Toyota Tacoma vs Jeep Gladiator

We’d bet good money that most people who buy a Tacoma TRD Pro—one of the most off-road-capable Tacoma models—won’t use it to blast across the desert with wild abandon. Buyers will probably want to consider a different version of Toyota’s midsize pickup truck, which is available in two cab styles, two bed lengths, several powertrain combinations, and multiple trim levels.

Verdict: The 2026 Tacoma TRD Pro sells a fantasy, not a reality. Given some of the compromises it requires, we think people who want an expensive, off-road-ready Tacoma would be happier with the Trailhunter model.

Go ahead. Take the top off. Take the doors off. Lower the windshield. No other pickup truck offers the open-air driving experience buyers get with a 2026 Gladiator. This model year, Jeep revised the door hinges to make that experience easier to access. New versions of this midsize pickup are available, too, including a Willys ’41, Sahara, and limited editions called the Rewind, Rockslide, Shadow Ops, and Whitecap.

Verdict: The 2026 Jeep Gladiator combines the fun of a lifestyle vehicle with the capability of a real truck.