Jeep Gladiator

Doors are incredibly easy to take off and put on. The hinges are outside and they just lift off. Maybe a minute each door, and that includes walking to where you set them. And yeah I've gone bombing down dirt roads and I've done slow rock-crawling. If I get a little dirt on me the easiest solution is take a shower later and not let a little dirt ruin some fun. I'm not saying that to be condescending. Different strokes for different folks, if you're worried about getting dirty then definitely stick with your Taco.

 

The only problem is its going to have the reliability of a Jeep. A truly dedicated overland vehicle is going to put on a lot of miles, not going to be so cool when its in the shop all the time being repaired.

And yes I've owned a Jeep in the past and was a fan boy of the brand at one time.

 

EXACTLY my thoughts. And I'm not a Jeep hater. Owned ones from the '50s, '60s and '80s.
Newer ones look nice but are too trouble prone.

Wish I had kept this one. (Not a photo of my actual truck)

 

How is that any worse

What Jeep did you own in the past?

The 3.6 has been an amazingly reliable motor compared to the train wreck that was their 3.8L in the early JKs. Both aren't quite as highly regarded as the slow 200hp turd that is the 4.0L I6. Either way, the 3.6L they're putting in here is a rock solid engine with a great track record in the Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler. I'm only one owner, but I'm sitting at 96,000 miles without an issue. Is it statistically as good as Toyota's 4.0L? Probably not... but is it going to compete with the 3.5L in the 3rd gen? I bet that's a much closer race when you compare power and reliability numbers.

The fact that they can fit 35" tires with no lift, and 37" with minimal lift is a huge draw for me.

With fenders and 4" of lift 40" tires can be fitted with reasonably small amounts of trimming. I'm no fabricator and a bit of a wuss when it comes to hacking up a pretty vehicle. This was a piece of cake for an amateur with the right component selection.

 

^ well I’m going off what I’m seeing. No clue what the dimensions of the truck is

 

I'd think you'd have to compare the Rubicon to a TRD Pro for a better comparison. But even then the TRD Pro doesnt have the front locker or sway bar that can be disconnected at the push of a button or stock sliders or 33 inch factory tires or the ability to accept 35s with no suspension mods.

Hate to admit it but in general if you're spending 45 to 50 grand AND you off road a lot, the Jeep would probably make more sense.

 

Just don't be in the back of the pack... Yeah I never took my doors off or windshield down, but I also didn't mind it getting dirty inside. Much easier to clean than what I have now.

 

Nice thing about this Jeep is Toyota will have to step up their game with the next gen.

I'm hoping to see a front locker and factory 33s in the next versions of the Off Road and TRD Pro.

 

The only Jeep I have ever owned. Still do, 2006 Last year of the TJ , and ever will. Love my 2016 TRD Tacoma

 

For reading pleasure:

https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/jeep-gladiator-pickup-truck-comparison-ford-nissan-chevy-toyota/

 

Here is the rub though. There is nothing they can do, short of releasing another platform, that will allow them to "step up their game". The Tacoma will always be limited by its non-removable roof, ifs, and general focus on comfort instead of offroad performance.

What could they offer stock that could not be accomplished in an off-road shop in 8 hours?

edit: I could see them being forced to offer a diesel since it it becoming a mid-size option on all other platforms.

 

That's what keeps crossing my mind. Everyone looks at numbers and Tacoma does sell like crazy, 200k a year. That's held up as a goal and if a Colorado or Ranger or Jeep truck doesn't sell 200k its a failure. But if each of them ends up selling just 100k and the Tacoma dips to 150k or lower that is actually a success to each of them and a failure to Toyota. They are all starting from zero (except for GM of course) and can only gain market share that Toyota has held with minimal competition (really only Nissan, who may be a dark horse if they introduce a new Frontier) for a while. But it might not be all bad to the consumer. If production is less taxed for Tacoma the quality goes from the current spotty failure back to typically high Toyota and they may be forced to do something like a front locker, diesel, offer more sticks, whatever just to keep 50% market share.

 

I agree if you are a true off roader. I doubt however, that the majority of Wrangler, Tacoma, or Gladiator owners are. I know I'm not. I bought 4WD for beach access.

I think the Gladiator will be successful, but no way it comes close to Tacoma sales numbers; the volume just won't be there. If anything, it may cannibalize Wrangler sales.

 

Respectfully disagree. A front locker has to happen to compete with the Colorado and this new Jeep. It'll happen in the next gen. If you're into maintaining all of your factory warranty, an offroad shop is not appealing.

 

You know what you need to do.

 

Don't disagree with any of that. I'm not a hardcore off road either. I would like bigger tires from the factory though so I don't have to mess with my warranty to get them.

I'm really just saying I like this new Jeep because it puts more competition in the marketplace. Competition is always a good thing for the consumer. This will lead to better Tacomas in the future. Even as it relates to simple things like cup holders in the rear armrest.

 

Same, I like my Jeep but pricing is crazy and it was never very dependable. Seemed like it always had something go wrong. I do like the bed on the Tacoma but the main reason I didn’t go for a 4 door Jeep was reliability of my last one

 

Interestingly, most of the Jeep owners I know never go off-roading.

 

I too find it odd that the TRD "PRO" does not come with a front locker.

Bolt on mods won't void you warranty. But I understand the appeal of stock features.
We can compare the Pro vs Rubicon trims. Rubicon package is intense and worth every penny if you offroad. TRD Pro on the other hand? You can take an TRD Offroad and a few thousand dollars and come out with a truck more capable than the Pro.

Toyota's Pro package is for status. Jeeps Rubicon package is for the wheeler. But I am getting off topic and probably rambling at this point.

 

You ain't joking... I see Rubicons with big ass tires all over my suburban commute. I'm sure 90% of them never see dirt.

Where I live a Wrangler Rubicon is really just a status symbol.