2023 Jeep Gladiator vs 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned for the 2020 model year, boasted a bold exterior with a tall hood, squared-off lines, and a massive grille, giving it a commanding presence. While its exterior design was widely appreciated, the interior left something to be desired, especially in terms of material quality compared to competitors like Ram and Ford. The cabin, though functional, wasn't as spacious as some rivals, and the top trims didn't quite match the luxury standards set by others in the heavy-duty truck segment.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator maintained its rugged, utilitarian look, with a few updates like the new Gladiator Freedom Edition. This edition honored American servicemen and servicewomen with special decals and features like gloss black wheels and a winch-capable steel front bumper. The Gladiator's interior, reminiscent of the Wrangler, was basic but functional, with easy-to-clean materials and practical storage solutions. Despite its longer wheelbase, the Gladiator's proportions were unique, offering a crew cab and functional cargo box, though it lacked the spaciousness and luxury feel of some competitors.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD was equipped with powerful engine options, including a 6.6-liter V8 and an optional Duramax diesel engine, delivering 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. Despite its impressive power, it was outperformed in towing capacity by competitors like the Ford F-250 Super Duty and Ram 2500. The Sierra's Allison 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the AT4 trim offered excellent off-road capabilities with features like an automatic-locking rear differential and all-terrain tires. However, the ride could be jittery without a payload, and the truck's raw power required careful handling.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engine choices: a standard 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 and an optional 260-horsepower 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. The Gladiator's off-road prowess was enhanced by features like the Command-Trac 4WD system and Fox shocks in the Mojave trim, making it ideal for high-speed desert driving. While the Gladiator excelled off-road, its on-road performance was less refined, with a noisy cabin and imprecise steering. The Mojave's suspension upgrades improved ride quality on rough terrain, but the truck's length made maneuvering in tight spaces challenging.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered versatility with three cab configurations, two bed lengths, and a range of convenience features. It could seat up to six passengers, with ample space in both the front and rear seats. The truck's height required some effort to enter, but features like a corner-step rear bumper and multiple storage compartments added to its functionality. The MultiPro tailgate, available on higher trims, provided six functions to enhance cargo management, making the Sierra a practical choice for work and play.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, with its crew cab configuration, provided adequate space for passengers, though the rear doors were narrow. The interior featured practical storage solutions, including netting and MOLLE-style loops, but taller passengers might find the rear seatbacks uncomfortable. The Gladiator's cargo box, while not the deepest, offered features like a spray-in bedliner and a Trail Rail Management System to enhance utility. The truck's design allowed for open-air driving, adding to its appeal for adventure seekers.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD came with a range of infotainment options, including a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. Higher trims offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a navigation system, and a Bose premium audio system. The truck's 15 available camera views, including a "transparent trailer" view, made towing and maneuvering easier. However, the voice-recognition system had some quirks, occasionally providing unexpected results.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An optional 8.4-inch system added navigation, connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Mojave trim included an Off-Road+ mode and a TrailCam forward-facing camera for off-road adventures. While the infotainment system met most needs, the voice recognition system was less reliable. Additional tech features included passive keyless entry and a dual-zone climate control system with an air filter.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered a range of safety and driver-assistive features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and lane-departure warning. Standard features included HD Surround Vision and a Teen Driver system. However, due to its high GVWR, the truck was not rated by NHTSA or IIHS. The Sierra's size provided protection in collisions but posed risks to smaller vehicles and pedestrians, making its safety systems essential.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator had limited standard safety features, with optional packages adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The truck received a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA, indicating average performance. While the Gladiator offered some advanced safety features, it lacked lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance. Crash testing was incomplete, with a four-star frontal-impact rating from NHTSA and marginal headlight ratings from IIHS.