Cabin Space/Ride Quality - Compared to Gladiator

I'm in a situation where I only need a mid size SUV, but plan to buy a pair of jet skis and get a small RV so I'm considering a truck. There's not much of a fuel economy difference beaten a Tacoma and a full size F-150, however, I really like the reliability of the Tacoma and the resale value just can't be beat. The two biggest negatives I've ready from online reviews are (1) the cramped cabin, and (2) the ride quality. I could go for a 4 runner to fix most of those issues but the 4 runner probably gets worse MPG than an F-150 with the ecoboost.

Getting to my question... I've had a TRD Offroad for a week as a rental a few years back, ride quality wasn't terrible IMO, but the cabin was cramped, out luggage rendered the back seats useless since it was raining and there was no beg cover. I've also rented a Gladiator Rubicon - the ride quality was atrocious on the pavement and the cabin again was tiny.

(1) Is the Tacoma cabin any bigger than a Gladiator? I can only find truck width dimensions and that does me no good because the tires stick out past the body on the Gladiator.

(2) Is the Tacoma a smoother ride on pavement and does it handle better than a Gladiator?

 

Just go test ride them.

 

I can't answer either of those questions. I did just see a Barcelona red 3rd gen SR DCSB, and a red Gladiator model unknown but it did have OEM alloys. I must say the Tacoma looked much better than the Gladiator. The front of the Tacoma looked too big. The narrow Gladiator bed looks out of place with its Jeep fenders, which was more noticeable after a Ram 1500 pulled up next to it.

 

I can’t answer your specific questions but I’ve driven both and it’s my opinion that the Tacoma feels bigger in that the dashboard seems further away (if that makes sense). Also, not sure what models of each that you’re interested in but a Trd PRO is almost $10k cheaper then a Gladiator Rubicon.

 

Put a lightweight camper shell on it. Or get an suv.

I don't really understand how the gladiator is even an option.

 

Your questions are why test drives are a thing. What you will get here are other people's opinions which may or may not align with what yours would be. I personally hate the back seat of my Tacoma, others are ok with it.

You can go to the dealer, ask plenty of questions, sit in all the seats, drive them to see how they feel in different situations, and then do the most powerful thing in car buying, leave.

For question (2) an IFS (independent front suspension, Tacoma) vehicle will almost always be a smoother ride than a SAS (solid axle suspension, Gladiator).

 

Not sure about the Jeep. Just traded a 2016 Explorer with the 3.5 ecoboost with 70K. At this point in their lives and per the groups and forums they lose turbos, PTU’s, water pumps, I was not going to wait around for it. Traded for a 2021 4Runner for my wife’s daily driver. I expect the same repair frequency on the newer 4Runner’s as well. Probably just don’t have any issues as of yet to be on this list.

 

You described the ride quality as “atrocious” for the Gladiator and “not terrible” for the Tacoma. I’m thinking maybe a truck just isn’t for you - just sayin...

 

Why can't you tow a small RV or Jet Skis with a mid size SUV? Highlander will tow 5,000 lbs, will get better mileage than any Tacoma, and be 10x more useful for carrying people. When not towing the Highlander will seem like a Lexus compared to the ancient Tacoma platform.

Tacomas are great for slapping on knarly "overlanding" bits and pieces and look amazing but, for your mission it is the wrong tool.

 

Sadly, the only vehicle on the planet with worst reliability than the Gladiator is.......the Tacoma :-(

EDIT: wrong ^^^^ The Gladiator is the only vehicle worst than the Tacoma..my bad.

I know, I know, but the Tacoma kool-aid is strong

These are NOT the Tacomas of generations past, with stout 4 cylinder engines and bullet proof build quality.

https://cars.usnews.com/cars-trucks/the-most-reliable-new-trucks-on-the-market

 

Did you read your own link?

 

No, just looked at the pictures and numbers. Words are so......rhetorical.

 

Gladiator predicted reliability: 2.5/5
Tacomas: 3/5



Probably meaningless, but they disagree with your assertion...

 

You are correct. I meant that the only vehicle that has worst reliability than the Tacoma is the Gladiator.

 

Go with what you like IMO

Good Luck OP

 

Sounds like you need a Ridgeline.

 

You’ll love the increased comfort of the gladiator while you’re waiting for a rollback.

 

Those trucks are so rad!! LMAO

 

Hard pass on the gladiator man. It does have a bit roomier cabin but thats the only pro over the taco. Resale, looks and reliability is shit. Also it comes with a solid front axle so it rides rougher on road.

My taco drives very smooth and handles great on C load tires. But that cab gets small pretty fast when you start putting stuff in there.

 

If you don't need a truck than don't buy a truck. No truck will ride as nice as a SUV for your daily driving which is where you will spend the majority of your time. There are a lot of SUVs that can tow more than 5000lbs which will cover your jet skis and travel trailer if you don't try to go huge.