Gladiator vs Tacoma: Engines & Towing
While those who need to tow upwards of 10,000 lbs will likely be choosing a full-size pickup truck or even a heavy duty, Greer buyers still want to make sure their midsize truck can tow what they need it to. That's why it's more important than ever for midsize trucks like the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma to offer powerful engines and features that enhance their towing capability and utility. Let's take a look at the engine options and towing on these two popular trucks.
The standard engine on all Jeep Gladiator models is a 3.6l V6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Meanwhile, the Toyota Tacoma comes standard with a 2.7l four-cylinder making 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can also upgrade their Tacoma to a 3.5l V6 at 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.
If you're shopping the base models of the Gladiator and Tacoma, you will obviously be treated to significantly more power by the Jeep pickup. Many sedans offer more power from their base engine than the Tacoma, meaning Asheville shoppers will most likely want to upgrade if choosing the Toyota. That's particularly true if you plan on towing or needing passing power on the highway.
However, when properly equipped, both Tacoma and Gladiator offer strong towing. The Toyota Tacoma can tow a maximum of 6,400 lbs, while the Jeep Gladiator offers a class-leading 7,650 lbs of max towing. So for Greenville buyers who truly want to maximize the utility and towing of their midsize pickup, the Jeep Gladiator will be a top choice. Below, we're going to look at off-road capability, where both of these trucks excel compared to the competition, as well as many of their standard features.
Gladiator vs Tacoma: Off-Roading & Features
The Jeep Gladiator is Jeep's first pickup truck, and it shares its platform with the off-road champion Wrangler. It even shares the legendary Rubicon trim with its Wrangler sibling. However, the Toyota Tacoma has also been a favorite in South Carolina for its off-road capability. So which one comes out on top?
Off-Roading
The Tacoma TRD Off-Road comes with specialized off-road equipment, including a lockable rear differential, Bilstein monotube shocks, and an off-road traction control system with multiple terrain settings and crawl control. There's no doubt that the Tacoma offers some great off-road features, but they're divided among several trims. For instance, Greer buyers will have to go with the top-of-the-range TRD Pro trim to get all-terrain tires and a raised ride height.
Meanwhile, the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon's standard off-road equipment includes lower crawl ratio, increased clearance, all-terrain tires, locking front & rear differentials, electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar, Fox shock absorbers, rock rails, skid plates, and Jeep's advanced terrain selection and 4x4 system. While the Tacoma offers great equipment and capability, the Jeep Gladiator comes out on top in terms of both value and overall capability.
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