2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2020 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was available in several trims, including SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Pro, Platinum, and 1794 Edition, each offering increasing levels of luxury and features. It came in Double Cab and CrewMax styles, with three bed lengths depending on the configuration. Prices ranged from $33,425 to $52,930, excluding destination charges and options. The TRD Pro CrewMax, the most expensive version, featured a distinctive Army Green color and black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, giving it a rugged, military-grade look. Inside, the TRD Pro had black leather with red stitching and embroidery, though the interior was criticized for its industrial-grade plastic, which seemed out of place at higher price points.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, derived from the Wrangler, featured a stretched and reinforced frame for towing and hauling, with a 5-foot cargo bed. Its design was unique, appearing tall, long, and narrow, which took some getting used to. However, driving the Gladiator was a joy, especially off-road. New for 2021 were the Willys special edition and the 80th Anniversary Edition, adding unique features and finishes. The High Altitude luxury model topped the lineup with body-color detailing and premium Nappa leather. Starting at $33,545, the Gladiator offered a range of trims and options, with the test truck priced at $58,525, featuring Overland trim and a new turbo-diesel engine. The interior was well-equipped, with durable materials suitable for rugged use.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, producing 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm. It had a maximum towing capacity of 10,200 pounds and could carry up to 1,730 pounds of payload in the SR Double Cab with RWD. The TRD Pro model came standard with a 4WD system, BBS forged aluminum wheels, and heavy-duty Fox off-road shocks. The V8 engine delivered robust power, though it was loud, and the truck's handling was truck-like, with a tight turning radius. Fuel economy was unimpressive, averaging 14.3 mpg, with a 38-gallon fuel tank providing extended range.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator introduced a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 option, producing 260 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 442 pound-feet of torque from 1,400 to 2,800 rpm. This engine offered better fuel economy, averaging 22.6 mpg, though it fell short of the EPA's 24 mpg estimate. The Gladiator Sport could tow up to 7,650 pounds with the standard engine, while the diesel's towing capacity was slightly lower due to cooling restrictions. Off-road, the diesel engine excelled, providing ample torque for challenging trails. On-road, the Gladiator's ride was stiff and noisy, with slow steering and wind noise on highways, but the diesel engine added to its charm.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, built in Texas, offered a spacious interior, especially in the CrewMax configuration. The rear seating area was expansive, though the bench was low and flat. Front seats were large and comfortable, but storage was limited, with a small glove compartment and few rear storage options. The truck bed was basic, lacking advanced features like locking storage wells or multifunctional tailgates, emphasizing simplicity.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with supportive seats but cramped rear legroom and small door openings. Side steps or rails made entry and exit challenging. Storage included door panel netting, a small center console bin, and a locking storage bin under the rear seat. The 5-foot cargo box held 35.5 cubic feet of cargo, with an adjustable tailgate and available spray-in bedliner. Payload ratings varied by trim and engine, emphasizing practicality.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra featured an outdated-looking infotainment system, but it was equipped with modern software. Lower trims had a 7-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to an 8-inch screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and more. The TRD Pro had a premium JBL sound system with dynamic navigation and voice recognition. However, the system's virtual buttons were challenging to use in a moving truck, and advanced towing technology was lacking.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered modern technology, with the Uconnect 4C system featuring an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and connected services. The system was user-friendly but showed signs of aging with slow response times. The Gladiator also offered a forward-facing Trail Cam for off-road use, enhancing driver awareness. The test truck's Alpine sound system and Amazon Alexa skill added to the tech package.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra came with Toyota Safety Sense and optional blind-spot monitoring, but its crash-test performance was lacking. The IIHS rated it poorly in small-overlap frontal-impact tests, and its headlights received a Marginal rating. The NHTSA gave it better ratings, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection, but RWD models had a lower rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered basic safety features, with optional ADAS like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The test truck included these features, which were useful given the narrow side mirrors. The NHTSA rated the Gladiator with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating, highlighting areas for improvement.