2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator was a unique creation, derived from the Wrangler but with a stretched and reinforced frame to enhance its towing and hauling capabilities. It featured a short 5-foot cargo bed, designed to maintain a favorable departure angle while offering the utility expected from a midsize pickup. Despite its unconventional appearance, which seemed tall, long, and narrow, the Gladiator was a vehicle that grew on you, especially when driven in remote locations with the top down. The introduction of new editions like the Willys and the 80th Anniversary Edition added distinctive styling elements and features, while the High Altitude model brought luxury touches. Starting at $33,545, the Gladiator offered a range of trims and options, with the test model priced at $58,525, showcasing a well-appointed interior with durable materials and a design focused on utility.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, part of the third generation introduced in 2016, was beginning to show its age despite a 2020 facelift. Its exterior maintained a modern look with an aggressive grille and headlights, but the cabin revealed its dated design with hard plastics and outdated switchgear. The Tacoma was available in several trims, from the basic SR to the off-road-focused TRD Pro. Standard features included a 7-inch touchscreen and Toyota Safety Sense, with higher trims offering additional amenities like leather upholstery and a JBL audio system. The Tacoma's interior was functional, with adequate front-seat space but limited rear legroom, especially in the Access Cab configuration. The Double Cab offered slightly more room but remained cramped for adults on longer journeys.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered a new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine, providing 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, enhancing its low-end performance and fuel efficiency compared to the standard 3.6-liter gasoline V6. The diesel engine, however, came with a $4,000 premium and was not available on the Mojave trim. Despite its impressive torque, the diesel's towing capacity was limited to 6,000-6,500 pounds due to cooling restrictions, while the gasoline engine could tow up to 7,650 pounds. The Gladiator's off-road prowess was evident, with the diesel engine excelling in low-speed, challenging terrains, thanks to its substantial torque available at just 1,400 rpm. On paved roads, the Gladiator exhibited a stiff ride and slow steering, with noticeable wind noise, but these quirks were part of its rugged charm.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came with a base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which was underpowered and offered no significant fuel economy benefits. The recommended 3.5-liter V6 engine, available on higher trims, delivered 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, improving performance but still struggling with highway acceleration due to transmission gearing issues. The Tacoma's towing capacity reached 6,800 pounds with the V6, and it offered a smooth ride with a suspension tuned for both trail and road use. The TRD Pro trim excelled off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its trail capabilities. The steering, while requiring effort at low speeds, was well-suited for off-road navigation.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with agreeable seats but cramped interior space, especially in the rear. The small door openings and snug seating positions required some adjustment, and side steps or rails, while preserving breakover angle, made entry and exit challenging. Interior storage was limited, with netting on door panels, a small center console bin, and an undersized glove compartment. The 5-foot cargo box offered 35.5 cubic feet of space, with an adjustable tailgate and available bedliner and cargo organizer options. Payload ratings varied from 1,075 to 1,535 pounds, depending on the configuration.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma was available in Access Cab and Double Cab configurations, with a choice of a five-foot or six-foot-one-inch bed. The Access Cab's rear jump seats were tight on legroom, suitable for short trips or additional storage. The Double Cab offered slightly more rear-seat space but remained cramped for adults. The front seats provided ample legroom, but the steering wheel's limited adjustment could be an issue for taller drivers. The Tacoma's cabin featured numerous cupholders and storage options, and the bed included in-bed lighting and a power outlet for added convenience.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, while old school in design, offered modern technology, including the optional Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, and connected services like SiriusXM Guardian. The system was user-friendly but showed signs of aging with slow response times. The forward-facing Trail Cam, available on the Overland trim, was a valuable addition for off-road adventures, providing visibility of obstacles ahead.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma featured a straightforward infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, depending on the trim. The system's older design was familiar and easy to use, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The test model included a wireless device charger, though it required manual activation. The Tacoma's technology offerings were basic, focusing on functionality rather than advanced features, which suited its rugged nature.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered basic safety features, with options for advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The test model included these features, enhancing safety despite the narrow side mirrors. The NHTSA rated the Gladiator with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with driver assistance features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The backup camera's image quality was grainy, requiring extra caution. The NHTSA awarded the Tacoma a four-star overall rating, with high scores in side crash tests.