2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator retained much of its previous design, with a notable addition being the Gladiator Freedom Edition, which honored American servicemen and servicewomen. This edition, based on the Sport S trim, featured gloss black wheels, body-color fender flares, and a winch-capable steel front bumper, among other enhancements. Jeep committed to donating $250 to military charities for each unit sold, and offered a $500 discount to active and retired service members. Other updates included a new High Velocity Yellow paint and additional standard equipment for the Willys model. The Gladiator lineup spanned nine trims, starting at $38,305 for the Sport trim and reaching $54,475 for the High Altitude trim, excluding a $1,595 destination charge.

The Gladiator Mojave, tested for this review, was equipped for high-speed desert driving with features like Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks and 33-inch all-terrain tires. Despite its off-road prowess, the Mojave was practical for everyday driving. The interior, reminiscent of a Wrangler, was basic yet functional, with easy-to-clean materials and thoughtful design touches like orange stitching and Mojave lettering. The Gladiator's unique removable top and doors, along with its diesel engine option, set it apart in the midsize pickup segment.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of trims and configurations, from a basic two-door regular cab to a spacious crew cab. The ZR2 model, focused on off-road performance, came exclusively in a crew cab, short bed setup. The Silverado's exterior, refreshed in 2022, remained attractive with its angular lights and versatile grille options. Inside, the Silverado boasted significant improvements, especially in higher trims, with quality materials and advanced technology. The cabin featured leather upholstery, open-pore wood trim, and a mix of digital and physical controls for convenience.

The Silverado ZR2 was equipped with a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, delivering 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided strong performance, aided by a 10-speed automatic transmission. The ZR2's off-road capabilities were enhanced by a two-inch lift, differential lockers, and Multimatic shocks, making it ideal for varied terrains. The optional ZR2 Bison package added further rugged features like steel bumpers and skid plates. The Silverado's towing and payload capacities varied by configuration, with the ZR2 model capable of towing up to 9,000 pounds.

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 diesel engine, while providing 442 lb-ft of torque, was primarily aimed at improving fuel economy rather than towing capacity. The Mojave model, tested with the gas V6, featured Command-Trac part-time 4WD and a locking rear differential. It averaged 17.3 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's estimate. The Gladiator excelled off-road, with its suspension absorbing rough terrain effectively. However, on highways, the vehicle's noise and steering imprecision were notable drawbacks.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered four engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and two V8s. The ZR2 model tested featured a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine, producing 305 horsepower and 495 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided smooth power delivery and was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The ZR2's off-road prowess was supported by a two-inch lift, differential lockers, and advanced Multimatic shocks. The Silverado's towing capacity reached up to 13,300 pounds with the diesel engine, though the ZR2's unique suspension limited it to 9,000 pounds.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator's interior required some maneuvering, especially in the rear seats due to narrow doors. The driver’s seat was comfortable but required frequent adjustments. The rear seats offered decent space and comfort, though taller passengers might find the plastic seatback panels uncomfortable. Storage options were plentiful, with various compartments and a locking bin under the rear seat. The Gladiator's cargo box, while not the deepest, was equipped with features like a spray-in bedliner and adjustable tie-downs to enhance utility.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 provided a range of interior options, from basic vinyl seats in the WT trim to luxurious features in the High Country trim. The ZR2 model offered a comfortable cabin with quality materials, though it lacked some premium features like power-retracting side steps. The crew cab configuration was recommended for its generous rear legroom. The Silverado's towing and payload capacities varied, with the ZR2 model capable of towing 9,000 pounds and hauling around 1,800 pounds. The bed featured 12 tie-downs and an optional Multi-Flex tailgate for added versatility.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An optional 8.4-inch system added navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a premium sound system. The Off-Road+ mode and TrailCam enhanced off-road capabilities, while the voice recognition system was less reliable. Additional tech included passive keyless entry and a dual-zone climate control system with an air filter.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a 13.4-inch touchscreen in higher trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with clear graphics and integrated Google services. Trailering technology was a highlight, with multiple camera views and a towing checklist. An available rear camera mirror and a 15-inch head-up display added to the tech offerings.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator came with basic safety features, with optional packages adding blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and more. The NHTSA rated it with a three-star rollover resistance and four-star frontal-impact protection. The IIHS rated its headlights as Marginal.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 included Chevy Safety Assist as standard, with features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Optional safety features included a 360-degree camera and Super Cruise for hands-free driving. The NHTSA gave it a five-star overall safety rating, though the IIHS rated some aspects as Marginal or Poor.