Everyone wants to know how the all-new 2020 Gladiator stacks up against the competition, but the thing is putting Jeep’s pickup against just any rival isn’t exactly an apples to apples comparison.
That’s because the Jeep comes packed with off-road equipment as standard, while rivals are at their best in that department only in higher-spec versions, such as the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
Edmunds is among the first to pit the all-new Gladiator against the 2019 Colorado ZR2. It’s worth noting that they had the range-topping Rubicon, which is the best-equipped model for extreme off-roading.
Also Read: 2020 Jeep Gladiator Starts At $33,545, Arrives At Dealers This Summer
Compared to lesser trims, it adds a 4:1 low range Rock-Trac transfer case, 4.10 ratio wide-track Dana 44 axles, electronically locking front and rear differentials, a front sway bar disconnect, lifted suspension with Fox monotube shocks, off-road tires, front skid plate, steel rear bumper and high clearance black fender flares.
Are those enough to grant the Gladiator Rubicon an easy win over the Colorado ZR2? We won’t spoil the video for you, but it’s not hard to anticipate that Jeep’s solid front axle gives it an advantage in extreme off-road conditions compared to the Chevy’s independent front suspension.
Another thing that makes a difference when the going gets tough is the Gladiator Rubicon’s disconnecting front stabilizer bar — the Colorado ZR2 has a fixed front stabilizer bar. The clip shows how the two pickups compare on desert trails, dirt roads, narrow canyons, mud hills and sand dunes. The reviewers also took the performance trucks to an off-road training area to test them on a constructed obstacle. Watch the video to see how they stack up and which came out on top.