatile and capable truck, appealing to those seeking both utility and style.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator introduced a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine option, priced at an additional $4,000. This engine produced 260 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and an impressive 442 pound-feet of torque from 1,400 to 2,800 rpm, offering substantial low-end power and improved fuel economy compared to the standard 3.6-liter gasoline V6. During testing, the diesel engine achieved an average of 22.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA's estimated 24 mpg. The Gladiator Sport, with its standard engine, could tow up to 7,650 pounds and haul up to 1,700 pounds of payload. However, the diesel powertrain had lower towing capabilities due to engine-cooling restrictions but still managed to pull 6,000-6,500 pounds. Off-road, the diesel engine excelled, providing ample torque for challenging trails. Despite its charms, the Gladiator's steering was slow, the ride stiff, and wind noise prevalent, yet these quirks added to its character.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, equipped with a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel V8 engine, delivered 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. While not the most powerful in its class, it was a strong performer, paired with an excellent Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The Sierra 2500HD's maximum payload capacity was 3,597 pounds, and it could tow up to 18,500 pounds. Despite its power, the truck's ride was jittery when unladen, improving with added weight. The AT4 trim, with its off-road enhancements, handled rough terrain with ease, though a slight steering column vibration was noted. The Sierra 2500HD's off-road capabilities were bolstered by features like an automatic-locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, and all-terrain tires, making it a formidable off-roader.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with agreeable seats but cramped cabin space. Small door openings, snug seating positions, and limited rear legroom required adjustment. Side steps or rails, while preserving breakover angle, complicated entry and exit. In-cabin storage was modest, with netting on door panels, a small center console bin, and a locking storage bin under the rear seat. The 5-foot cargo box offered 35.5 cubic feet of space, with tie-down hooks and an adjustable tailgate for versatility. Payload ratings varied from 1,075 to 1,535 pounds, depending on configuration.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered abundant passenger space in all seating positions, accommodating up to six passengers. Entry required effort due to its height, but side assist steps and a corner-step rear bumper aided access. Inside, the Sierra 2500HD featured a wide center console, dual glove boxes, and hidden storage compartments in the rear seats. A 120-volt power outlet and USB ports provided convenience, while the MultiPro tailgate offered six functions for improved cargo access. The Sierra 2500HD's interior was designed for practicality and comfort, with ample storage and thoughtful features.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while old-school in design, offered modern technology, including the Selec-Speed system and an electronic-disconnecting sway bar. The infotainment system ranged from the basic Uconnect 3 with a 5-inch display to the top-shelf Uconnect 4C with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation. The latter included SiriusXM Guardian services, a WiFi hotspot, and an Alpine premium sound system. Despite its aging technology, the system remained intuitive. The forward-facing Trail Cam, available on the Overland trim, aided off-road navigation.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD featured a range of infotainment options, with 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreens. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard on SLT and above, with navigation available on higher trims. The Bose premium audio system delivered rich sound, though the voice-recognition system occasionally misinterpreted commands. The Sierra 2500HD's competitive edge lay in its 15 camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, enhancing towing and visibility. The rear camera mirror provided a clear view, even with a full cabin.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered basic safety features, including a reversing camera. Depending on trim, advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring were available. Our test truck included these features, with adaptive cruise control performing well. The NHTSA rated the Gladiator with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD incorporated advanced safety features, such as automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. Standard items included HD Surround Vision, a rear-seat reminder, and a Teen Driver system. The Sierra 2500HD's mass provided safety in collisions but posed risks to smaller vehicles and pedestrians. The lack of crashworthiness ratings from NHTSA and IIHS was due to its high GVWR. Opting for additional safety systems and cameras was recommended for peace of mind.