2022 Jeep Gladiator vs. 2022 Toyota Tacoma

Are you trying to find a reliable, competent, and strong midsize pickup truck to transport you and your family? It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if you were caught between choosing the Jeep Gladiator or the Toyota Tacoma. Both midsize trucks have large portions of the market, valued for their durability, performance, and style.

Let’s examine the differences between these two pickup trucks so you can decide which is right for you. When it’s time to shop for any Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) models or pre-owned vehicles by other automakers, always check out Jeff Belzer CDJR Roseville.

Exterior and Dimensions

The 2022 Jeep Gladiator is offered in nine trims: Sport, Willys Sport, Sport S, Altitude, Willys, Overland, Rubicon, Mojave, and High Altitude, while the Toyota Tacoma is offered in five variations: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited. The 2022 Tacoma’s bed length can be either 60 or 73.2 inches, while the Gladiator has a single bed length of 60 inches. Both pickups offer extreme off-road models: the TRD Pro for the Tacoma and the Rubicon for the Gladiator.

Some standard features on the Tacoma include variable intermittent windshield wipers with a misting cycle, a Dark Gray grille with a black surround, a body-colored rear bumper, door handles, and heated power side mirrors. You’ll also get skid plates on the engine and front suspension and a deck rail system with four adjustable tie-down cleats. Depending on the trim level, the Gladiator has 17- or 18-inch wheels, a body-color or black grille, variable intermittent windshield wipers, a body-color fuel-filler door, a Jeep badge, black door handles, and front door tinted glass.

The Toyota Tacoma is 212.3 inches long, 74.4 inches wide, and 70.6 inches tall. The Gladiator is 218 inches long and 73.80 inches wide, but the height has a little more variation: 75 inches tall for the Overland, 76.10 for the Mojave and High Altitude, and 73.80 for the other trims. The Jeep pulls ahead with rugged equipment, including a solid front axle, ultra-low-range gearing for rock crawling, and 11.1 inches of ground clearance. This is 1.5 inches more than the Toyota truck.

Power and Performance

The Tacoma has a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that can generate 180 lb-ft of torque and 159 horsepower, or you can choose a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The 3.6-liter V-6 engine found standard on the Gladiator produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0-liter diesel V-6 engine with 260 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque is also available.

Sufficiently equipped, the 2022 Gladiator can tow up to 7,650 lbs, unlike Tacoma’s 6,800-lb rating. In most cases, the Gladiator features an eight-speed automatic transmission, whereas the Tacoma has a six-speed automatic. Regarding efficiency, the Tacoma with the four-cylinder can achieve up to 24 highway mpg and 19 city mpg with the Limited trim, and most other models achieve just one mpg less. The 2022 Jeep Gladiator achieves 23 highway mpg and 16 city mpg with most trims, excluding 22 highway mpg and 17 city mpg on the High Altitude model.

Interior Features and Dimensions

The Gladiator has 103 cubic feet of total interior volume, while the Toyota Tacoma has 100.1 cubic feet. When it comes to available features, the Tacoma and Gladiator both let you add a sunroof and moonroof. However, the Gladiator also offers a rear window defroster, HD radio, and side mirror lights. It also has sensors that let you know when the tires are inflated to the right pressure. The Tacoma has tire-pressure monitoring but lacks the convenient fill-alert feature.

No matter the season, a reliable temperature control system can instantly boost comfort. Every model of the 2022 Toyota Tacoma features dual-zone automatic climate control, which keeps both the driver and passengers content. Only certain trims of the 2022 Jeep Gladiator come with automated climate control, but it’s not too expensive of an upgrade. Overall, there aren’t many differences between the two cabins, although the Tacoma includes a power driver’s seat standard.

Another area where the Jeep Gladiator and the Toyota Tacoma are comparable is if you require plenty of passenger space. The Jeep Gladiator provides 41.2 and 38.3 inches of front and rear legroom, respectively. It also has 42.8 and 42 inches of front and rear headroom. The Toyota Tacoma offers front and rear legroom of 42.9 inches and front and rear headroom of 39.7 inches and 38.3 inches, respectively. No matter which of these accommodating trucks you choose, everyone on board will have more than enough space at their disposal.

Infotainment Features

The Gladiator features the Uconnect 4 system, which lets you control your in-cabin experience from a seven-inch touch screen. The optional Uconnect 4C NAV system has an 8.4-inch touch screen. A steering-wheel-mounted Alpine Premium audio system with an eight-speaker configuration is an option, as are Amazon Alexa, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, a remote USB port, and SiriusXM Guardian Connected Service with a trial period.

On the other hand, the Tacoma’s infotainment features include a flexible audio multimedia system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, Amazon Alexa, a three-month trial subscription to SiriusXM Platinum, a panoramic view monitor, a 4.2-inch color multi-information display, a smart key system with push-button start, remote connect, a Wi-Fi hotspot, destination assist, and service connect.

Safety Equipment

When it comes to safety technology, the Toyota Tacoma and the Jeep Gladiator are comparable, with features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with a sway warning system, automatic high beams, cruise control with dynamic radar blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control with a full stop, forward collision warning with active braking, and rear cross-path detection.

How To Choose Between a Gladiator and Tacoma

All told, the Gladiator has the advantage in terms of power and capability. The Tacoma may have one slightly longer bed option and some extra technology on the starting trim, but both offer a comfortable ride and the latest protection features. You’ll find examples of both vehicles in the Jeff Belzer CDJR pre-owned inventory, as well as the best potential discounts on a new Gladiator.

Image by J Z is licensed with Unsplash License