2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2020 Nissan Frontier

The 2020 Nissan Frontier’s design, reminiscent of a well-preserved 2005 model, had aged gracefully. The truck maintained a good appearance, especially in the PRO-4X trim, which featured a tube-style roof rack, unique 16-inch alloy wheels, knobby white-lettered tires, a standard spray-in bedliner, and cool bedside graphics. Nissan offered the Frontier in King Cab and Crew Cab styles, with various trim levels and packages to suit different needs. The interior, though filled with hard plastic, was solidly built, evoking a sense of nostalgia with its mid-2000s Nissan design.

In contrast, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator, derived from the Wrangler, had a unique look with a short 5-foot cargo bed. Initially, its tall, long, and narrow appearance caused cognitive dissonance, but driving it revealed its charm, especially off-road. The Gladiator introduced new editions like the Willys special edition and the 80th Anniversary Edition, adding unique features and finishes. The High Altitude luxury model topped the lineup with body-color detailing and premium Nappa leather. The test truck, equipped with Overland trim and a turbo-diesel engine, showcased a blend of ruggedness and luxury.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier featured a mostly-new 3.8-liter V6 engine and a nine-speed automatic transmission, replacing the old 4.0-liter V6 and 2.5-liter four-cylinder engines. This new engine, 93% new according to Nissan, produced 310 horsepower at 6,400 rpm and 281 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. It offered a smoother and more refined performance compared to its predecessor, with improved fuel economy ratings. The Frontier’s maximum tow rating remained at 6,720 pounds. Despite its robust powertrain, the Frontier’s driving dynamics were less impressive, with slow and heavy steering and a wide turning radius. The PRO-4X trim’s Bilstein off-road shocks provided a mixed ride quality, absorbing trail ruts but transmitting road irregularities into the cabin.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator introduced a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine, adding a $4,000 premium. This engine delivered 260 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 442 lb-ft of torque from 1,400 to 2,800 rpm, offering substantial low-end grunt and better fuel economy. During testing, it averaged 22.6 mpg, slightly below the EPA’s estimate. The Gladiator Sport could tow up to 7,650 pounds with the standard engine, while the diesel variant managed 6,000-6,500 pounds due to cooling restrictions. Off-road, the diesel engine excelled, providing ample torque for challenging trails. On paved roads, the Gladiator exhibited slow and sloppy steering, a stiff ride, and noticeable wind noise, but these quirks added to its charm.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier offered ample storage despite some wasted space on the center console. It featured dual glove compartments and a bin under the center armrest. The PRO-4X trim included an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, though it wasn’t a Zero Gravity design, leading to discomfort after long drives. The rear seat was tight, with a flat bench and limited backrest angle, lacking rear air conditioning vents and USB ports. The Frontier’s bed, equipped with a spray-in bedliner and Utili-Track system, could haul up to 1,020 pounds but had a shallow depth of 18 inches and a total volume of 27.1 cubic feet.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort. Its seats were supportive, but the small door openings, snug seating positions, and cramped rear legroom required adjustment. Side steps or rails, while preserving breakover angle, made entry and exit challenging. In-cabin storage included netting on door panels, a small center console bin, cupholders, a dash-top tray, and a small glove compartment. The Gladiator’s 5-foot steel cargo box, 18 inches deep and holding 35.5 cubic feet, featured multiple tie-down hooks and an adjustable tailgate. Payload ratings varied from 1,075 to 1,535 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier’s technology was basic, featuring a 5.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with NissanConnect Apps, satellite radio, navigation, voice recognition, and a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Siri Eyes Free was available for iPhone users, offering a more natural voice assistant alternative. The Frontier’s limited technology was both refreshing and outdated.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while old school, offered modern technology. The standard Uconnect 3 system with a 5-inch display included Bluetooth, voice text reply for Android, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The optional Uconnect 4 system, with a 7-inch touchscreen, added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The top-tier Uconnect 4C system, with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation, included SiriusXM Guardian services, remote engine starting, and a WiFi hotspot. The Alpine premium sound system and Amazon Alexa skill were also available. The forward-facing Trail Cam, new for 2021, assisted in off-road navigation.

The 2020 Nissan Frontier’s safety ratings were subpar. The NHTSA gave it an overall rating of four stars, but its frontal-impact protection was rated three stars for the driver and two stars for the front passenger. The RWD model received a three-star rollover resistance rating. The IIHS rated it "marginal" in the small overlap frontal-impact test, and its headlights were rated "poor." The Frontier’s safety features included a reversing camera, antilock brakes, traction control, and stability control, but lacked modern driver-assistance technologies.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, in its standard form, included a reversing camera. Depending on the trim and equipment, it could be upgraded with ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The test truck had all these features, with adaptive cruise control performing well. The NHTSA gave the Gladiator a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.