Our article takes a look at two midsize pickups that perfectly suit our busy work and weekend lifestyles.
Buyers in this segment demand creature comforts, rugged looks, everyday versatility, off-road ability, plus decent loading and towing capabilities.
Continue reading as we compare the Jeep Gladiator vs Chevy Colorado to see what each of these pickups has in store for buyers.
Jeep Gladiator
The Jeep Gladiator debuted in 2019 as the only open-air pickup truck in the US. The Gladiators' party trick is its unique exterior design, featuring a fold-down windshield, removable doors, and both soft and hardtops that allow passengers to truly immerse themselves in the outdoors experience.
The Jeep has seen some changes since its introduction that include the discontinuation of the manual transmission and some trim feature upgrades.
The latest Gladiator trim lineup is Sport, Nighthawk, Sport S, Willys, Mojave, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Mojave X.
Chevy Colorado
The Chevy Colorado midsize pickup has been on American roads since 2004, with the latest second-generation version in production since around the end of 2015.
The Chevy Colorado stays true to form and is a true American pickup truck that utilizes a traditional body-on-chassis construction for ruggedness.
The Chevy Colorado is a strong pre-owned choice and is one of the US midsize truck buyers' favorites thanks to its well-deserved pedigree.
Buyers of the current generation can choose from trim levels on older 2016 model year examples that include Base, Work Truck (WT), LT, and Z71. Buyers looking for a newer one-year or two-year-old example can pick from a trim lineup that includes WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2.
Exterior Comparison
Jeep’s Gladiator offers a four-door pickup truck body that is 218 inches long, built using galvanized steel/aluminum construction with a 137.3-inch wheelbase.
The Jeep is 73.8 inches wide and stands 76.1 inches tall.
Buyers looking for maximum off-road capability should pencil in the Mojave and Rubicon trims on their shopping list, with these trims offering up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance when fitted with off-road enhanced 33-inch all-terrain tires.
The Gladiator showcases its typically Jeep-esque exterior with rugged, square styling.
Key trim items include halogen headlights and foglights on lower trims, while upper trims get the LED headlights, LED fog lights, and LED daytime driving lights treatment.. In line with its rugged persona, the Jeep is fitted with three protective skid plates.
All trims feature alloy rims, aside from the Sport trim with its 17-inch steel wheels.
The Jeep is available in ten exterior colors to suit all tastes.
The Colorado's more traditional-looking and burly pickup exterior styling features an upright front fascia with slim horizontal Halogen or LED IntelliBeam headlamps with automatic on/off function.
The Chevy's aggressive front grill, large bulging fenders, square-shaped wheel arches, and black molding trim all do their bit to endow the Chevy with rugged good looks.
All Colorado trims feature alloy wheels from 17-inch diameter up to 20 inches.
The Chevy's impressive ground clearance of up to 10.7 inches on the ZR2 trim allows the Colorado to venture far off the beaten track..
Further key exterior equipment features are:
- Solar glazing glass
- Deep-tinted glass
- EZ-Lift and Lower Tailgate
- Remote locking tailgate
- Body-color door handles
- Black mirror caps
- Black beltline moldings
- CornerStep rear bumper
Interior Comparisons
The five-seater Gladiator offers passengers a space measuring 103 cubic feet. The removable body and roof panels are great for experiencing the fresh air of the mountains.
The Jeep's practical interior features standard cloth seats and manual air conditioning, manual locks, and windows. Convenience items abound, such as push-button start, illuminated cup holders, manually tilting/telescoping steering, plus a urethane steering wheel featuring nifty audio controls.
Going up in price gets you more comfort like climate control, a premium-wrapped heated steering wheel, heated front seats, remote keyless entry, power windows and door locks, plus sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors.
The Jeep offers a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring Uconnect 5, an 8-speaker audio system, plus Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. Multiple USB ports as well as an innovative and convenient accessories mount found on top of the dash all add up to an enjoyable cabin.
The current-generation Chevy Colorado offers a decidedly modern interior that also seats up to five passengers and features a dashboard with classically square styling, round air vents, and a modern 11-inch diagonal color Driver Information Center.
Key interior equipment includes:
- Remote Keyless Entry
- Manual tilt steering column
- Front bucket seats
- Single-zone climate control
- Rear passenger heating and air conditioning duct
- 6-way manual driver seat
- Carpeted floor covering
- Front USB ports
Prospective owners can look forward to excellent Infotainment that includes a large 11.3-inch diagonal advanced color LCD display with Google built-in, playing audio through a 6-speaker system.
Convenient connectivity sees fitment of wireless Apple CarPlay/Wireless Android Auto capability, plus Chevrolet OnStar & Chevrolet Connected Services capability.
Cargo Space
The Gladiator accommodates up to 35.5 cubic feet of cargo in a load bed measuring 60.3 inches and will carry a payload of up to 1,725 pounds.
The Chevy will load up to 41.9 cubic feet of cargo with a payload capacity that ranges from 1,310 to 1,684 pounds, depending on the trim level and engine.
Powertrain and Performance
The Gladiator is powered by a Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine with Stop/Start producing 285 horsepower and torque of 260 pound-feet, allowing towing up to 7,700 pounds when correctly equipped.
Standard is a six-speed manual transmission featuring a two-speed transfer case and Command-Trac part-time AWD system.
Optional is an 8-speed Automatic 850RE Transmission with a Command-Trac Part-Time 4WD system.
The Colorado can be found with two engine options: a 2.7-liter turbo engine with 237 horsepower and torque of 260 pound-feet coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission, or a 2.7-liter TurboMax engine pushing 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, also running an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Chevy offers four-wheel drive as standard and can tow up to 7,700 pounds, depending on trim.
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