Jeep Gladiator

Literally just traded my wifes JK in. She bought it "because it was cute."

 

I have owned tacomas since I bought my '98 for my first car at 16. I am now on my third Tacoma and absolutely love it, fits my lifestyle perfectly. That being said, if i could afford one, I would definitely consider one of the Rubicon gladiators and i think that's a problem for Toyota.

I think the TRD sport and TRD offroad are fine the way they are but they should offer the pro as a truly capable offroad rig, off the lot, like the Rubicon is.

 

But who cares? Why does it matter that someone buys something because they like it? 98% of the people here on 5100s do noting but broverland anyways.

 

Does seem true the Rubicon package is status for a fair number. But it's still good if you intend to use the truck. The TRD Pro isn't clearly better than a TRD OR in the same way. Pro gets decent suspension, yes, but not 4:1 t-case gears, front locker, disconnecting sway bar, 33" tires. That stuff is really useful.

 

I agree, I think they could easily add the KDSS to the pro and a front locker. The 33" tires on the other hand I don't see happening as that would to redesigning the cab mount.

 

Doors have been taken off Jeeps for many years with no destroyed interiors, but hey, I suppose Johnny Useful Hood Scoop knows best, right? lol

 

The new Gladiator is going cut deep and hard into Tacoma sales for sure....

Look at all the guys here that bounce back and forth between a Tacoma and Jeep just because they cant live without a bed....Jeep just cornered the market

Oh, and somehow Jeep managed to build an offroad vehicle with 4 disc brakes....

Base model Gladiator Sport will come in at $35k

 

I agree with that, but really, how many Tacoma owners off-road and how many just obsess about their mods to be prepared for off-roading some day in the future the never actually comes?

 

Guys, I had a buddy who didn't know how to turn on 4WD in his Jeep.

 

I'm excited. The only off putting thing to me is the wheelbase, but because it's so easy to squeeze on some 35s, it doesn't seem to be that much of an issue.

 

I can't disagree more with your outlook regarding Tacoma sales. How many Tacomas sold are even 4WD?

While the base Sport Gladiator may come in at $35K, MAYBE, start adding basic items like a hard top, towing package, and power windows, mirrors, and locks (I realize some don't want those), and you are coming in above TRD OR or Sport 4wd prices.

Other than the truly hardcore off roaders, who is really going to cross shop these two vehicles?

How conducive to off-roading is the Gladiator's wheelbase?

Personally, I see this thing more of a toy for the F150 King Ranch or Rubicon mall crawler crowd.

It's all speculation at this point, but I doubt Toyota is worried about the Gladiator affecting Tacoma sales.

 

4 Door wranglers are the new soccer mom mini van. I'd be willing to say that over half the people who have a 4 door wrangler dont need 4wd or even know how to engage the transfer case with the lever.

People shopping for a midsize truck will compare the Gladiator to the Tacoma.....and the Gladiator appears to offer more.

 

Absolutely silly to think these vehicles aren’t going to be cross shopped

 

I dunno about dat. Between my brother and I , we have owned 5 jeeps all the interiors were always pretty crusty. Then again we were always the type to take the doors off on May and leave them off until October, driving in a poncho if it started to rain..

 

I'd agree with that. While I don't think Jeep will be stealing sales from SR or SR5 models, I do think they will be stealing sales from OR or Pro models. I'd even bet they that they also steal sales from Raptors, Tundra Pros, Ram Rebels, etc because so many people buy those when they just like the look and relative uniqueness of those trims and don't really take advantage of the off road parts.

 

Nah, that’s just the predicted annual maintenance costs. It’s a heep after all.

 

Wow, grand papa had one of these on his ranch. He did everything with it except plow the field. It was beat to hell but never failed him. I remember being like 5 or 6 and riding around the ranch in it. I think it put the 4wheeling bug in me because that has been my main hobby all my life. Thanks for the pic, it brings back great childhood memories.

 

You bring up an interesting point - Wranglers have drain holes in the floor for times like that when the interior gets soaked - Tacoma owners rush to their forums to screech about "lemon laws". haha

 

Again though, what percentage of Tacomas sold are 4wd?

Seriously cross shopped by non hardcore off-roaders once price/content comparisons are made?

Definitely respect your opinions; just trying to elaborate on my comments. I initially cross-shopped a Wrangler Unlimited with the Tacoma TRD OR DCSB. Initially. After first identifying the Wranglers content/cost compared to the Tacoma, then driving the Wrangler, it was an easy choice for me. Instead of cross-shopping, maybe initial comparisons is a better definition. It only took a quick internet pricing exercise followed up by a single test drive to point out the Wrangler was not a vehicle I should consider.

 

I did the same thing, went to Jeep checked out there junk, went back over to Toyota and bought what I wanted. Today I am lifted, locked, skidded and plated. Just did a week in Moab and another week in CO. Would not have been able to take my bike with me if I had bought the Jeep. Jeeps are fun, but I am glad I bought the Tacoma, I was able to run with all of the Jeeps in Moab, sometimes I couldn't take the line they took, but for the most part, unstoppable and the Jeep guys/girls were pretty impressed.