2024 Toyota Tundra vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator maintained its rugged charm with minimal changes, introducing a new Gladiator Freedom Edition to honor American servicemen and servicewomen. This special edition, based on the Sport S trim, featured 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. Jeep committed to donating $250 to military charities for each one sold, and offered a $500 discount to active and recently retired service members. Other updates included 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 lineup spanned nine trim levels, starting at $38,305 for the basic Sport trim and reaching $54,475 for the High Altitude trim, excluding a $1,595 destination charge.

Our test vehicle, the Gladiator Mojave, was equipped for high-speed desert driving with Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, a 1-inch front suspension lift, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and a locking rear differential. Despite its off-road prowess, the Mojave was practical for everyday driving. Jeep added several options to our test vehicle, including an automatic transmission, Granite Crystal paint, a black hardtop, and a range of safety and convenience features, bringing the MSRP to $62,160. While the Gladiator's design, based on the Wrangler, featured a longer wheelbase and structurally fortified frame, it retained a unique look that some might find awkward. Inside, the Gladiator mirrored the Wrangler's utilitarian design, with easy-to-clean materials and practical features, though the Mojave's interior enhancements added a touch of quality.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra, with its massive grille designed for powertrain cooling, presented a bold appearance that divided opinions. Despite this, the Tundra's industrial design theme, with camo-pattern detailing, conveyed durability and strength. However, the cabin's plastic elements detracted from the overall sense of quality, with creaking and clattering sounds impacting confidence in its build. The Tundra offered Double Cab and CrewMax styles with various cargo bed lengths, and trim levels ranging from the base SR to the loaded Capstone. Each model featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive options. The i-Force Max powertrain, available on certain models, added a hybrid version of the V6 with standard 4WD.

Base prices for the Tundra ranged from $39,665 to $78,845, excluding a $1,850 destination charge. Our test truck, the TRD Pro, featured black TRD Pro tailgate lettering, wheel locks, and a spare tire lock, bringing the MSRP to $74,295. The Tundra TRD Pro excelled off-road, equipped with lighter BBS forged alloy wheels, Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, a TRD front stabilizer bar, and FOX internal-bypass shock absorbers. The hybrid powertrain delivered 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, with a towing capacity of 11,175 pounds and a 1,600-pound payload. Despite its off-road capabilities, the Tundra proved enjoyable on-road, though its size and turning radius posed challenges in certain environments.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engine choices: a standard 285-horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, and an optional 260-horsepower, 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with an eight-speed automatic transmission and 442 lb-ft of torque. While the diesel option improved fuel economy, it couldn't tow as much weight. The Gladiator featured Command-Trac part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case, with upgrades available for certain models. Our Mojave test vehicle had the gas V6 and Command-Trac with a locking rear differential, achieving an average of 17.3 mpg in combined driving, slightly below the EPA's estimate of 19 mpg.

Inside, the Gladiator was loud, with engine roar and wind noise as constant companions. The Mojave's suspension modifications, including Fox shocks, proved effective on rough terrain, offering a smoother ride compared to the Wrangler. However, the Gladiator's steering precision was lacking, especially on highways and narrow roads. Despite these challenges, the Mojave's suspension enhancements made it a more enjoyable city-driving companion, absorbing imperfections and providing a liberating driving experience.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, designed for off-road excellence, also delivered a satisfying on-road experience. Equipped with a hybrid version of the twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine, the TRD Pro produced 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. It featured a 10-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system with various off-roading features. The TRD Pro's suspension, with a 1.1-inch front lift and skid plates, provided 9.0 inches of ground clearance, making it well-suited for off-road adventures.

During testing, the Tundra TRD Pro excelled on desert trails and mountain climbs, though its size and poor forward visibility posed challenges in certain environments. On highways, the Tundra offered an open-air driving experience, though its fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 17.1 mpg compared to the EPA's estimate of 19 mpg. Despite its hybrid powertrain, the Tundra's preference for premium gas added to its operating costs.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator required practice to enter and exit gracefully, especially through the crew cab's narrow rear doors. Optional side steps, while preserving off-roading capabilities, proved more of a hindrance than a help. Inside, the manually height-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, though it required regular readjustment. The rear seats offered good legroom and support, though taller passengers might find the plastic front seatback panels uncomfortable. Storage options included netting on door panels, cupholders, and a deep but narrow center armrest bin. The Gladiator's five-foot cargo box, while lacking depth, offered features like a spray-in bedliner, tonneau cover, and Trail Rail Management System.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra, as a full-size crew-cab pickup, provided ample interior space, though the i-Force Max's battery eliminated rear underseat storage and a flat rear cab floor. This limitation impacted storage options, as demonstrated during a family outing. The Tundra's cargo bed, while equipped with tie-down cleats and bed lighting, lacked some of the helpful features found in rival trucks. Loading and unloading the bed required effort, and the tailgate's innovative release mechanism didn't fully drop it. Despite these challenges, the Tundra offered decent storage space and comfortable seating, though the driver's seat caused some discomfort during long drives.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, despite its rugged appearance, offered modern technology features. Our Mojave test truck included an Off-Road+ driving mode and an optional TrailCam forward-facing camera. The Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, available in 7-inch and 8.4-inch versions, provided access to various data points and connected services. Our test vehicle featured the larger touchscreen with navigation, Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. However, the voice recognition system was less effective, and the passive keyless entry system and dual-zone automatic climate control added convenience.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering robust features with complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services. Safety Connect provided important features like automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system. Additional tech included wireless smartphone charging, a surround-view camera, and trailering assistance.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator came with minimal standard safety features, with optional packages available for additional technologies. Our test vehicle included SiriusXM Guardian Services, offering various connected services. The optional Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. The Gladiator received a four-star frontal-impact protection rating from the NHTSA, though its headlights were rated Marginal by the IIHS.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors were available on higher trim levels. During testing, the Tundra's driver aids performed well, though the lane-centering assist feature was less effective. The Tundra received high crash-test ratings from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick rating from the IIHS, though it earned a Poor rating in a new frontal-impact test for rear-seat passengers.