2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 Jeep Gladiator

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a behemoth of a truck, prioritizing function over form with its massive scale. Whether in the base trim or the luxurious Denali, the Sierra 2500HD was always ready for serious work. Its enormous grille fed multiple radiators, supporting the hard-working engine and other sub-systems. The Denali trim stood out with its extensive use of chrome, including a large chrome grille and chrome wheels, making it one of the flashiest trucks from General Motors. Despite its flashy appearance, the Denali's cabin was somewhat underwhelming, lacking the soft-touch materials found in competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited. However, the Sierra 2500HD maintained a straightforward design, with consistent controls across all trims, emphasizing simplicity and functionality.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator was a unique creation, derived from the Wrangler but with a stretched and fortified frame for towing and hauling. Its design was initially jarring, appearing tall, long, and narrow, but it quickly won over drivers with its off-road capabilities and open-air experience. The Gladiator introduced new editions like the Willys and 80th Anniversary Edition, adding special features and finishes. The High Altitude luxury model debuted with body-color detailing and premium Nappa leather. Despite its rugged nature, the Gladiator offered a comfortable interior with optional heated seats and a top-tier infotainment system. However, it remained a vehicle designed for adventure, with durable materials and a cabin layout similar to the Wrangler's, complete with Jeep Easter eggs and a sense of exclusivity.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two robust V8 engine options: a 6.6-liter gas engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine delivering 445 horsepower and an impressive 910 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed Allison transmission, provided exceptional power and acceleration, making it feel unstoppable. Despite its power, the Sierra 2500HD was a large, heavy truck with a poor turning radius, requiring careful maneuvering in tight spaces. It excelled in towing, with a capacity of up to 18,510 pounds and a payload of up to 3,979 pounds. The truck's infotainment system included helpful trailering apps and a camera for improved visibility while towing. Fuel economy was not officially rated, but the truck averaged 16.5 miles per gallon during testing.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator introduced a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine, offering 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This engine provided substantial low-end power and improved fuel economy, averaging 22.6 mpg during testing. The Gladiator Sport could tow up to 7,650 pounds with the standard engine, while the diesel engine managed 6,000-6,500 pounds due to cooling restrictions. The diesel's torque was particularly beneficial in off-road conditions, allowing the Gladiator to tackle challenging trails with ease. On paved roads, the diesel-powered Gladiator exhibited the same characteristics as the gasoline version, with slow steering, a stiff ride, and noticeable wind noise. However, these traits contributed to the truck's charm, enhanced by the turbo-diesel engine.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered various bed and cab configurations, including regular, double, and crew cabs with standard or long beds. The Denali trim was available only with the crew cab and a choice of bed sizes. The truck featured convenient bed corner steps and an EZ lift-and-lower tailgate with remote release. The MultiPro tailgate provided six configurations, including a large step into the truck bed. Inside, the Sierra 2500HD offered ample space with numerous storage options, including a storage area below the rear seats in SLT-and-up trims.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with supportive seats but cramped interior space. The truck's small door openings and snug seating positions required some adjustment. Side steps or rails, while preserving breakover angle, made entry and exit more challenging. In-cabin storage included netting on door panels, a small center console bin, cupholders, and a locking storage bin under the rear seat. The Gladiator's 5-foot cargo box held 35.5 cubic feet of cargo and featured multiple tie-down hooks, an adjustable tailgate, and optional accessories like a spray-in bedliner and tonneau covers.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, featuring customizable icons and compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLT and Denali trims offered an 8-inch screen with available navigation. The Denali also included an 8-inch color driver-information screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, providing essential technology without overwhelming complexity.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while inherently old school, offered modern technology. The standard Uconnect 3 system included a 5-inch display with Bluetooth and SiriusXM radio. The optional Uconnect 4 system, with a 7-inch touchscreen, added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier Uconnect 4C system featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, connected services, and an Alpine premium sound system. Despite its aging technology, the system remained intuitive. The Gladiator also offered a forward-facing Trail Cam for off-road navigation.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD, with its massive size, presented safety challenges. It included standard safety features like airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Driver Alert Package I added parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driver Alert Package II included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, in standard form, offered a reversing camera but limited additional safety features. Depending on the trim, it could be equipped with advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The test truck included all these features, with adaptive cruise control performing well on the freeway. The NHTSA rated the Gladiator with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.