2023 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2024 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss presented itself as a rugged off-roader with its factory suspension lift, box-flared fenders, and a deeply sculpted hood. Its blacked-out look, especially in Radiant Red, added to its tough aesthetic. The Colorado's design was well-balanced, with a stance that was both expressive and restrained. Inside, the truck echoed Camaro influences with dashboard toggle switches and round air vents, though the interior's gray tones and cheap materials in the Work Truck and Trail Boss trims were less appealing. The Trail Boss did feature a purposeful front skid plate, but the interior lacked color contrast, relying on varying grain and gloss levels for differentiation. The Colorado offered both 2WD and 4WD options, with the latter standard on the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims. Prices ranged from $30,695 to $48,295, with our Trail Boss test model priced at $42,150, including options like a spray-on bedliner and the Advanced Trailering Package.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator was available in several trims, including the Sport, Willys, Mojave, and Rubicon, with new additions like the Mojave X and Rubicon X. The Gladiator's crew-cab, shortbed configuration came with a removable fabric roof or an optional hard top, and its doors and windshield were also removable. The truck's design updates included a new black seven-slot grille and integrated windshield antenna. Inside, the Gladiator featured soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Mojave X trim added 12-way power-adjustable front seats and premium leather upholstery. The Gladiator's pricing ranged from $37,895 to $63,590, with our Mojave X test vehicle priced at $70,750. Despite its improved interior, the Gladiator remained loud on highways and retained quirks from the Wrangler, such as a center-mounted handbrake.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado was powered by a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine. In the WT and LT trims, it produced 237 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, while the Trail Boss and Z71 trims offered 310 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. The ZR2 model matched the 310-hp rating but boasted 430 lb-ft of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission was standard, with the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 featuring a two-speed transfer case for enhanced off-road capability. The Trail Boss had a 2-inch suspension lift, while the ZR2 had a 3-inch lift and exclusive Multimatic DSSV dampers. The Colorado offered five driving modes, including a Baja mode exclusive to the ZR2. The Trail Boss excelled off-road, with its all-terrain tires and Off-Road mode contributing to its performance. On pavement, the Colorado was quiet and handled well, though its fuel economy was disappointing, averaging 17 mpg.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator continued with its 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It offered a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission and four 4WD systems. The Gladiator Mojave was designed for desert running, featuring a one-inch front suspension lift, FOX shocks, and a Tru-Lok locking rear differential. It could tow up to 7,700 pounds and had a ground clearance of 11.6 inches. The Mojave handled dirt roads confidently, providing a sense of adventure. However, on highways, it was noisy, and its steering felt sloppy. The Gladiator's fuel economy was also lackluster, averaging 16.7 mpg during testing.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado Trail Boss offered comfortable seating for four, with the option to squeeze a fifth passenger in the back. The test truck featured standard cloth upholstery and an eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support. The back seat provided adequate room for six-footers, though legroom was snug. The Trail Boss had a manually adjustable air conditioning system that cooled the cabin quickly. Storage space was limited, with small door panel trays and a narrow center armrest compartment. The cargo bed measured 41.9 cubic feet and featured an EZ-Lift and Lower tailgate with a StowFlex storage panel.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator shared design elements with the Wrangler but had a unique frame and rear suspension. Its five-foot steel cargo bed included a dampened tailgate and integrated tie-downs, with optional upgrades like a spray-in bedliner. Inside, the Gladiator lacked practical storage, with small bins and nets for smaller items. Climbing into the Gladiator was challenging, and exiting could be tricky. The new power-adjustable front seats offered reasonable comfort, but rear-seat passengers needed to be cautious of protruding hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado came equipped with digital instrumentation and an 11.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Google Built-in technology. The system included Google Assistant, Google Maps, and access to various apps. It supported Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and more. The Trail Boss's interior, though basic, featured these advanced digital screens. The infotainment system also offered real-time off-roading data and trailer-towing technology with high-definition cameras.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology. The system offered superior graphics, responsiveness, and features like Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A TomTom navigation system was available, along with Jeep Adventure Guides. The Gladiator's improved microphone enhanced voice recognition, though it occasionally struggled with complex queries.

The 2023 Chevrolet Colorado offered a range of safety features, including OnStar emergency services, a Teen Driver system, and Chevy Safety Assist with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and more. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. However, the forward-collision warning system was prone to false alerts, which could be frustrating for drivers.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator's safety ratings were not impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. However, the 2024 model included safety improvements, such as forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control starting with the Sport S trim. The Mojave X and Rubicon X added blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Structural enhancements and a standard roll cage with side-curtain airbags aimed to improve occupant safety.