2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Jeep Gladiator

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator made quite an impression during its debut in Los Angeles. On a warm day with temperatures soaring above 80 degrees, the Firecracker Red Gladiator Overland turned heads and sparked conversations everywhere it went. The truck's unique design, reminiscent of the Wrangler from the front doors forward, and its new high-strength steel 5-foot cargo bed from the back doors, made it a spectacle on the Pacific Coast Highway. Despite some negative opinions, such as a neighbor calling it "ugly," the Gladiator's bold look and off-road capabilities were undeniable.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma presented a more traditional truck aesthetic. With its boxy fender flares, tall hood, and shield-like grille, the Tacoma looked like the quintessential pickup. The new Trail Edition and Nightshade Edition added unique styling elements, while the TRD Pro model featured exclusive touches like a model-specific grille and Lunar Rock color. The Tacoma's rugged exterior was matched by a similarly robust interior, though the material quality and space left something to be desired, especially at higher trim levels.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator, powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, delivered a driving experience akin to a long Wrangler. The 8-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts and decent acceleration, even when towing up to 5,000 pounds. Off-road, the Rubicon trim's Rock-Trac 4WD system and various off-road features made it nearly unstoppable. However, the Gladiator's on-road performance was less refined, with slow steering, a rough ride, and average fuel economy of 19 mpg combined.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma offered two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-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 could be paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. The TRD models, particularly the TRD Pro, were equipped for off-road adventures with features like a locking rear differential, upgraded suspension, and Crawl Control. On-road, the Tacoma felt like a traditional truck with poor ride quality and slow acceleration, despite the V6 engine. The maximum towing capacity was 6,800 pounds, but this was only achievable in specific configurations.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator's cargo bed, designed to hold 95% of motorcycle designs, had a maximum payload of 1,600 pounds. The bed was shallow but functional, with various tie-downs and a tailgate that could be adjusted for hauling large items. Inside, the Gladiator offered plenty of room, with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and durable black cloth upholstery. The cab was spacious, with ample storage options and features like air vents and USB ports for rear passengers. The Gladiator's convertible options, including a removable hardtop and soft top, added to its versatility.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's Double Cab configuration struggled with interior space, offering the least rear headroom and legroom in its segment. The front seats were also cramped, and the tall hood impaired visibility. The rear seats folded up to reveal storage cubbies, but overall in-cab storage was limited. The Tacoma's bed featured a standard rail system with tie-down cleats and an optional 120-volt outlet. The inner bed was made from sheet-molded composite, a lightweight and rust-resistant material.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator came with basic but functional technology. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio. Higher trims offered an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and an Alpine premium sound system. The Uconnect infotainment system was user-friendly, with responsive controls and large on-screen buttons. An exclusive feature was the removable Bluetooth speaker, which could be taken to the beach or campsite.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the base SR trim, with an 8-inch touchscreen on higher trims. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The infotainment system was functional but lacked standout features. The TRD Pro model had a Multi-Terrain Monitor surround-view camera system, useful for off-roading and parking.

The 2020 Jeep Gladiator offered optional Active Safety and Advanced Safety Groups. These packages included features like blind-spot monitoring, rear parking-assist sensors, adaptive cruise control, and forward-collision warning. However, the Gladiator lacked automatic emergency braking and had not been fully crash-tested at the time of review, leading to a conservative safety rating.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma received good safety ratings from both the IIHS and NHTSA. Standard driver-assist features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Tacoma's safety features were comprehensive, though some competitors offered additional features like lane-keep assist and trailer coverage for blind-spot monitoring.