2024 Chevrolet Colorado vs 2024 Jeep Gladiator

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator was offered in a variety of trims, including the Sport, Willys, Mojave, and Rubicon, with additional options like the Sport S and the new Mojave X and Rubicon X. Regional versions such as the Beach and Texas Trail were also available. The Gladiator featured a crew-cab, short-bed configuration with a removable fabric or hard top, and doors that could be taken off. The windshield could be folded down, though it was not recommended due to bug splatter. The Gladiator's pricing ranged from $37,895 for the base Sport to $63,590 for the Mojave X and Rubicon X, with our test vehicle, a Mojave X, priced at $70,750. The 2024 model received subtle styling updates, including a new grille design and integrated antenna, along with new wheel designs and a premium fabric soft top. Interior updates included soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Mojave X and Rubicon X added power-adjustable front seats and premium leather upholstery.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado underwent a bold redesign, adopting a "Camaro-ify Everything" approach with aggressive, futuristic styling. The interior followed similar design trends, featuring Camaro-inspired circular climate control vents and a clean, ergonomic dashboard layout. The Colorado was available in WT, LT, Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 trims. The base WT model included a digital instrument panel, Bluetooth, USB connectivity, an 11.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and satellite radio. The LT trim added features like alloy wheels and a remote locking tailgate, with additional convenience packages offering further upgrades. Off-road models like the Trail Boss, Z71, and ZR2 provided various enhancements for off-road capability. The ZR2 Bison, an upgraded version of the ZR2, featured unique bodywork and protective gear, including AEV-designed wheels and 35-inch mud-terrain tires.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator continued with its 3.6-liter V6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered four 4WD systems and could tow up to 7,700 pounds, with a payload capacity of 1,725 pounds. The Mojave trim was designed for desert running, featuring a one-inch front suspension lift, FOX shocks, and an Off-Road+ driving mode. During testing, the Mojave handled dirt roads confidently and provided a sense of adventure. However, it was loud on highways, and crosswinds affected stability. The Gladiator averaged 16.7 mpg during testing, below the EPA's 19 mpg estimate.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, both displacing 2.4 liters. The base engine produced 237 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, while the Turbo Max version delivered 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Colorado had a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,710 pounds. The ZR2 Bison, designed for off-road capability, featured Multimatic DSSV dampers for exceptional shock absorption. On paved roads, the ZR2 Bison provided a comfortable ride, though it exhibited some body roll typical of off-road trucks.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator shared design elements with the Jeep Wrangler but had a unique frame and rear suspension, adding length to the body and wheelbase. The five-foot steel cargo bed included a dampened tailgate and integrated tie-downs, with optional upgrades like a spray-in bedliner. Interior storage was limited, with small bins and nets for smaller items. Climbing into the Gladiator was challenging, and running boards were not recommended for off-roading. The new power-adjustable front seats offered comfort, but rear-seat passengers needed to be cautious of protruding hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado was available in a four-door quad cab with a 5-foot, 2-inch bed. The bed provided decent space but was not as large as a full-size pickup. The Colorado's car-like seating position offered comfort for long trips, with ample front-row legroom, headroom, and shoulder room. The layout allowed for a user-friendly design for the shifter and controls, though the cup holders were positioned low. Second-row legroom was tight, especially for taller passengers. The high bed wall and floor made loading items challenging, but the open tailgate facilitated projects and tailgate parties. The ZR2 Bison's spare tire was mounted in the bed, reducing usable space.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator featured a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5, offering superior graphics, responsiveness, and features. It included Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Amazon Alexa compatibility, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. A TomTom navigation system with Jeep Adventure Guides was available. The improved microphone enhanced voice recognition, though it struggled with complex queries.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado's standard infotainment system was an 11.3-inch touchscreen with an intuitive layout and hard-button controls. It included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a digital dock for easy navigation. The system also featured an 11-inch digital instrument panel, USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. The LT trim added wireless device charging and additional USB ports, with convenience packages offering further upgrades.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator's safety ratings were not impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA and criticism from the IIHS. However, the 2024 model included safety improvements, such as forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Structural enhancements and a standard roll cage with side-curtain airbags were also added.

The 2024 Chevrolet Colorado came standard with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and lane-keeping assist. The LT Convenience Package III added reverse automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The NHTSA awarded the Colorado four stars for frontal crash testing and five stars for side crash testing, with a three-star rollover rating.