Gladiator vs. Tacoma - Pic Comparison

I seen one of these new Gladiators on the road a few weeks ago in barn Red color and base model to be very honest and not biased it looked super flimsy as far as overall build and the covertable top was really ridiculous when it was in the down position, looked like an old Model T top. im convinced this Jeep will be another bomb it really has no use for normal use. the top looks like this

 

Yes but imagine all that vitamin D!

 

That’s funny but to be fair I think it’s the other way around. Jeep has been doing the “Jeep” body style a lot longer than Toyota. And I’m not a Jeep fanboy by any stretch. Just being honest.

 

I just thought it was funny

 

Jeep came up with the Willy’s in 1947 I believe.

 

I like the fact that you can drop 37s in with a lift and not need to cut the truck up. And the bolt on stuff. She the solid axel. And the front and rear locker...

 

I truly hope that the gladiator takes a bite out of Tacoma sales if only to spur Toyota to start innovating/keeping up with the times.

I like them but not at that price. Jeeps are about the most over priced vehicle there is...they do hold value though.

 

I’ll definitely agree that the Taco is leaps over the Gladiator in terms of reliability...

 

Fiat- Fix It Again Tony. I think they would look better as an access cab not the four door. The only thing they have going for them is the towing capacity and that’s if it can really do it.

 

The problem is that buying one is like playing mechanical Russian Roulette. You never know what you’ll end up with...

 

As a former Jeep owner I'm more than aware of their quality. But, if I were in the market for a new truck it would be a very, very hard choice between the Gladiator and Tacoma. The visual differences between Ranger, Canyon, Ridgeline and Tacoma are hard to see for the uninitiated, and here's Jeep with a truck that doesn't look like every other thing on the road.

My hope is that the Gladiator sells like crazy! I hope Jeep has to run 24/7 making Gladiators and it wins every award they give out. In this capitalistic world, competition is the only thing that is going to get Toyota off its big fat ass and upgrade the Tacoma.

 

Camburg is building a sweet Gladiator. can see it on their IG page.

 

So what is it exactly that you think needs or want to be upgraded? Serious question.

I can think of a few things I would’ve liked but most has been addressed in the 2020.

 

I really think the greenhouse on the gladiator looks way too big. It looks like a cartoon. But I'm sure it looks cooler with the roof/doors off. You can't deny that's the Jeep's party piece and the Taco nor any other vehicle can match that. But that said, I don't think it looks bad... I just think the Tacoma looks far better. I actually disagree with the OP that the Tacoma looks more conservative.

But regardless of the looks, I've just watched too many friends have too many bad experiences with Chryslers in general and Jeeps specifically. No way could I justify spending $10-15k or more over the price of a similarly-equipped Taco. I know the Jeep will probably hold its value as well over a decade or so as the Taco will, but I'd also expect the Jeep to need a hell of a lot more repairs and maintenance and general headaches over those ten years.

 

FixItAgainTony

 

Disconnecting sway bars on off-road focused models would be nice.

Other items:
Engine and transmission
Electronics (i.e. blind spot monitor, CarPlay, etc).
Locking tailgate and passenger side handle unlock (yes I know both can be added).

Like the poster above said, competition is the only thing that will get Toyota to actually start improving the Tacoma versus resting on the reputation of the truck.

 

Gladiators look awesome when lifted and with 35-37” tires.

 

You don't agree the technology and features in the Jeep are far superior than the Taco?