2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Jeep Gladiator

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator made quite an impression during its debut in Los Angeles. With temperatures soaring above 80 degrees, the beaches were packed, and traffic was heavy. The Firecracker Red Gladiator Overland drew significant attention, sparking conversations and causing people to take photos and videos. Despite some negative opinions, such as a neighbor calling it "ugly," the Gladiator's design was generally well-received. It featured a 3.6-liter V6 engine, 4-wheel drive, and a 6-speed manual gearbox across its four trims: Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon. Prices ranged from $33,545 to $43,545, with additional costs for options like an automatic transmission and a hardtop.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma was praised for its clean and simple design, though it wasn't considered a beauty contest winner. The Tacoma's body, available in extended Access or four-door Double Cab forms, was rounded yet rugged, making it suitable for both city and off-road use. The TRD Pro model featured redesigned LED headlights, a new grille, and various off-road enhancements like an aluminum skid plate and Fox Racing shocks. The interior was straightforward, with a modest touchscreen and durable materials, though the leather seats in the TRD Pro were not highly regarded. The Tacoma's design aimed to balance functionality and ruggedness, appealing to those who prioritize performance over luxury.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator, with its 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, offered a robust driving experience. The 8-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts and quick acceleration. However, towing 5,000 pounds revealed some strain, especially on inclines. Off-road, the Rubicon trim excelled with its Rock-Trac 4WD system, 84:1 crawl ratio, and various off-road features like locking differentials and rock rails. The Overland trim, while less intense, still managed rocky trails effectively. On highways, the Gladiator averaged 20.3 mpg, slightly above its 19 mpg combined rating. Despite its ruggedness, the Gladiator's steering was slow, and the ride was loud, but it offered a unique convertible driving experience.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma, on the other hand, offered two engine options: a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder with 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 with 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The V6, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, was the preferred choice for better performance. The TRD Pro model featured advanced off-road technologies like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, enhancing its capability on rough terrains. However, the Tacoma's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow steering and a droning V6 engine. Fuel economy was also subpar, with the V6 achieving 18 mpg city, 22 highway, and 20 combined. Despite these drawbacks, the Tacoma's off-road prowess and towing capacity of up to 6,800 pounds made it a strong contender for adventure seekers.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's cargo bed, with the tailgate down, could accommodate 95% of motorcycle designs and had a maximum payload of 1,600 pounds. The bed was shallow but featured various tie-downs and a middle mode for hauling large items. The Overland trim offered heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and durable black cloth upholstery. The cab was spacious, with ample room for front and rear passengers, though three adults in the back would be a tight fit. The Gladiator's convertible options included a soft top and a removable hardtop, providing flexibility for different weather conditions.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size made it more maneuverable in urban settings and easier to park. The bed, available in 5- or 6-foot lengths, featured a rail system with movable cleats, an optional power outlet, and LED lighting. The Double Cab's rear seats were cramped for long trips but had hidden storage bins underneath. The lack of a rear defroster and a driver's side grab handle were notable drawbacks. However, the Tacoma's interior was functional, with a quick and powerful heater and straightforward design, making it practical for everyday use.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered basic but functional technology features. Bluetooth was standard, while the mid-level Uconnect 4 system added Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. The top infotainment system, available in the Overland trim, included an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an Alpine premium sound system. The system was user-friendly, with responsive inputs and large on-screen buttons. An exclusive feature was the removable Bluetooth speaker, which could be taken to various outdoor activities.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a simple and intuitive infotainment system. A 7-inch touchscreen was standard, while an 8-inch version with navigation and cloud-based traffic routes was available. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, along with a new USB-C port. Optional features included wireless phone charging and onboard Wi-Fi. The Tacoma also had 360-degree cameras for parking and off-road views, and a standard suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control. While the infotainment interface wasn't the best, it was functional and fast.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered optional safety packages, including the Active Safety Group and Advanced Safety Group. The Active Safety Group included blind-spot monitoring, rear parking-assist sensors, and LED taillights. The Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. The Gladiator's crash protection was uncertain due to the lack of testing data, and it lacked automatic emergency braking, resulting in a conservative safety score.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with more standard safety features, including forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Tacoma scored 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash tests and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in five of six crash tests.