Cabin Space/Ride Quality - Compared to Gladiator

Lmao at the Ram at #2. I mean it's true that we are all cultists here and I personally have only owned the 96, but our fleet at work includes late model Ford, Ram, and Jeep 4x4s that we use off road and the Rams are absolute garbage. They're in the shop almost as often as the Jeeps

 

Not gonna lie....I thought that was a head scratcher too....

OP, do the right thing....buy a Tundra ;-)

 

Your comparing apples to oranges ... one is a midsize the other is full size ..

 

1.) If you're concerned about a cramped cabin, then why are you looking at a mid-sized truck? The Gladiator has a slightly bigger interior, but it's still a mid-sized truck. If you have kids or carry more than one other passenger in the truck, then I would seriously consider a full size.

2.) Ride quality is subjective. I think the Tacoma is fine. I also thought my previous Tundra and previous Silverados were fine too.

Test drive them.

 

These threads always seem to follow the same script: ie, I want this/that/and the other thing from said vehicle which is not designed to provide any of that - ergo, said vehicle sucks because it does not conform to MY wants...

 

Okay, so after some back to back test drives (Rubicon, TRD Pro, then TRD OR), the Rubicon is noticeably stiffer, the steering wheel wobbles, and just doesn't handle well. The TRD Pro felt very solid. The TRD Off road seemed smoother but also had a lot more give in the suspension (so more body roll). Didn't get to test drive the TRD Sport. I'd assume is a very negligible difference, but probably little stiffer and less body roll. Guess I'll have to go back and test drive that one next.

 

TRD Sport has "stiffer" suspension compared to the TRD Offroad. The TRD Sport has less body roll compared to the TRD Offroad.

IFS is generally going to have better road handling characteristics than a solid front axle.

I'd be fine driving any of the three. They're trucks.

 

The only advantage of the Gladiator over the Taco is extreme offroad ability. If that’s important to you, or if you like the Jeep lifestyle thing, go for it. It’s certainly more expensive pound-for-pound, and IMO looks ungainly. I have seen a couple of Glads with huge tires that looked cool in a Lego kind of way. Certainly wouldn’t ride or tow any better though.

I think the ride quality of the OR Taco is fine. You get used to body roll and bounciness, in fact even enjoy pushing it a little. On rough roads or offroad it’s super. On long drives at highway speeds the suspension smooths out, and frankly it rides as well as any vehicle its size. If you like the seat, you’ll like the ride.

If you’re carrying 4 large adults regularly, even with a bed cover you’ll be disappointed in the Taco. I don’t, so not an issue for me. As far as towing, I tow a 2800# dry weight camper. With a manual. With bikes in the bed and kayaks on top.

It does fine, but lousy gas mileage and you definitely know the camper is there. I have driven at least 5000 miles towing, so I’m used to it by now. For anything heavier, I’d want a full-size truck. It’s a short camper also—Tab 400. If it was one of those 25-foot lightweights I’d want a bigger truck too.

Sucks, but for towing size really does matter. Much over 3500# no way would I consider a midsize truck or SUV, I don’t care what they’re rated at.

 

If your concerned about towing and interior room I would suggest start looking at full size trucks.