Jeep Gladiator vs Toyota Tacoma - Midsize Truck Comparison

In 2023, Greenville and Greer, SC, have a better selection of midsize trucks than in many years. Two of the most highly rated and popular models on the South Carolina market are the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma. With powerful towing, advanced features, and a great combination of utility and comfort, both of these trucks rank among the best. That's why we're comparing them, to help our Asheville customers decide which midsize pickup best fits their needs.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator and 2023 Toyota Tacoma each have their strengths, as well as a lot in common. We know that shoppers as far as Charleston are looking for not only the best midsize pickup truck but also the best deal on their vehicle. So read our comparison of the Jeep Gladiator vs. Toyota Tacoma below, and be sure to check our specials and inventory to find great deals on your next truck.

Gladiator vs. Tacoma: The Ultimate Comparison

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 one, 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 look at these two popular trucks' engine options and towing.

The standard engine on all Jeep Gladiator models is a 3.6l V6 that produces 285 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque, and has an EPA fuel economy rating of 19 MPG combined. The Jeep Gladiator also offers an EcoDiesel, turbocharged straight-six powertrain that makes 260 horsepower, 442 lb-ft of torque and is rated for a combined 24 mpg. Meanwhile, the Toyota Tacoma comes standard with a 2.7l four-cylinder making 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can upgrade their Tacoma to a 3.5l V6 at 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque.  Both of these Toyota powertrains make 21 miles per gallon in their two-wheel-drive configuration. The V6 makes 18 miles in four-wheel-drive, and the four-cylinder makes 20 in four-wheel-drive. 

What's more in the powertrains is the beautiful manual transmission, standard on the Jeep Gladiator. Off-roading purists can get exactly where they need to go when they need to with precise control using manual transmission. Just like the Toyota Tacoma, though, the Jeep Gladiator is offered in both manual and standard transmissions. 

If you're shopping the base models of the Gladiator and Tacoma, you will 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, Tacoma and Gladiator offer strong towing capacity. 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 will 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 Jeep Gladiator is Jeep's first pickup truck, sharing 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?

The Tacoma TRD Off-Road has 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 into several trims. For instance, Greer buyers will have to go with the top-of-the-range Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro trim to get all-terrain tires and a raised ride height. There are other off-road models of the Toyota Tacoma that aren't quite as capable as well; the TRD Sport is also slightly better than its stock standard counterpart at handling terrain.

The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon's standard off-road equipment includes a lower crawl ratio, increased clearance, all-terrain tires, locking front & rear differentials, electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar, Fox shock absorbers, solid front axle, solid rear axle, rock rails, skid plates, and Jeep's advanced terrain selection and 4x4 system. These give the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon an unparalleled buttery smooth off-roading experience that South Carolinians will surely enjoy. Whether it's cruising a trail, rock crawling, or a little bit of both, the Jeep Gladiator is a more than capable off-road machine. 

Both vehicles score similarly on rollover tests and are also equipped to handle a roll if it happens, meaning when it comes to safety on the trail, both vehicles are relatively similar. While the Tacoma offers great equipment and capability, the Jeep Gladiator comes out on top in terms of value and overall capability.

Technology and Design

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator and 2023 Toyota Tacoma offer excellent modern tech features, including large touchscreens with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, advanced safety features, and premium sound systems. They're also both available with leather upholstery and other high-end features in addition to their more off-road-oriented features. 

Features and versatility are also where the Gladiator and Tacoma showcase their unique strengths. One of these strengths of the Toyota Tacoma is available wireless smartphone charging which comes standard on some of the higher Toyota Tacoma trim levels. However, the Jeep Gladiator comes with keyless entry at higher trim levels. With a similar technology experience in both, it comes down to whose design you prefer, whether it's the crisp interior and exterior lines of the Jeep Gladiator or the smooth finish on the Toyota Tacoma. 

Seating, Cargo Space, and Practicality

The Jeep Gladiator is the only convertible truck on the market, allowing Charleston, SC owners to change out the roof, go topless, remove the doors for trips to the beach, and more. There is nothing else like the 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon on the market, and Jeep fans will love the customization and convertibility.

On the other hand, the Toyota Tacoma is available in a variety of cab and bed configurations, while the Jeep Gladiator is in a single cab and bed variation. Toyota offers more selection in bed sizing with the Toyota Tacoma; It's available in crew cab, access cab, and extended cab. Alternatively, the Gladiator is only available in an extended cab. If you're looking for the most seating capacity available, both the Toyota Tacoma and the Jeep Gladiator will suit you well. Depending on your needs, the Gladiator or Tacoma could be the better choice for you.

The cargo bed size is more configurable on the Toyota Tacoma as well. Drivers can choose from a 5' or 6' bed. However, the Jeep Gladiator offers the Trail Rail System for its beds, making the mounting of equipment onto the bed a breeze. It's really up to you what you'd like to customize when deciding between the Jeep Gladiator and the Toyota Tacoma based on beds. 

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