Gladiator or Tacoma, Help Me Decide!

Speaking for myself, gladiators are the ugliest vehicles on the road. I don't care about what they are or aren't capable of, I'm just talking aesthetics. I'm not out here trying to match my girlfriends Jeep Wrangler vibes

 

I think Ford had planned to make a Pickup out of the new Bronco but canceled it, it probably would have stolen a huge chunk of Ranger sales.

 

What you can afford, or comfortable with is huge consideration,,, to me anyways.
I can’t imagine stretching out your finances on something with an expensive toy.
Add to that an expensive Chrysler toy.

 

I consider myself a hardcore toyota fan but with no issues I’ll switch over to a gladiator rubicon. Can’t beat what’s equipped with from factory. Now, which ones historically last longer if proper taken care off is going to be the toyota. Plot twist next gen seems will be up next year. How about you test drive them both(3rd gen Tacoma/rubicon), get a beater meanwhile and then test the 4th gen when it comes out. Therefore you’re gonna have more options. Another one to consider is the badass ZR2 which is factory F/R locker equipped.

 

All ball busting aside, Why not look hardcore for an unmolested wrangler. Mod the shit out of it . Then use the other funds for your future.

 

hmmm, I can't imagine what kind of answer you will get here. Ya know, being on a forum called "Tacomaworld" and all...

 

They do sort of, just not in USA:

 

Id buy that in a second , if I could.

 

I’ve always been a Jeep guy. Daily drove a modified TJ Wrangler for many years. Wife’s family was a Toyota family, so I drove a 1st gen Taco for several years until someone totaled it.

Replaced both of those with a Gladiator Rubicon. 2” lift, 37s, skids, RTT, etc. 4.10 gears and didn’t feel the need to re-gear. Handled several trails in Moab, Ouray, Sedona with no problems. I ultimately sold it after 11mo/22k miles for a few reasons. Sold for more than paid for it, I didn’t like wheeling such an expensive vehicle, although I did not experience any issues, I didn’t trust my Stellantis built Jeep. The Gladiator Rubicon has a more premium feel over my TRD-OR. The JT was fun while I had it.

Although much less capable off-road, I decided to get back into a Tacoma, this time 3rd gen. I feel like my harder trail days are behind me. The seating position, transmission, infotainment are all better in the Jeep. Due to the lower seating position of the Taco, I have to have my seat pushed back further, thus taking away rear passenger legroom. I expect I'll keep the Tacoma, and my 5G 4R for a long time.


Go check out the Jeepgladiator dot com forum. Search, and you’ll find plenty of threads of Jeep owners digging on the Tacoma just like the inverse of TW.

 

60s! Sheesh. That keep looks so top heavy.

 

I don’t see many reasons a Gladiator is more capable than an equally equipped Tacoma. They are both have the same pickup turn radius and clearance issues. The only functional difference is the solid axis front suspension. With comparable stock trims they should be equally capable. Am I missing something?

I would have seriously considered the Gladiator if it had been available when I bought my Tacoma.

TBQH, I’m not sure why the Gladiator is so much more expensive, but I also haven’t broken it down piece by piece.

The main advantage I see that a Gladiator has is the ease of upgrading it; especially fitting larger tires. Also, based on observation, the body sides seem tucked in and more out of harms way.

In theory you could modify a Tacoma and a Gladiator to have similar capability, but the Tacoma would cost more, especially if you SASed it.

What is the name of the jeep equivalent of A-TRAC/MTS and how does it compare?

 

These would be better than both your options. Tan is 46K and red is 40K.

 

Agree on looks. My wife's Tacoma is best looking midsize truck stock. Gladiators only look good lifted and with big tires.

 

I'd like to see a 2dr Bronco pick up, it probably wouldn't look as good as I imagine it would, might look a little like a Gladiator. If Ford could take the Bronco lines and make it look like a late 60s GM 3/4 ton pick up, buy a midsize that would be cool.

I'd take a RC Tacoma with the drive train from the FJ Cruiser, the front and rear suspension and the open style wheel wells, it don't need the retro grille and headlights or anything.

I wanted to get this RC Ram, why not $3l.5k isn't a bad price even with the Pentastar, doubt it sold for that much. It still needed a lift an maybe the AEV treatment. It wouldn't off road like a Jeep.

 

Read more here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/crashnburn80s-supercharged-gladiator-mojave-build.700918/

His initial review of going from a 2nd gen to the Gladiator was very positive - more room, more modern electronics/features, but the engine blowing up really killed it for him. Then having to pay everything out of pocket since they wouldn't honor their warranty… Well... Not very good.

And in case you don't click through, here's a quote:

Back to your question though:
As for your first post, if you already plan on going 35's and >3" lift, the Tacoma isn't the right platform for you - especially if you think you'll be saving $20k right out the door on purchase. Regearing: $5k+. Spare CVs: several hundred. Reinforcing spindles, CMC, tubbing, hammering, suspension, and all that... For anything of quality, that eats up most of that $20k and then you have a truck that you've killed the warranty on.

Since you already want big tires, just start with the Jeep and put aside money or buy the extended service plan/warranty, etc.

 

Got a buddy who calls his Jeep the DRAGlilator because of the long wheelbase vs. obstacles. Do what suits your needs, but if it was y money, I'd find an MT-OR or even an MT-SR and mod the hell out of it. You can always add air lockers to the SR when you regear. In the end, the Taco is just a better all-around truck IMO. And I say that having considered/drove both the Rubicon and the Taco and landed on the latter.

 

I find it hard to believe that the prices are that low. Has the market finally fallen out from under those?

Those same trucks would be pulling 100K on bring a trailer just two to three years ago.

 

I did Silverton area in a Gladiator with a 4-inch lift on 34s with full bottom skids. Did the same runs in my Taco on 31s- and one-inch lift. I prefer the manual Taco. Anyway, after driving the Jeep, I found out why Jeep people are always pissing and moaning about not having bump stops.

 

Jeeps don’t have bump stops? What do you mean?

 

You will need them.