So, you’re in the market for a new truck. Two of the main front-runners are the Toyota Tacoma and the Jeep Gladiator. But which one to pick? At Camera Source, we’re the backup camera experts, and we know a thing or two about the trucks that equip them. To help you make a decision between the two, you can start browsing our inventory of backup cameras for Jeeps and Toyotas. We have UTV cameras and agricultural cameras too, so you’re equipped for whatever life throws your way.
In this post, we’ll compare and contrast the main selling points of both so you can make a better-informed decision.
Is the Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro or the Jeep Gladiator the Best Off-Roading Truck?
For off-roading, honestly, both are going to be a safe bet. Both are heritage vehicles that draw on decades of engineering experience and design. The 2020 Tacoma resembles Toyota hardbodies from many years ago, and very much is in line with a durable truck that can tackle off-road adventures well. If you upgrade to the TRD Pro variants, you’re going to have a truck that’s ready for deserts, snowstorms, or both. The interior is a bit iffy, but it’s a solid vehicle.
The Gladiator, on the other hand, is drawing on Jeep body designs from the 50s, with that familiar brick-style shape. It’s long between the wheels, and from the front, you will recognize that familiar Wrangler look. It’s a solid design that can handle just about anything.
Is the Jeep Gladiator better than the Toyota Tacoma?
When comparing the Jeep Gladiator with the Toyota Tacoma, it depends on what you’re looking for. The Tacoma has a cheaper starting price, though when you get into the TRD Pro variants, the pricing catches up fast. Both trucks are built for off-roading and have plenty of space.
According to this video from Big Rock Media, they chose the Jeep Gladiator instead of the Toyota Tacoma for the price, equipment from the factory, and its features and capabilities. Even though Toyota Tacomas are great trucks, the Jeep Gladiator was more prepared for off-roading out of the factory.
On the other hand, watch this video to find out why this person chose to “get rid” of their Jeep Gladiator after one year. The biggest issue with the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon is that it didn't meet their expectations for the price tag it has. For the same price, you can get a full size truck with greater towing capacity. Aside from issues with receiving the special release edition, the truck was too long and too difficult to maneuver for a midsize convertible off-roading truck. While it drives well, the towing didn’t feel effortless and the seats could be more comfortable.
Base MSRP & Trim Levels
The Gladiator starts at an MSRP of $33,545, which compared to the $26,050 MSRP of the Tacoma seems like a bit more expensive. However, if you like the Tacoma, the price will catch up quickly when you start moving into the performance models for off-roading.
Engines & Performance
Both models come with a standard engine across all trim levels, with optional engines available as well.
2020 Jeep Gladiator
The Gladiator has a 6-speed manual transmission standard or an upgrade to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The 3.6-liter V6 VVT engine with ESS can do 285HP and pull 260lb-ft of torque, and the electronic start/top will stop and start the engine in heavy traffic for fuel conservation. A 3.0-liter V6 Diesel model is forthcoming as well.
2020 Toyota Tacoma
All Tacomas feature 6-speed automatic transmissions. The 2.7-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine with VVT-i (variable valve timing with intelligence) produces up to 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. There’s also a 6-cylinder engine available, a 3.5-liter V6 DOHC direct-injection Atkinson cycle engine with VVT-iW. All Tacomas feature 6-speed automatic transmissions.
As is obvious from those stats, the Gladiator has greater power than the Tacoma with the standard engine. However, the Tacoma will get better fuel economy at 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. If you upgrade to the 6-cylinder Tacoma, the power differences will become negligible. However, the forthcoming Gladiator diesel might become a better option because the torque will be something to behold.
Towing & Payload
For towing, the Tacoma’s worth will depend on the engine choice. The 4-cylinder provides a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds. Upgrading to the 6-cylinder engine increases its max towing capacity to between 6,400 and 6,800 pounds, depending on the drivetrain choice.
Depending on the trim level, the Gladiator has more options. The Gladiator Sport and Sport S can tow up to 7,650 pounds, while the Rubicon can tow up to 7,000 pounds. The Gladiator Overland is the weakest of the bunch, with a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds.
You can watch Edmunds put the two to the test with a twist on the classic game of tug of war.
Theoretically, tug of war is a simple contest to see who is the strongest, but it’s not so simple with vehicles because multiple variables don’t allow for a fair competition.
The Gladiator ultimately wins this round because of cargo capacity. It’s max is 1,700 pounds, which is more than the 1,440 of the Tacoma.
Which truck will keep its value the best?
As we’ve discussed in many of our previous blogs on the subject, the answer to that depends on how well the vehicle is cared for. A truck that experiences a lot of wear and tear is going to have less value than one that doesn’t.
What truck depreciates the most?
If historical trends hold, the Tacoma will likely hold value the best, as Jeep vehicles tend to depreciate more quickly. However, the Gladiator might be the one that breaks that trend, as it is an extremely well-constructed vehicle.
Camera Source Has Your Back
No matter which off-roading vehicle you choose, Camera Source has your back. Backup cameras aren’t just for the road, they can help enhance your awareness of your surroundings when off-roading and rock crawling too!
Whether you need to add a backup camera to an existing vehicle or fix the one on your car, we’ve got it covered. Contact us to ask our knowledgeable staff any questions you might have about a backup camera installation, or get help troubleshooting the backup camera on your Jeep. Get in touch with us or start browsing our products today.
