Gladiator or Tacoma, Help Me Decide!

I'll just throw my thoughts into this, as I was debating in a similar fashion between a 4 Runner, and Wrangler Unlimited. (This was in 2013, but the same applied to my 2019 Wrangler purchase)

Reliability was a non issue. Every Tacoma I have had, has had its issues, and no more or less than any other vehicle I have owned, except for my Dodge truck.....fuck that thing. It was a POS.

Drivetrain:
Both have a proven drive train. 4Runner has more Torgue, but less HP. The Wrangler had SFA vs. The 4R IFS. IFS is much better on road, or on faster off road trails, while an SFA is better in technical and slower paced trails. (stock vs. stock). The Wrangler auto transmission was rated to a higher torque load, but drove like an Omish Wagon on the street. Wrangler had F/R lockers, skids, 4:1 TC, 4:10 gearing, and Sliders stock.

+1 Wrangler

Interior comfort:
The 4R was much more comfortable than the Wrangler, but the Wrangler wasn't far off. Wind noise in the Wrangler was much higher that the 4R. Cargo capacity seemed pretty even, but the rear seat ingress of the Wrangler was awkward due to the rear door shape. The audio system in the 4R beat out the Wrangler (new jeeps are much better now), and the climate control seemed about even, with the exception that the Wrangler heater would get HOT. REALLY HOT. Perfect for arctic life, but moot for somone in AZ.

+1 4Runner

Work Life:
The 4Runner kills the Wrangler in towing capacity, but towing anything other than a porta-potty in a solid axel short wheelbase vehicle is a recipe for excitement. (Actually not THAT bad, but I wouldn't tow anything over 4500 lbs in a wrangler). Interior controls seemed a bit easier to manipulate in the 4Runner than the Wrangler. Wrangler had In Floor drains for water, and easily removed carpeting. Cargo was more easily loaded into the 4Runner, as the roll bars in the Wrangler impeded larger items being loaded into it. I could still fit a 21 gallon vertical air compressor into both, layed on its side.

Draw

Misc. Fun Items:
Both have insane aftermarket support. Both have good local communities, with the nod going towards the 4Runner groups. While the 4Runner community is welcoming to folks that never off road, only hit dirt roads, or try and climb whatever is in their way, the Wrangler community is filled with Bed Bath and Beyond folks OR crawl the largest rock on the planet folks. Not much in the middle.

+1 4Runner

Widgets:
While the 4Runner was a "cut and dry" capable SUV, the Wrangler has an easily removable 3 peice hard top (or soft top). Windshield folds down, doors come off, etc. While only the top removal appealed to me, the fact that the first 4 chapters of the owners manual were solely on how to take shit off the vehicle impressed me.

+1 Wrangler - this may vary by desires

After Sale Support:
Of the many Toyotas I have owned, dam near anytime warranty work was needed, it seemed the common denier by the dealer was "off road abuse". This excuse was given to me once simply due to a little mud being found on the underside of my truck. My first outing in my Wrangler, I smashed my Evap Canister on a rock. Went to the dealer the next week to buy a replacement. While there, the service guy said "that shouldn't have happened. It's meant to be off road..". He asked for the keys so he could have a tech look at it, and I agreed after telling him it was MY fault, not the vehicles. Thwy replaced the Evap Canister, and installed a new, thicker, skid plate under it.

+1 Wrangler.

In short, "to each their own ". Buy what you feel will give you the most enjoyment.


PS:
In high winds or cross winds on the highway, the Wrangler is horrifying. The 4Runner barely notices them.