JT v. Taco: Which is objectively built better? 2021 Gladiator vs 2021 Tacoma comparison review by owner

[Hootbro]

They are both great vehicles....and although they appeal to similar audiences of 'outdoors' people, they take sharp turns at 'let's go explore' vs 'let's go anywhere we want'. This is my observation....

Glad to see you did not over read into what I was saying and get the point I was trying to make.

There is middle ground for both models to have a similar customer base to compete in but there is outside edges of capability off the lot that one will shine over the other but that is a subjective measurement based on each individual.

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[chorky]

This is from https://www.carobotor.ca/?fbclid=IwAR1d6yw4g2QmIZMx9ZhdeHAlPoMZeS4gFKE5CzEl5aOMokEYZdB6cUjHyk8 a Canadian tech company. Sure they produce in Asia but still epic looking product imo.

Don't own one yet, waiting for the German Importer to get it and install it so I have warranty on it.
KNow several people with the JK solutions and they love it.

Well I mean in general the amount of aftermarket options and support Jeep gets and how long the product lines are carried is epic. Not many brands that have so much options and still people refabbing oem type parts for old vehicles. It is a bit like the mustangs, still a lot of small businesses finding solutions.

oh interesting. I thought that was a future re-design.
yeah aftermarket support is one of the top 5 reasons I stick with jeep. There is some support for other vehicles, but the support for jeep wrangler/gladiator is a 100 miles above any other vehicle. Its pretty crazy actually. Even toyota for example, for how many people love them they dont have nearly the support. Even the x-9overland crew has to do custom modificstions and they are sponsored by toyota. This is another reason I dont think these vehicles can really be compared. For such a fan basis that Toyota has they make modifications so hard and theres very little aftermarket support compared to Jeep.

 

[Lunentucker]

He did a really good job on this.

I love his measurements as opposed to cubic feet.
Maybe someone should do a site that lets you load up cars and trucks side by side in the same window and compare realistic measurements like that, kind of like the smartphone sites do.

I had two Tacoma's that were covered by the frame rust recalls, and to Toyota's credit, they were amazing in how they handled them.

My 2000 was bought back at 1.5X KBB retail and sent to the crusher.
My 2005 was 10 years old when they replaced to frame at no cost to me, and provided me with rentals for several months while it was in the queue.

I believe Toyota sued their supplier on the steel in both cases and then covered the issue for their customers, WELL out of original warranty. Kudos to them for doing that.

Both trucks were trouble free otherwise. Zero issues and super reliable.
I sold the 2005 when I bought the Mojave last winter. It had 189,000 on it, and I would not have hesitated to drive it coast to coast.

Frame rust on the 2005

Sadly, the 2005 was crushed by a falling tree a few weeks ago.
Thank God no one was hurt.

I'm still "new" to the Jeep platform. While I was initially disappointed in drivability and handling, I have stuck with it and learned a lot form these forums and other sources, and it now drives as good as the Tacoma did. Well, with the 4X disc brakes, actually a little better.

We'll see how our relationship matures. We're still honeymooning at the moment.

Edit: Forgot to add. The guy in the video has no clue how web ads work ?

 

[BourbonRunner]

I'm another one of those Tacoma to Jeep converts (though I'm now shopping for her car so my JT purchase is being pushed back... again.)

Each have their merits, strengths, and weaknesses.

I'd argue that as a daily driver, the Tacoma with its IFS is far more forgiving and car-like than the Jeep. That's a major selling point to the general market, and it still can do the majority of off roading that would be thrown at it. Would it be running King of the Hammers relatively stock? Not at all, but that isn't the market Toyota is targeting. If you're going to have an off road capable truck and commute daily with it, the Tacoma is the better option.

The Mojave bridges that road handling gap well given its SFA disadvantage. But it still isn't as smooth as the Taco.

But the thing is, the Tacoma is limited in other areas. Modifying the suspension isn't as easy or simple as the SFA trucks. Changing that geometry too much is a CV joint issue waiting to happen and candidly, they're more complicated designs with more potential mechanical failure points.

Depending on the end user's goals, each has a place.

 

[Chestnut]

I wan tot go test drive a Taco after this thread both the food and vehicle. I have an overland and i have to say the on road manners are pretty fantastic. It's smoother than both of our subarus that are full independent suspension. I also find the jeep smoother and better manners on the road than the 19 GMC Canyon i had.

Trouble is the taco doens't have a roof or doors that come off.

 

[ScottBeach]

If you never had a solid front axle before it can be jarring how diffent a Jeep drives. The only other trucks left are heavy duty pickups coming from any other newish truck is still a huge driving difference

 

[Free2roam]

I mean, who doesn't like tacos.

A better thread would be taco vs. burrito

Ummm can't forget tostada's!

 

[robburns76]

i thought it was an interesting comparison. i'm sorta surprised nobody has called it out yet that when comparing power and MPG, he is comparing apples and oranges since he has the Diesel in the JT and the gas engine in the Taco.

 

[bleda2002]

I came in here just to see if someone said this. I find it interesting there is such a strong debate between the two. They are both great rigs, but I really think they are intended for different purposes. It's really hard to properly compare vehicles like that. I think that point can be proven by the simple fact that it is extremely difficult and very costly to modify a tacoma to the same specs that a Jeep can be right off the lot.

I think possibly a better statement or a more accurate comparison would be the NAME. Jeep OR Toyota.... Because if you really look at them, there's no way a Taco can be easily modified to the Jeep specs and tackle the trails Jeeps can easily overcome (without at least double or triple the cost) - as I"m watching an episode of Ozark Overland in Kansas right now... But, on the flip side, it would be awful hard to get a Jeep to have the same MPG and 'reliability' (although I think they're pretty darn reliable) as a Taco.

They are both great vehicles....and although they appeal to similar audiences of 'outdoors' people, they take sharp turns at 'let's go explore' vs 'let's go anywhere we want'. This is my observation....

I have a friend with a taco, my jeep stock got the same MPG's on the highway because his transmission is super outdated. Reliability, they're about the same, neither of them have major mechanical malfunctions or troublesome designs although the tacoma is very outdated as far as the tranny is concerned. As every day trucks the gladiator and the tacoma are very very close and are easily comparable.

Off road there is no comparison though, the gladiator is just so much better stock or in terms of ease to build up.

 

[Closet Jeep guy]

I

I have a friend with a taco, my jeep stock got the same MPG's on the highway because his transmission is super outdated. Reliability, they're about the same, neither of them have major mechanical malfunctions or troublesome designs although the tacoma is very outdated as far as the tranny is concerned. As every day trucks the gladiator and the tacoma are very very close and are easily comparable.

Off road there is no comparison though, the gladiator is just so much better stock or in terms of ease to build up.

I almost think the gladiator would be better depending on the tire . Plus the G has a bigger gas tank .

 

[Klutch]

The lack of power Nate talked about is a very big issue where I live at over 6,000 feet above sea level. I know a lot of TACO owners and they all complain their trucks are gutless wonders they have to floor to maintain the speed limit on the freeway.

 

[Jefe1018]

I was just thinking about how Nate said us diesel guys just need to upgrade our airbox or change our filters..... not sure how much that holds true.

As far as a comparison, ehh. Drive what you want that's why we (most of us) live in the country we do.

 

[Bbannongmu]

Our anecdotal opinions are nearly worthless. Stat vs stat, which truck has stronger components? Better performance? The U.S built Gladiator or the Mexican Tacoma? One man who owns and likes both breaks it down by the numbers in this video:

This is a well done comparison. I’m in the used, sub $20k midsize truck market right now for my soon to be 18 year old daughter. Tacoma is on the list but I do have some issues with the ancient drum brakes - seriously? I hate working on drum brakes. And riveted C channel frame that I’ve personally seen bend - not that she is going to be using it in that way. The bed cracking on the edges is another issue that I do see happening. Also looking at Chevy Colorado/GMC Canyon and Nissan Frontier as options. Gladiator is off the list since it just too darn expensive.

 

[Jteakus]

Solid front axle, selectable lockers, 4:1 low range, removable top and doors, diesel option.
Drive whatever you choose but the JT is, in my opinion, in a class by itself.

 

[CoachA]

Got almost 350k out of my first Tacoma before the frame failed. Bought a new Tacoma in 2011, traded it for a used 2020 JTR with 15k on the odometer in December 2021. At that point the Tacoma had 150k and had only been in the shop once for a tire change. I do my own maintenance. Loved those Tacomas and, embarrassed to admit, almost got choked up when I turned over the keys to Carmax when I bought my first ever Jeep. Loved those Tacomas. Love my Jeep. Tacomas cannot do off-road what a JTR can. On the road, Tacomas ride better, IMHO. Both are great trucks. Just my 2 cents.

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