The midsize truck category is about as competitive as it gets in the automotive world. The Jeep Gladiator and Chevrolet Colorado are two of the most popular offerings. Chevrolet has been making midsize trucks for years, and Jeep has recently gotten back into the fray with its Wrangleresque Gladiator. How do these two trucks compare?
Jeep Gladiator: Distinctive and Capable
The Jeep Gladiator is identical to the Wrangler when viewed from the front. The similarities don’t stop there either, as the Gladiator also provides the only open-air driving experience in the midsize truck category. Like the Wrangler, the doors and top can be removed from the Gladiator. Also, like the Wrangler, the four-door Gladiator has legendary off-road abilities. It’s one of the most capable midsize trucks you can buy in this category.
However, the Gladiator is more than just off-road and open-air fun; it also boasts a strong towing ability of 7,650 pounds when properly equipped. You can now get a diesel engine for even more low-end torque and fuel efficiency for the newest model.
Despite its road noise and below-average payload, the Gladiator is a unique and versatile midsize truck that can go anywhere in Jeep style.
Chevrolet Colorado: Loaded with Options
If you want choices, the Chevrolet Colorado lineup has them in spades. You’ll have multiple powertrains to choose from as well as special packages. The Colorado also boasts best in class towing at 7,700 pounds, even though it’s not much more than the Gladiator. A refreshed exterior makes the Colorado stand out a little more than the average midsize truck, though admittedly, it’s still not as recognizable as the Jeep Gladiator.
The Colorado’s main cons are lack of standard safety features, less tech in the cabin, and one of the higher price tags in the segment. However, the Colorado’s flexible and rounded design yields a truck with pretty decent on-road manners, and its ride is more comfortable than the Gladiator.
Jeep Gladiator vs. Chevrolet Colorado: Which Is Better?
So, which truck should you choose? The Jeep Gladiator boasts distinctive Jeep heritage, excellent off-road prowess, a bevy of high-tech features in the cabin, and a vast library of aftermarket parts. If you love to tinker with mods and plan on spending time off-road, it’s hard to go with any other truck but the Gladiator.
The Chevy Colorado does offer off-road packages, but it shines more on-road with a comfortable ride and an intuitive infotainment system.
Both trucks offer a long list of optional features and packages to pile on the price tag, but the Colorado tends to start at a higher price than the Gladiator. Both trucks are also very similar when it comes to towing ability, with only 50 pounds between them. The Colorado has a higher payload if you need to haul.
Ultimately, the choice comes down to what you need in a midsize truck. If you just want something on the conservative side and civilized on-road, then the Colorado might fit the bill just fine. If you want a Jeep, then you already know that nothing else will do. There’s no doubt that the Gladiator is a fun and capable truck with features that no other truck can match.
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