Colorado vs Gladiator
For midsize pickup shoppers, the Colorado from Chevrolet and the Gladiator from Jeep are two of the obvious candidates. Taken area by area, the Colorado wins 1 of 4. That doesn’t make the Gladiator a bad choice, but it does set the baseline.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Colorado wins
- Space & Practicality Tie
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Gladiator wins
- Engine & Performance10.0
- Off-road & Towing10.0
- Engine & Performance4.5
- Off-road & Towing10.0
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Colorado has 170 lb-ft more torque
When it comes to torque, the Colorado wins comfortably with 430 lb-ft against 260 lb-ft. The Colorado’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Colorado has 25 hp more power
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Colorado (310 hp versus 285 hp). Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
-
The Gladiator has a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen
The Gladiator gets a small bonus on largest touchscreen, with 12.3 in against the Colorado’s 11.3 in. A bigger touchscreen makes maps and phone mirroring easier to read at a glance.
Design & Size
In overall size, the Colorado and the Gladiator are close enough that you’d struggle to tell them apart by dimensions alone.
Dimensions
| Spec | Colorado | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 213.2 in | 218 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.9 in | 73.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in | 137.3 in |
Engine & Performance
Colorado leads
The Colorado wins the engine & performance section decisively. In its favor, the Colorado has 170 lb-ft more torque. More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades. For engine & performance, the Colorado is the one to beat.
Torque
Colorado: 430 lb-ft Gladiator: 260 lb-ft Electrified powertrains deliver torque instantly, so compare torque figures alongside the powertrain type.
Total system output
Colorado: 310 hp Gladiator: 285 hp More power helps with merging, overtaking and climbing hills, especially with passengers and luggage on board.
Space & Practicality
Too close to call
The space & practicality section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. This section won’t settle the choice, so weigh the other areas more heavily.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the off-road & towing section; the two are too close to separate. On off-road & towing alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Safety & Tech
Gladiator leads
On safety & tech, the difference is modest, and it favors the Gladiator. The Gladiator steps ahead thanks to a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen. The Gladiator’s larger display gives navigation and menus more room. Net result: the Gladiator leads this part of the comparison.
Largest touchscreen
Colorado: 11.3 in Gladiator: 12.3 in Screen size isn’t everything (physical controls and software speed matter too), but bigger is easier to read.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Colorado | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) | 3.6L V6 (Pentastar) |
| Total system output | 310 hp (winner) | 285 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft (winner) | 260 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | 4WD |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Colorado | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 20 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 19 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 23 mpg | N/A (not specified) |
| Fuel tank | 21 gal | 22 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Colorado | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Colorado | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Ground clearance | N/A (not specified) | 11.60 in |
| Max towing | 7,700 lb | 7,700 lb |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Colorado | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 11.3 in | 12.3 in (winner) |
| Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | N/A (not specified) | Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Colorado | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 213.2 in | 218 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | 74.9 in | 73.8 in |
| Wheelbase | 131.4 in | 137.3 in |
Price
| Spec | Colorado | Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $31,900 Lowest price in class | N/A (not specified) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Colorado if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (430 lb-ft vs 260 lb-ft of torque)
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (310 hp vs 285 hp)
- you’re comfortable with how Chevrolet does things
Choose the Gladiator if…
- you rely on navigation and phone mirroring on a larger display (12.3 in vs 11.3 in)
- you’re loyal to Jeep and happy with it
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Colorado or the Gladiator?
We’d point most buyers to the Colorado. The main exception is if you’d trade the rest for a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen.
Which is larger, the Colorado or the Gladiator?
Size is essentially a tie. The official dimensions of the Colorado and the Gladiator differ only marginally.
Executive Summary
Chevrolet makes the Colorado, Jeep makes the Gladiator, and both want the same spot on your shortlist. Here’s where I land. I think the Colorado makes its strongest case with 170 lb-ft more torque. I’ll admit the Gladiator has a point with a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Colorado suits buyers focused on engine & performance; the Gladiator suits those focused on safety & tech.
My pick: the Colorado, with one exception: if you value a bigger 12.3 in touchscreen above everything else, go for the Gladiator.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.