Toyota Tacoma or Jeep Gladiator: Which Midsize Truck Is Right for You?
The Toyota Tacoma has led the midsize pickup class for more than a decade.
As demand for small pickups grows, strong competitors have emerged—chief among them, the
Jeep Gladiator. Below is a clear, no-form, ad-light comparison to help you choose.
What’s New (2021 model year)
Tacoma: New Trail Edition; V6 models add standard dual-zone climate control.
Gladiator: Adds available 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (260 hp, 442 lb-ft) with 8-speed automatic.
10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Reliability: Renowned long-term dependability when serviced on schedule.
Strong Available V6: 3.5L V6 (278 hp) for better passing and towing.
Improved Comfort: Available 10-way power driver’s seat; heated fronts on higher trims; dual-zone climate (V6).
Off-Road Cred: TRD Off-Road adds skid plate, locking rear diff, Crawl Control; TRD Pro gets FOX shocks & extra armor.
Street-Friendly TRD Sport: Sport-tuned suspension, vented hood, street-biased tires.
Customization: Smoked lights, bold colors (Voodoo Blue, Barcelona Red), Nightshade Special Edition.
Easy Infotainment: 7–8" touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa.
Safety Suite: Toyota Safety Sense P (AEB w/ pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise, LDA, auto high beams).
Available 360° View: Panoramic View Monitor aids parking & trail spotting.
Optional JBL Audio: 440-watt amp, premium speakers, integrated subwoofer.
Common Tacoma Cons
Base 4-cyl feels underpowered.
Cab is tighter than some rivals.
Top trims get pricey; fuel economy is just OK.
Max tow/haul isn’t class-leading.
See used Toyota Tacoma inventory & prices
10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Jeep Gladiator
Go-Anywhere DNA: Proven Jeep 4×4 systems, heavy-duty suspension, Trail-Rated/Desert-Rated variants.
Hauling & Towing: Up to 7,650 lbs towing (properly equipped) and ~1,700 lbs payload.
Open-Air Experience: Only convertible pickup; removable doors/roof, soft/hardtop choices.
Roomy Back Seat: Bigger rear row than most midsize trucks; seats up to five.
Powertrains: 3.6L V6 (285 hp) or torque-rich 3.0L EcoDiesel; 8-speed automatic available.
Iconic Styling: Rugged Jeep look that stands out on and off road.
Simple, Attractive Cabin: Clean layout with supportive buckets; practical storage.
Modern Uconnect: 7–8.4" HD touchscreen, available nav, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, optional Alpine audio.
Endless Mods: Nine trims, numerous packages; vast aftermarket for off-road gear.
Safety Tech: High-strength steel frame; available FCW w/ active braking, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-path, ParkSense.
Common Gladiator Cons
Not as nimble on tight trails as a Wrangler.
Fuel economy lags most rivals (gas V6); diesel helps but adds cost.
Steering/handling feel can be truckish on pavement.
Quick Specs Snapshot (2021)
| Toyota Tacoma | Jeep Gladiator |
|---|
Engines | 2.7L I-4 (159 hp), 3.5L V6 (278 hp) | 3.6L V6 (285 hp), 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (260 hp / 442 lb-ft) |
Transmissions | 6-spd auto; 6-spd manual (select trims) | 8-spd auto (diesel), 6-spd manual or 8-spd auto (gas V6) |
Max Tow (properly equipped) | Up to 6,800 lbs | Up to 7,650 lbs |
Cab/Doors | Access Cab (2 doors), Double Cab (4 doors) | Four doors, 5-passenger |
Signature Strength | Bulletproof reliability, off-road trims, resale value | Open-air Jeep experience, top tow, customization |
Which Should You Choose?
Pick Tacoma if you value long-term reliability, strong resale, an available manual, and well-tuned off-road trims (TRD).
Pick Gladiator if you want the unique open-air Jeep feel, class-leading towing, and deep customization potential.
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