2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma had a long history in the North American market, starting from 1995. Toyota’s truck lineage, however, extended back to the 1972 Toyota Pickup and the global Hilux from 1968. By 2022, the Tacoma was in its third generation, which debuted in 2016 and received a facelift in 2020. Despite the updates, it was beginning to show signs of aging.

Externally, the Tacoma maintained a contemporary appearance with its aggressive grille and headlights. However, the interior revealed its age, featuring a mix of older buttons and switchgear integrated with newer elements like the push-button start. There were plenty of hard plastics and surfaces that felt less premium. The array of trim levels for the Tacoma comprised SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, each adding distinct features suited to different needs.

• SR Trim: Featured 16-inch steel wheels, Class IV tow-hitch receiver, manually sliding rear window, air conditioning, manual seats, USB ports, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system supporting Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa.

• SR5 Trim: Added fog lights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8-inch touchscreen, plus a power-sliding rear window for Double Cab models with the V6 engine.

• TRD Sport: Upgraded to 17-inch alloy wheels, TRD-tuned sport suspension, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, a leather-wrapped shift-knob, wireless device charging, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

• TRD Off-Road: Featured 16-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, a trail-oriented suspension with Bilstein shocks, a locking rear differential, and an optional 4.2-inch color display in the instrument panel.

• Limited Trim: Aimed at more road-oriented driving with 18-inch polished aluminum alloy wheels, leather upholstery, JBL premium audio system, navigation, heated front seats, and a power moonroof.

• TRD Pro: Topped the lineup with unique exterior styling, added underbody skid plates, LED fog lights, TRD-tuned suspension, and a TRD sport exhaust.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator saw minor changes, focusing on a new Freedom Edition to honor American servicemen and servicewomen. Based on the Sport S trim, it included gloss black wheels, body-color fender flares, a winch-capable steel front bumper, steel rock rails, LED headlights, cloth seats with leather trim, and special decals. For each Freedom Edition sold, Jeep donated $250 to military charities and offered a discount to active and retired service members.

The model year introduced a new High Velocity Yellow paint color, added standard equipment for the Willys model, and a new Capability Package for the High Altitude model. The Gladiator trim levels covered nine variants ranging from the basic Sport trim to the High Altitude trim.

Our test vehicle, the Gladiator Mojave, was built for high-speed desert driving with features like Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, front hydraulic jounce bumpers, a 1-inch front suspension lift, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and steel rock rails. Additional options like an automatic transmission, premium paint, a hardtop, and various packages pushed the MSRP to $62,160.

The Gladiator stood distinct for features like removable tops, doors, a diesel engine option, and exceptional off-roading capability. While it shared a base with the Wrangler, it had a longer wheelbase and frame, giving it a unique aesthetic reminiscent of a mullet—a longer than usual rear.

Interior-wise, the Gladiator mirrored the Wrangler with plenty of plastic and rubber, easy to clean and capable of getting wet without damage. Orange detailing and unique stitching added a touch of modern aesthetics to an otherwise rugged setup.

The Tacoma offered two engines: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder yielding 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a robust 3.5-liter V6 producing 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. With the 2.7-liter engine, the Tacoma felt underpowered and didn’t provide a significant fuel economy advantage. The 3.5-liter V6, recommended for most, was standard on higher trims and optional on lower ones. Equipped for towing, Tacomas could handle a maximum of 6,800 pounds and a payload of 1,685 pounds.

Both engines paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with TRD models also offering a six-speed manual option. While the V6 offered better performance, it struggled with highway accelerations due to transmission gearing issues. However, it performed well around town and excelled in off-road conditions, particularly the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road models. These trims included Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control to assist on tough trails.

The Gladiator gave buyers a choice between a 285-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine and an optional 260-hp 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with 442 lb-ft of torque. The V6 could be paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, while the diesel came exclusively with the eight-speed automatic. Despite its torque, the diesel was less suitable for towing—its main advantage lay in fuel economy.

The standard part-time 4WD system included a two-speed transfer case, with some models offering the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Rubicon and Mojave variants received a Rock-Trac 4WD system with a Tru-Lok front differential and a Tru-Lok locking rear differential.

Our Mojave test model delivered a combined fuel efficiency of approximately 17.3 mpg. Despite the cabin's noise and limited passing power, the Mojave’s suspension handled rough terrains exceptionally well. It performed admirably in urban settings, absorbing impacts effortlessly. However, the Gladiator’s steering slop and noise were noticeable drawbacks, with highway driving becoming tiring and stressful due to frequent corrections.

The Tacoma offered two body styles: Access Cab and Double Cab, with bed lengths of five feet and six feet one inch. The Access Cab's rear jump seats were tight on legroom, suitable for short trips or children, while the Double Cab offered limited rear-seat space for adults. Front seating provided ample legroom, but the tilt/telescoping steering wheel might not extend sufficiently for taller drivers.

Interior storage was abundant, with multiple cupholders and storage options. Our test model featured in-bed lighting and a wall-style power outlet. Notably, the Tacoma boasted a payload capacity of 1,685 pounds and a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds.

Entering and exiting the Gladiator required agility, especially through the narrow rear doors. The optional side steps often got in the way more than they helped. Once inside, the manually height-adjustable driver’s seat was comfortable but required regular readjustment. The rear seats were spacious enough for adults with sufficient legroom, although the plastic front seatback panels could be uncomfortable for taller passengers.

Storage options included netting on door panels, multiple cupholders, a dashboard tray, and a storage bin under the back seat. The Gladiator's five-foot steel cargo box provided 35.5 cubic feet of space. Additional features such as a spray-in bedliner, three-position tailgate, LED lighting, and an adjustable tie-down system with a 115-volt AC power outlet enhanced utility. It boasted a best-in-class payload capacity of 1,710 pounds but fewer storage luxuries compared to the Tacoma.

The Tacoma sported a 7-inch touchscreen on the base SR trim, while other trims came with an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system, though dated, was user-friendly with a straightforward layout and large icons. It supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Our test model's wireless device charger required manual activation, a minor inconvenience. Overall, the Tacoma’s tech features were adequate, particularly for those leading an active lifestyle.

Despite its rugged appearance, the Gladiator offered surprising tech features. Equipped with an Off-Road+ driving mode and a TrailCam forward-facing camera, it eased challenging off-road navigation. A 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a USB port was standard.

Higher trims featured an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. An optional nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system and a portable Bluetooth speaker added to the appeal. The voice recognition system, however, underperformed, struggling with standard commands. Additional tech included an effective passive keyless entry system and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with an air filter.

The Tacoma came with a suite of driver-assistance features: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. Its backup camera was standard but provided a grainy image.

The NHTSA rated the Tacoma at four stars overall, with five stars for side crash tests.

The NHTSA gave the Gladiator a four-star frontal impact rating, while the IIHS rated its headlights as Marginal.