2025 Gladiator vs Chevy Colorado
Open-Air Freedom
When it comes to open air freedom, the Jeep Gladiator has the only answer. Jeep’s removable doors and roof offer a unique open-air experience unmatched by the Chevy truck in Phoenix. If you want a convertible truck, the Gladiator is the clear winner.
Living in Arizona, drivers have more opportunities to put the top down than almost any other place in the U.S. Sure, we need our air conditioning in the summer, but there are so many days and nights where we can have the roof down. And then when we have the time, we can take off the roof and the doors and enjoy a unique on-road ride and an immersive off-road adventure.
Best Off-Roading for the Money
If you are looking for the best off-roading equipment for the money, the Colorado lags behind the Jeep in many ways. Of the two, only the Gladiator can claim a Trail-Rated badge for every single model in the lineup.
First, all Gladiators have four-wheel drive. That costs extra on the Chevy midsize truck. Either you have to spend $3,300 to upgrade from rear wheel drive, or you have to pick a much pricier Colorado trim.
Second, Gladiators start off with the key skid plates for off-roading. However, you have to buy a package to add them to the Colorado. This is part of the problem with Chevy’s lower priced truck. You keep adding what you need and you will find yourself at the entry-level price point of the Gladiator.
Third, like the Wrangler from which the Jeep truck drew inspiration, the Gladiator is built high with tight overhangs to minimize the chances of damage. That gives this midsize pickup a solid 10 inches of ground clearance before you add equipment. The 2WD Colorado models only have 7.9 inches of clearance.
Fourth, all Gladiators have Dana 44 front and rear axles. That’s something you won’t get from Chevrolet. You can pick an off-roading trim to get tougher axles, but you can’t upgrade a regular trim. So now the price of the Colorado isn’t covering the essentials you get from Jeep.
For the money, Gladiators are absolutely the best deal when you want four-wheel drive, skid plates, extraordinary axle strength, and trail-worthy ground clearance. That’s the combination that makes the Gladiator naturally more fun than the Colorado. It also beats other rivals like the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, and many full sized trucks. 
Best Off-Roading on the Market
The Gladiator shines even brighter when you consider extreme adventure readiness. Those solid axles are a strong basis for adding locking differentials, rock crawling equipment, and disconnecting sway bars. Smart suspensions and helpful technologies just strengthen its abilities.
Mojave and Mojave X trucks are designated desert runners with extra capability for high speed off-roading. This makes these trucks the ultimate choice for our desert landscape.
While we may not have wild waterplay on our mind very much in Phoenix, the Gladiator’s ability to ford water can become extremely important during snow melt in the mountains. Then you’ll be glad you have up to 31.5 inches of water fording ability. To get anything close, you have to choose the Colorado ZR2.
In conclusion, the ZR1, ZR2 and ZR2 Bison are meant to rival the Gladiator Rubicon, Rubicon X, Mojave, and Mojave X. These Chevy trucks are good, but added equipment is best when it’s built on a truck package that is already trail-rated, like the Gladiator. 
Towing and Payload
This year, the Colorado, particularly with its TurboMax engine, can offer slightly higher maximum towing and payload capacities in some configurations compared to the Gladiator. However, that slight edge is mostly on paper since most midsize truck buyers only require good numbers, and the Gladiator has those.
The Jeep truck offers respectable towing and payload numbers, and drivers can feel especially good knowing the sheer strength of the Gladiator’s Dana 44 axles. You can configure your Jeep truck to pull up to 7,700 pounds, just like the Chevy truck.
On a side note, to pick the right truck for your hauling and towing needs, talk to the knowledgeable staff at your Phoenix Jeep dealer, Earnhardt CDJR.
Interior Space and Practicality
Jeep engineers not only focused on off-road toughness but also on-road refinement when they designed the Gladiator. An SUV-like cabin ensures space for adults on the second row. Parents have room for their kids --whether they are toddlers in bulky carseats or long-legged teenagers.
A washable interior with drain plugs is a practical feature that you won’t find on the Colorado. Even better Gladiators are stocked with high quality materials that should look good despite heavy use. That benefits busy parents, wild adventurers, and investment-minded owners who look at resale values.
For those who love modern technology, the Jeep Gladiator is an exciting investment. The dash offers a big or bigger touchscreen with all the connectivity tools you need to find the best music, navigation, and more. From emergency braking to lane departure warnings, Jeep pickups match Chevrolet mid size trucks in every meaningful way.
Plus the Jeep is the only one that provides access to integrated off-road trail guides. Adventure Apps are available on a dedicated Jeep App marketplace. Learn more about Gladiator features in this 2025 Gladiator Review.
Conclusion
While the Chevrolet Colorado is a reputable ride, this truck is simply a safe choice. Chevy’s packaging won’t add significant adventure or fun to your life unless you are willing to choose the top off-roading trims. Even then, Chevy trucks won’t provide you with an open air experience.
Furthermore, if you are focused on the best off-roader, it’s important to consider that -- unlike the Chevy truck -- every Gladiator is trail-rated. When you step up to the Rubicon, you are getting the top toys and technologies that Jeep has developed for the trail. When you step up to the Mojave, you are getting a unique desert runner that can run circles around any competitor.
As a hauler, an adventure toy, or an investment, the Jeep Gladiator meets and exceeds every requirement of today’s Phoenix metro driver. We only hope you’ll find out for yourself.
Schedule a test drive of the new Jeep Gladiator at your Phoenix Jeep dealer, Earnhardt CDJR.
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