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TRD Pro vs Gladiator Overland

Discussion in '3rd Gen. Tacomas (2016-2023)' started by freespool, Mar 3, 2021.

  1. Mar 3, 2021 at 5:54 AM
    #1
    freespool

    freespool [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have been going back and forth with what truck I will get to replace my 2012 Tacoma. I like the TRD Pro but hate the size of the back seat. I have twin 7 year olds and they barely fit in i Tacoma now. The Gladiator has a much larger back seat. But the Gladiator is not as reliable as the Tacoma. It will be my daily driver plus weekend trips to the woods or beach. No real hard core off road. I like the TRD Pro because I want leather, sunroof, and all the extras. Gladiator Overland is Sahara version with all the luxury. Any thought or things to consider? 2020 model year of each. Thanks
     
    doublethebass likes this.
  2. Mar 3, 2021 at 6:00 AM
    #2
    RatDaddy

    RatDaddy Well-Known Member

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    Having owned jeeps and toyotas in the past, and my last one being a Rubicon, I would say that if you are not getting a Rubicon, and most of your driving is going to be road or mild off road and no real upgrades, get the Tacoma. IF you plan on going balls to the wall with 37" tires, get the Gladiator. With a 2.5 inch lift, flat fenders and 1 inch body lift I had enough room for 37's, which you could never do with a Taco or any other truck for that matter.
     
  3. Mar 3, 2021 at 6:41 AM
    #3
    AWD OWNZ U

    AWD OWNZ U Well-Known Member

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    The Gladiator is noticeably longer and more cumbersome to park. You live in Texas so maybe not a huge deal. The biggest thing that kept me out of it was being a Jeep. My experience with my previous Jeep was awful. Not only did it break all the time but the dealers were shitty and when I’d ask FCA for help they’d tell me to get bent and take it up with dealership management. I really loved the Jeep itself when it ran but having a surprise headache every few months was just too much. Personally in your shoes I’d get a Tundra.
     
    doublethebass likes this.
  4. Mar 3, 2021 at 6:42 AM
    #4
    SDTaco4x4

    SDTaco4x4 Well-Known Member

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    The Tacoma if for no other reason than not having to be seen in an ugly-ass Gladiator.
     
    ZonKs, doublethebass, MadKatt and 6 others like this.
  5. Mar 3, 2021 at 6:46 AM
    #5
    crazysccrmd

    crazysccrmd Well-Known Member

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    You must have some huge kids. As a kid we fit three across in small 80s/90s sedans and as an adult I have fit comfortably in the back of Tacoma double cabs many times.

    Tacoma is the better choice of the two.
     
    Syncros, MadKatt, phatso and 5 others like this.
  6. Mar 3, 2021 at 6:57 AM
    #6
    grogie

    grogie Sir Loin of Beef

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    With noting that I have a Jeep TJ, I don't think Gladiators are ugly and that they look great with 35s+. Plus solid axles, removable top, and guys are doing some very cool builds with them. UConnect is much better, and they don't have the Tacoma's transmission either. ;)

    Although I like the Rubicon's look and flares better, I would not go with a factory locker and go aftermarket. I think a great option for an "Overland" Jeep are front and rear Truetracs, or yes, if you think you need a locker, get an ARB in the rear.
     
    Banggerr, Dryfly24 and RatDaddy like this.
  7. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:09 AM
    #7
    RatDaddy

    RatDaddy Well-Known Member

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    Full size trucks have lots of room. But unless you live in a desert environment, there are many trails where you won't be going that jeeps and Tacos can go.
     
    t0nyvalenzuela likes this.
  8. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:11 AM
    #8
    Mark77

    Mark77 Well-Known Member

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    Hahahhaha. I thought the same thing. I'm 6-1, drove a gladiator, and it felt way smaller inside to me. And the back seat in both trucks is useless in my opinion.
     
    doublethebass likes this.
  9. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:15 AM
    #9
    JoeS3845

    JoeS3845 Member

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    My experience was similar. My thoughts exactly
     
    AWD OWNZ U[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:17 AM
    #10
    Dryfly24

    Dryfly24 He’s a leprechaun. He tells me to burn things.

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    I had the same decision to make before bought my 2019 Taco and easily came to the conclusion by asking myself this: “How long do you plan to keep it?”

    If this will be for long term/high mileage use there is only one answer...

    I love the Gladiator Rubicon. It’s the reliability issue that kept me from owning one.
     
    Last edited: Mar 3, 2021
  11. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:18 AM
    #11
    JasonLee

    JasonLee Hello? I'm a truck.

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  12. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:24 AM
    #12
    Hooper89

    Hooper89 Well-Known Member

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    You could get an f150 with decent options for less than either of those. Much more space in back for the kids, a lot more power etc.

    The trd pro is super overpriced for what you are getting. Gladiator is fuck ugly unless you throw money at it for a lift kit.
     
  13. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:24 AM
    #13
    hiPSI

    hiPSI Laminar Flow

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    Go drive both. Then choose.
     
  14. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:29 AM
    #14
    Hooper89

    Hooper89 Well-Known Member

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    [QUOTE="AWD OWNZ U, post: 25260538, member: 45236]The biggest thing that kept me out of it was being a Jeep. My experience with my previous Jeep was awful. Not only did it break all the time but the dealers were shitty and when I’d ask FCA for help they’d tell me to get bent and take it up with dealership management. [/QUOTE]

    I would love a wrangler unlimited with a lift, fox shocks, wheel spacers and 35s, lightbar all that childish shit but I do not trust Chrysler either.
     
  15. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:33 AM
    #15
    freespool

    freespool [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am only looking at the Tacoma and Gladiator because They will fit in my garage. fullsize does not fit in my TX garage (go figure). I don't think the Gladiator looks ugly and am impartial in my decision making. I just want what will be best in the long run. I do plan to keep for a long time as I have had my Tacoma for 6 years. I know a TRD OR is less but finding it set up like the pro with leather and sunroof is hard so just thinking Pro. I have never owned a JEEP and have concerns about reliability and when people have issue they like to say "it's a JEEP thing" that concerns me as I have owned a 4runner and Tacoma with little to no major issues.
     
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  16. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:33 AM
    #16
    coopcooper

    coopcooper certified youtube mechanic

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    Tundra or f150, unless your planning on bouncing off rocks every weekend then i dont see the point of punishing your self with a midsize. Especially with kids. A full size is probably better for "overlanding" anyways.
     
    black_angus1 likes this.
  17. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:33 AM
    #17
    Clearwater Bill

    Clearwater Bill Never answer an anonymous letter

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    A Sienna is for you.
     
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  18. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:39 AM
    #18
    freespool

    freespool [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Wife already has the van covered. She was mad last time I tried to put a dead deer in the back though.
     
  19. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:49 AM
    #19
    Hooper89

    Hooper89 Well-Known Member

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    Your current tacoma is 4wd 4.0L? You could probably drive it another 10-15 years if you wanted to.
     
  20. Mar 3, 2021 at 7:53 AM
    #20
    RedWings44

    RedWings44 Well-Known Member

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    Reliability is key, for me. Plus, why a Pro? Especially if you're not off roading. You can get all the things you mentioned in a TRD Sport or TRD OR. I have a sunroof in my OR. No leather, but it was an option. Outside of the suspension, wheels, and larger skid plate, everything that sets the Pro apart is purely cosmetic.
     
    bigmw likes this.

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