2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2024 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma was a midsize truck that offered a more compact alternative to full-size pickups like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado. Despite being nearly two feet shorter than the Toyota Tundra, the Tacoma maintained an assertive stance with its upright grille and tall bed, giving it a substantial look without appearing overly large. Toyota offered the Tacoma in various trim levels, from the base SR to the off-road-oriented TRD Pro, providing multiple powertrain options, bed lengths, and cab configurations. New for 2023 were the SR5 SX and Chrome Packages, adding unique styling elements to the truck.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Gladiator was available in four core trim levels: Sport, Willys, Mojave, and Rubicon, with additional variants like the Sport S and new-for-2024 Mojave X and Rubicon X. The Gladiator featured a crew-cab, short-bed configuration with removable doors and roof, and a foldable windshield. The 2024 model introduced subtle styling updates, including a new black seven-slot grille and integrated whip antenna. Inside, the Gladiator received enhancements like additional soft-touch surfaces, contrast stitching, and a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The Mojave X trim, tested with new Anvil paint and upgraded wheels, showcased the Gladiator's off-road prowess and urban versatility.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came with a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, most buyers preferred the optional 3.5-liter V6 engine, which delivered 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine also came with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an option for a six-speed manual. The Tacoma was available in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. Despite the V6's power advantage, the Tacoma was not particularly quick and exhibited significant wind and engine noise at highway speeds. The TRD Pro trim, designed for off-road use, handled city streets well but had a tendency to wander on paved roads. Fuel economy for the V6 with 4WD was estimated at 18/22/20 mpg, with our test truck delivering 16.3 mpg in winter conditions.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator continued to offer a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, featuring a standard automatic engine stop/start system. This engine could be paired with a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission and one of four 4WD systems. Depending on the configuration, the Gladiator could tow up to 7,700 pounds and haul up to 1,725 pounds of payload. The Mojave trim, built for desert running, included features like a one-inch front suspension lift, FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, and a Tru-Lok locking rear differential. During testing, the Mojave handled dirt roads confidently and proved to be a capable urban vehicle despite its length and wide turning radius. However, freeway speeds produced significant wind noise, and the steering felt sloppy. The Mojave X averaged 16.7 mpg over 175 miles of mixed driving.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered various configurations, including an access-cab body style with clamshell doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed, and a double cab with a choice of long or short beds. The access cab's rear seats were tight and uncomfortable, making the double cab a better option for carrying passengers. The front seats provided ample cubby space and legroom, but the steering wheel's limited extension made it challenging for tall drivers to get comfortable. The five-foot bed was sufficient for carrying gear, including multiple bags, groceries, skis, and beer.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator shared its front design with the Jeep Wrangler but featured a unique frame and rear suspension, adding length and capability. The five-foot steel cargo bed included a dampened tailgate and integrated tie-downs, with optional upgrades like a spray-in bedliner and under-rail bed lighting. Inside, the Gladiator lacked practical storage spots, with small bins and nets for smaller items. Climbing in and out of the Gladiator was a hassle, and running boards or step rails were not recommended for off-roading. The new power-adjustable front seats provided reasonable comfort, but rear-seat passengers had to be cautious of protruding plastic hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma featured a 7-inch touchscreen in base SR trims and an 8-inch touchscreen in higher trims. All models included Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The interface was simple but outdated compared to newer Toyota models. Our test truck had a premium six-speaker JBL audio system and two USB-A ports. While the Tacoma offered essential tech features, it lagged behind competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado and Honda Ridgeline in terms of advanced technology.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator introduced a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5, offering superior graphics, responsiveness, and features. The system included Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Amazon Alexa compatibility, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM 360L satellite radio, and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. A TomTom navigation system with Jeep Adventure Guides was available, providing access to trail guides. The improved microphone enhanced voice recognition, although it struggled with more complex commands. The Uconnect 5 system represented a significant upgrade over the previous generation, making the Gladiator's tech offerings more competitive.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. Our TRD Pro model also featured blind-spot monitoring, rear- and side parking distance sensors, and a surround-view camera. However, the Tacoma lacked more advanced features like lane-keeping assist and rear automatic emergency braking. The Tacoma received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, with five stars in side-impact tests but lower scores in frontal crash and rollover tests.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator's safety ratings were not available at the time of writing, but it received a three-star rollover resistance rating from NHTSA. The IIHS was critical of its headlights, seatbelt warnings, and pedestrian detection systems. For 2024, the Gladiator added forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control with full stop capability as standard on the Sport S model, with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on the Mojave X and Rubicon X. Structural improvements and a standard roll cage with side-curtain airbags enhanced occupant safety in side-impact collisions.