TRD Pro vs Gladiator Overland

In the ORs defense, you can get those added on and it will still be $4k less than the Pro. $8k-$10k less if you take dealer markups into account (boot that anyone pays those. Lol)

mom onboard with the next Tundra. Probably after I pay off off the Taco. The only drawback for the Tundra I see is that it’s just a bit big for the trail. The Taco is a good size.

 

Thanks again for all the input. A Tundra is a no go as it will not fit in my home garage and I also park in a parking garage for work and my current Tacoma is tight. I am leaning towards the Tacoma now rather hard. I choose 2020 because of some of the upgrades (LED Lights and mainly Carplay). I would either want the TRD OR with Premium Package or TRD Pro (only about $4000 difference on build site). I say Pro just because I would think easier to find than the Premium TRD OR. I don't care either way. Just want a Fing Sunroof as I have missed it since my 4Runner. I can't do SUV as I am an avid outdoorsman and need somewhere to put muddy clothes along with dead animals and fish.

 

I have seen a few other power windows. I was talking about the tacoma - the SR doesn't have the power window, I don't know but I THINK the SR5 does. But realistically for how cheap the SR is, I can live without that. Still slides just not power.

Not a fan of how the rear sliders look on the others.


Ford Ranger/F150 (similar design)


Gladiator

as opposed to the Tacoma (GM twins look similar)



The glass is a different piece/the sides don't connect like that. For some reason that has always bugged me about the ranger/gladiator.

Anyway, now that I spent that time finding all those extra images of power sliding windows........

Yeah, you can get an OR more expensive than a Pro though. But, I know what you mean.

Honestly - the current tacoma and tundra pairings, yeah I agree with your trail assessment. But looking at F150 v Tacoma in size, etc they're getting pretty damn close in size overall. SWB F150 and LWB tacoma seem to be fairly similar in terms of maneuverability too.

 

I've had 3 Jeeps from 1995-2009 (Cherokee, Wrangler, Commanche) all with the 4.0 and they were all bullet proof. I wrestled with the decision this time between a Gladiator and a Tacoma. I decided on the Tacoma because it has been around a long-time and it was the first model year for the Gladiator, I also felt I got more for my money with the TRD OR. I don't think you can go wrong either way!

 

Ah! Yeah, the only benefit nowadays of a mid size over a full size (used to be MPG a big difference) is the fits in garages. If I had a garage that fit a mid size but not a full size, I would do a mid size. That said -- I would wait for the next generations at least if you have the time to wait, because the next Tundra will be soon I think MY 2022 if I remember correctly? And, they might "downsize" from the current size Tundra, will be a shared Tacoma Tundra platform.

How tall are you? Sunroof will pull down the headroom but unless you're 6'2 or so or taller you'll be fine.

 

Depends on how many instagram followers you have. More followers you need a bigger truck for more sponsored products.

A Pro is definitely getting you more reposts because of the cool graphics, but isn't necessarily more capable than a lightly modified SR5 4x4.

"Overlanding" is literally just car/truck camping but with a cool sounding name, and you don't even really need a 4x4 truck for it. My FIL does it in is front wheel drive VW van (and not even the cool Westie, either).

Just pick the vehicle that suits your needs and (more importantly) your budget, and don't necessarily look to instagram or youtube for what you "need" to accomplish that.

For "no real hard core off road" you don't even need a TRD OR let alone a $50k Pro. A bone stock 4x4 base model/SR5 is more capable than most of the people driving them.

 

What is the size of kids in Texas???

I have a Taco and my kids (which should be of similar caliber) fit perfectly fine in the back of the Taco. I had read about this allegedly tiny rear seat so I asked a friend about this (before I was able to see a Taco in person) and he said it worked great for his family... I think the Taco is quite a large vehicle... My kids will be fine back there for quite a few years...

I have one of these things pictured above (Mini cooper sport - stock pic, but mine is the same). It has the massive 'race' engine in it. (that would be 1275cc, while the standard ones came with 850 - 1100cc). It was voted the most fun car to drive by auto journalists even beating out all exotics. It will beat a Corvette in a twisty track! (search youtube).

I've seen women back in the day with baby seats (One even had TWINS!) in the back while amazingly being perfectly happy. (I personally could not picture a better family transport for running around town!).

I did not find much savings to be had between a PRO and a well equipped OR - particularly in a manual since an AT was not a viable option in my case... So I'd say go for the PRO.

 

Get a Ridgeline. Seriously!

 

As others have pointed out get the Tacoma if you aren't looking to set your rig up with 37'' tires and do some serious off-roading. The gladiator is a nice vehicle but I would (and did) choose the more reliable option, the Tacoma. The PRO is a nice option but not totally necessary as most of the components are mostly cosmetic, plus if you plan to do some upgrades some of the parts will be taken off and set aside thus not justifying the upfront cost of paying more for a PRO. I think you should spend some time test driving both vehicles and base your decision off of that.

 

Hell!! I just wanna see the size of these Amazon 7 yr olds that don’t fit in the back seat. Go with the PRO!!

 

I could not find the clip of a classic 1-1 mini vs Corvette video - but check this out:
https://youtu.be/_8Qzyk59zsY

It will put a grin on your face!

 

When I said Overland, I was referencing the trim level of Gladiator.

 

I think the Tacoma is for you. Good luck on the hunt.

 

I would never have a Jeep as a DD.

 

Man prices have gotten insane! I paid 40.5k otd for my pro in 2018 and guys said I was crazy. I came from a 2013 sr5 and it was night and day difference. All stock on 285s I go wherever I want and still get great mileage and reliability. Couldn’t pay me to own a jeep though just based off previous owners experiences that I know or have read about. I say without a doubt go with the taco!

 

While you aren’t wrong a Rubicon Gladiator on 37s isn’t anymore capable than a Tacoma on 35s except you paid tens of thousands more for the Gladiator.

 

OP, get whichever truck you want. These threads always have a multitude of people trying to talk you out of buying a Pro. The argument is always “buy an OR and then upgrade this and that, etc.”. I don’t think they realize that for some of us, our time is worth more than saving a few bucks. I for one prefer to buy the truck that already has all the options I want, rather than spending countless hours pandering in the “hood swap” thread, ordering sketchy pro grills off eBay, spending days off installing all that crap, etc.

 

I would venture a guess that to properly get a Taco to 35's is way more costly than getting Rubi to 37's. And even though I much prefer the Taco, a stock rubicon with solid Dana 44's, locking diffs all around and swaybar disconnect is way more capable than a Taco. Price wise. Yes the Rubi is expensive but the trd pro is not far behind in price. Maybe a 6k difference.

 

I paid $36k for a new Taco while a Rubicon JT is pushing $55k some paying more. So the Gladiator starts $15-$20k in the hole already. Secondly, you can fit 35s on stock Tacoma with some fender trimming. If you read my thread on fitting 35s you'd know that you can lift your truck for $500 bucks and with minimal trimming wheel with 35s, you can do it properly for less than the cost of a JL suspension or you can go gucci with Kings, Deavers etc and still come in way less the the total cost of a gladiator.

Lastly, I wheel regularly with a JT on 37s and see the thing in action first hand, not some anecdotal hearsay about what you read on lockers and live axles. Don't get me wrong, I love lockers and straight axles (Building a 1-ton Jeep) but the thing gets stuck in the same places I do and sometimes worse, If I have to winch, so does he.

Check out the Tru crawlin thread and you'll see the JT

 

Hmmm, I just sold my '18 F150 crew Roush'd out and it was a beast. I have had Jeeps, SAS yotas, samis, etc. I just purchased my '21 6M Pro and the suspension is and will out do the Gladiator from a smoothness standpoint. Just get a Pro and you will be happy. Not to mention you said your garage is on the small side.