Gladiator vs. Tacoma - Pic Comparison

Haha! I have a buddy who just did this exact thing. He's got a lifted black Gladiator with bronze wheels on 35s and it looks really good.

 

I picked up a Sport S with max tow for the wide axles and HD brakes and a few other options for $36k. I looked at the Rubicon but firmly believe that you have three kinds of Rubicon buyers:

1. Yes, this is enough truck for me to do what I want to do, just needs some 35's and I'm done.
   
2. HAHA FUCK YOU I HAVE MORE MONEY THAN YOU. a.k.a. "4Lo? Where's that button?"
   
3. Check out my nice Rubicon as I replace all the parts on it that made it a Rubicon.

I'm firmly #3 and the one part that typically doesn't get replaced is the transfer case that IMO is too high and too low at the same time. For a dedicated crawler I'd be in a 2-door with a dual case or Atlas but for this being a moderate trail truck, I honestly prefer the 2.7:1. I'll need to re-gear so lockers made no sense when OX, Eaton, and ARB will all have options out there and I'd need to crack the diffs for the new gears anyway. Plus I can go 35 spline when I do for a little more strength. I don't like things like electronic disconnects and would rather just buy the Currie Anti-Rock. No reason to get the faux Fox parts when I have a 2.5 Fox in the plans and the rest is all cosmetic to me. Plus they weren't dealing on Rubicons at the time so it saved me like $8k.

Totally different game for the JL(U) though... the upgrade is worth it for the D44's alone.

 

Bingo that you 8k difference will cover everything plus honestly be better

Edit: plus you'll enjoy it and have pride in making it your own and still spend about the same within reason

 

This is my exact scenario. I've been kicking around getting rid of my 2017 double cab, and shopped new Tacomas, new ZR2s and even the new Ranger. My wife says "why don't you just go buy the Jeep truck?" She knows I've been drooling ever since the AEV Brute was introduced. At the end of the year I might have to go put some numbers together.

 

the only rubicon i like is a honda

 

Gladiator is plagued with misfire issues currently.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/survey-for-those-with-misfire-issues.24853/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ack-to-the-dealership-for-the-3rd-time.31948/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/multi-cylinder-misfire.20338/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/auto-stop-failure-now-check-engine-light.25742/

 

If the Gladiator came single or shorter cab I'd have thrown the $ at it. I DID just purchase an access cab Tacoma. There's that new ford thing ppl are talking about too.

 

I do like them. Fit 35s out of the gate. I can't understand why the Tacoma isn't made with a touch more clearance to fit 35s. Not everyone would use it obviously, but as a truck marketed as off-road capable, it would be a cool feature. Gearing though would still need work.

 

Jeep has been unreliable for decades...now under the new parents things aren't going to change...ill stick with my American Toyota made/assembled with parts from Mexico!

 

I'm really interested in a Rubicon Gladiator, maybe in a year or 2. I wouldn't buy the first year model vehicles.

Concerns: Cost, Jeep Reliability

Pros: Solid Axle, stock 33's, Lockers(Front&Rear)

As capable as my Tacoma is, especially after a few mods, the stock Gladiator (on paper at least) looks more capable.

Now my Tacoma is not a daily driver, so if I bought a Gladiator, it wouldn't be either. I doubt it would be a comfortable vehicle to work out of or commuter.

 

I had an 1988 Jeep, bought it brand new, drove it for 4 years, not one warranty issue or problem. Just did oil changes, nothing else.

 

Probably similar story for most jeep owners.

Reliability problems don't mean it affects every single vehicle out there.

I don't know the actual number or anything, but it's really like Jeeps have 1 major problem out every 1000 vehicles and Toyota would be like 1 out of 10,000.

Most modern cars are reliable "enough" I'd say anyway.

If it has a good warranty that might negate my reliability concerns a little.

 

I did go look at the Gladiator when they came out. I was actually starting to think about the plan for a new vehicle to replace the Jeep Liberty CRD I have. I walked a local dealers lot on a Sunday when they were closed. All the more basic 4x4 sports were sticker priced over $45k. Just too much $$. I wanted to stick with Jeep but also since I hear quality is not up to par with other manufacturers I didn't want a vehicle I'd be replacing the transmission in at near 100,000 miles again.
All my research showed Tacoma was just a better deal over the Gladiator and other mid size trucks I was looking at. Going to see it in person and test drive like it too. Can't wait for the supply shortage to to over so I can get mine.

 

Unless you're looking for the stuff that the Rubicon has for off-road purposes... the Tacoma makes a ton more sense(especially cost-wise), I guess unless really want a convertable truck.

 

Honestly that would have been nice to have a convertible too. I would have likey got a hard top as it's better in PA winter and the Liberty is more of an SUV than what a wrangler or gladiator is so I'm not loosing that top down experience. I will do some light off road driving, nothing tough. Towing a pop up camper with it too. My liberty with it's 2inch lift now is enough for it so any Tacoma is probably ok if it's a 4x4. And then price, an SR5 or even Trd off roads could be had for under 45k sticker price. Think I'm making a good decision. It fits my budget better.

 

I recall passing one of the new Jeep pickups a while back when they first came out. They seem small to me. Smaller than the Tacoma.

 

I used to have a 2012 Wrangler Unlimited. No contest in the reliability department compared to the Tacoma. The resale is good but expect to spend money out of warranty on a Jeep. Jeeps have gotten way more expensive too. I feel the Gladiator is overpriced by at least $5k at every trim level.

 

scrambler > gladiator

 

I really miss my 2011 FJ. I have no plans of getting rid of my Tacoma, but wouldn't mind having something newer either. I like the Gladiator, but it's too expensive and has questionable quality control. My sister has a MT Gladiator I've driven several times. I like it, but just wonder how it will hold up.

The 2 door, 7sp manual Bronco though looks like something I could get and keep my Tacoma. Maybe replace that itch the FJ used to fill.

 

Why not just scoop up another FJ and keep the Tacoma?