Chevrolet Colorado vs Jeep Gladiator

Available only in a crew-cab, short-bed body style, the Colorado offers one powertrain, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and five trim levels. Talk about simplicity! Last redesigned for the 2023 model year, the Colorado is mostly unchanged for 2026. White Sands paint replaces Harvest Bronze on the Trail Boss and ZR2, and a new Bronze Accent Package is available. Additionally, Chevy has discontinued the snorkel and the rubber bed mat options.

Verdict: In most ways, the 2026 Colorado is an impressive midsize truck. However, it plays runner-up to the Toyota Tacoma, which is not only more versatile and available with a wider range of dealer accessories but also trades on its legendary reputation for long-term reliability.

The more you spend, the less capable the Gladiator is. The 2025 Gladiator loses its manual transmission and adds’41, Joose, and Mojito paint colours.

Verdict: Unique among pickup trucks, the Jeep Gladiator is an appealing alternative to the status quo. That’s especially true if you value open-air driving or plan to tackle untrodden territory. But for serious towing and hauling tasks, there are better choices than the Gladiator.