2021+ Gladiator vs Tacoma - Manual Transmission

[chdigius]

Hey guys new to the forum, this is my first post. I'm in the market for a light truck next year, and am trying to decide between a 2021+ slight used ( < 20kmi) Tacoma or the Gladiator. Manual transmission only for me!

I've driven my brother's 2017 V6 manual Taco and it's great. I hadn't even considered a Gladiator until I put about 1000 miles on a rented Wrangler 4xe on a trip to Utah earlier this year. I loved everything about it! The auto trans was actually very nice, but for me I gotta have the stick shift.

My only real concern here is reliability. I've read too many stories of that Pentastar V6 failing before 100kmi. Getting 200+ kmi out of a Tacoma seems like it's just a given.

I'm hoping to hear from manual transmission Gladiator owners who were also considering a Tacoma, and have put some miles on their trucks. Are you still happy you chose the Gladiator? What do you love about it? What don't you like about it?

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[Gvsukids]

Hey guys new to the forum, this is my first post. I'm in the market for a light truck next year, and am trying to decide between a 2021+ slight used ( < 20kmi) Tacoma or the Gladiator. Manual transmission only for me!

I've driven my brother's 2017 V6 manual Taco and it's great. I hadn't even considered a Gladiator until I put about 1000 miles on a rented Wrangler 4xe on a trip to Utah earlier this year. I loved everything about it! The auto trans was actually very nice, but for me I gotta have the stick shift.

My only real concern here is reliability. I've read too many stories of that Pentastar V6 failing before 100kmi. Getting 200+ kmi out of a Tacoma seems like it's just a given.

I'm hoping to hear from manual transmission Gladiator owners who were also considering a Tacoma, and have put some miles on their trucks. Are you still happy you chose the Gladiator? What do you love about it? What don't you like about it?

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/tacoma-vs-gladiator.59785/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/gladiator-vs-tacoma-imo.18385/

 

[chdigius]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/tacoma-vs-gladiator.59785/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/gladiator-vs-tacoma-imo.18385/

Thanks for the links!

 

[NortonJTSS]

I have a 21 Sport S 6-speed. I added a 4 inch Readylift kit with Falcon Shocks and 35x11.5r17 Toyo Open Country ATIIIs. I also got the clutch recall but had no issues. Only thing is I'm only at 29,000 miles. I'd say there's not much I don't love about it. It's an incredibly fun transmission once you learn how to drive it. It really likes to be revved to at least 2500-3000 rpms before shifting. It has it's little quirks like a very light feathery clutch (which you get used to and improves in sensitivity over time). Reverse is too tall but by feathering the clutch you have total control. The 5th and 6th overdrives are really tall as well and so it's not the most impressive highway machine but you can surely cruise around at 80 no problem if you want to. The inside is really nice and fairly roomy considering what it is and the Uconnect 4 is a really good touchscreen. And the customization options are literally endless. The best thing is popping that sunrider top and having that open air experience. What a liberating feeling. People often complain about the Tacoma's "kayak" seating configuration and view. I'm sure it's a good reliable truck but I think I'd die inside if I had to switch to one

 

[chdigius]

I have a 21 Sport S 6-speed. I added a 4 inch Readylift kit with Falcon Shocks and 35x11.5r17 Toyo Open Country ATIIIs. I also got the clutch recall but had no issues. Only thing is I'm only at 29,000 miles. I'd say there's not much I don't love about it. It's an incredibly fun transmission once you learn how to drive it. It really likes to be revved to at least 2500-3000 rpms before shifting. It has it's little quirks like a very light feathery clutch (which you get used to and improves in sensitivity over time). Reverse is too tall but by feathering the clutch you have total control. The 5th and 6th overdrives are really tall as well and so it's not the most impressive highway machine but you can surely cruise around at 80 no problem if you want to. The inside is really nice and fairly roomy considering what it is and the Uconnect 4 is a really good touchscreen. And the customization options are literally endless. The best thing is popping that sunrider top and having that open air experience. What a liberating feeling. People often complain about the Tacoma's "kayak" seating configuration and view. I'm sure it's a good reliable truck but I think I'd die inside if I had to switch to one

Awesome, thanks for the review! When I drove that Wrangler I was really impressed with the interior and how the machine handled on the highway. I've read quite few reviews and seen a few YT vids with folks complaining about the gearing, but to me it just seemed they didn't really know how to operate a manual transmission.

I've always owned standard vehicles and every machine has a different clutch feel, gearing etc. You just need to learn how to operate it, that's the whole point of driving a manual! Real glad to hear you're enjoying the stick shift sounds like I will as well.

My only fear with the Gladiator are the stories I've heard of the Pentastar V6 giving up the ghost before 100kmi. I'm not sure if this is a 'bad luck' issue with quality control or an issue with the motor itself?

I've seen solutions out there for the apparent 'dry start' these engines have like this : https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...mance-cartridge-to-spin-on-oil-filter-adapter



Have you ever noticed any 'metal on metal' or ticking sounds coming from yours on a cold start?

 

[NortonJTSS]

Awesome, thanks for the review! When I drove that Wrangler I was really impressed with the interior and how the machine handled on the highway. I've read quite few reviews and seen a few YT vids with folks complaining about the gearing, but to me it just seemed they didn't really know how to operate a manual transmission.

I've always owned standard vehicles and every machine has a different clutch feel, gearing etc. You just need to learn how to operate it, that's the whole point of driving a manual! Real glad to hear you're enjoying the stick shift sounds like I will as well.

My only fear with the Gladiator are the stories I've heard of the Pentastar V6 giving up the ghost before 100kmi. I'm not sure if this is a 'bad luck' issue with quality control or an issue with the motor itself?

I've seen solutions out there for the apparent 'dry start' these engines have like this : https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...mance-cartridge-to-spin-on-oil-filter-adapter



Have you ever noticed any 'metal on metal' or ticking sounds coming from yours on a cold start?

I think undoubtedly you'll enjoy the transmission, especially with a little bit of experience with it. A lot of the people who bash the manual are automatic owners who feel the need to validate their boring decision, or people who just test drive it surely not long enough to get to know it. The only concern I really have is the "lifter tick." I've heard it's a quality assurance issue at the factory, and that it's more of a "luck of the draw" thing. It seems that some just get cheap lash adjusters with weak bearings. Sounds like being diligent about it can prevent any major damage by just having those replaced. Sounds like most people with cam issues are ignoring that tick for way too long. I'll definitely be keeping a close eye on it and will have the shop inspect it before my 5 year drivetrain warranty is up. Currently my engine is running perfectly at almost 30k.. No ticking sounds at all. It sounds like Toyota and many other companies have also had quality control issues in recent years, so you might be rolling the dice regardless, why not have some fun? This truck is so fun that if it ever came down to it I'd probably have another motor put in it... Especially with the announcement that the manual will no longer be offered on Gladiators in 2025.

 

[chr15m]

I had 2 MT 3rd gen Tacomas, test drove a couple MT JTs and finally bought a AT JTM. I have a lot of complaints about those Tacomas, one of which was a lemon and taken back by Toyota.

Regardless of complaints about the Tacomas, the direct mount manual with 4.30 gears in the Tacoma is much much better than the cable linkage MT in the JT. Its all a matter of opinion in the end of course, but if the JT was a direct mount shifter Id be in a manual right now.

If you test drive the Jeep with a manual and like it, get it.

As for reliability, people should consider more points of failure than just the engines. My lemon Tacoma spent months out of service for the rear differential, it would also shut off while driving and and multiple other more minor issues. If I had to foot the bills for the services it would have been a 2yr old truck that would have cost me thousands.

The 2nd Tacoma was more or less dependable, but it also had a noisy rear diff. By 20k miles on it the diff sounded like a constant hiss/howl noise. If I drove with the rear window open it would actually give me headaches. I also replaced multiple front drive shafts and the well documented drivers side front diff bushing. The rear end also seeped oil onto the driveway. Toyota was more or less no longer repairing peoples diffs at that point, stating the noise and seepage is normal.

25k miles on the JTM and the only issue I've had was it lost power steering once for about 10 seconds.

Bottom line for me, Ive owned 6+ Toyota trucks in my life. I would buy another 5.7 Tundra, I would buy another JT.

I would not buy another Tacoma.

 

[MeiMei]

I had a Tacoma and it was louder, cramped and obviously no soft top. It had a plastic bed that some like, but I thought it felt cheap. My gladiator seems so much nicer. The Tacoma was very reliable and easier to maintain, as is the car in most Toyotas. I honestly don’t miss it. Because they are discontinuing the Gladiator manual, I will go back to a Wrangler after this.

 

[Pismo61]

My only real concern here is reliability. I've read too many stories of that Pentastar V6 failing before 100kmi. Getting 200+ kmi out of a Tacoma seems like it's just a given.

This part I believe to be true,but drive both and buy what you like.Also keep doing your research so you will know what to expect.Ive had many JEEPS and Toyotas.The old 4.0 is a different story.

 

[chdigius]

I think undoubtedly you'll enjoy the transmission, especially with a little bit of experience with it. A lot of the people who bash the manual are automatic owners who feel the need to validate their boring decision, or people who just test drive it surely not long enough to get to know it. The only concern I really have is the "lifter tick." I've heard it's a quality assurance issue at the factory, and that it's more of a "luck of the draw" thing. It seems that some just get cheap lash adjusters with weak bearings. Sounds like being diligent about it can prevent any major damage by just having those replaced. Sounds like most people with cam issues are ignoring that tick for way too long. I'll definitely be keeping a close eye on it and will have the shop inspect it before my 5 year drivetrain warranty is up. Currently my engine is running perfectly at almost 30k.. No ticking sounds at all. It sounds like Toyota and many other companies have also had quality control issues in recent years, so you might be rolling the dice regardless, why not have some fun? This truck is so fun that if it ever came down to it I'd probably have another motor put in it... Especially with the announcement that the manual will no longer be offered on Gladiators in 2025.

You're right about the QC issues across the board for various manufacturers. I've heard plenty of complaints surrounding the Tacoma too, just not the 'single point of failure/common problem' stuff surrounding the Pentastar motor. It does seem that the PV6 is a solid engine if you don't experience that issue though.

Amen to rolling the dice! Honestly what I want is a capable, fun machine that I'll want to hang on to for the long term. The Gladiator would be my 4th vehicle, and as long as it can give me 4-5 years of trouble free operation so I can focus on restoring the rest of my fleet I'll be happy. If I do love the truck I'll start putting some $ aside for a hemi swap down the road :D

 

[chdigius]

I had 2 MT 3rd gen Tacomas, test drove a couple MT JTs and finally bought a AT JTM. I have a lot of complaints about those Tacomas, one of which was a lemon and taken back by Toyota.

Regardless of complaints about the Tacomas, the direct mount manual with 4.30 gears in the Tacoma is much much better than the cable linkage MT in the JT. Its all a matter of opinion in the end of course, but if the JT was a direct mount shifter Id be in a manual right now.

If you test drive the Jeep with a manual and like it, get it.

As for reliability, people should consider more points of failure than just the engines. My lemon Tacoma spent months out of service for the rear differential, it would also shut off while driving and and multiple other more minor issues. If I had to foot the bills for the services it would have been a 2yr old truck that would have cost me thousands.

The 2nd Tacoma was more or less dependable, but it also had a noisy rear diff. By 20k miles on it the diff sounded like a constant hiss/howl noise. If I drove with the rear window open it would actually give me headaches. I also replaced multiple front drive shafts and the well documented drivers side front diff bushing. The rear end also seeped oil onto the driveway. Toyota was more or less no longer repairing peoples diffs at that point, stating the noise and seepage is normal.

25k miles on the JTM and the only issue I've had was it lost power steering once for about 10 seconds.

Bottom line for me, Ive owned 6+ Toyota trucks in my life. I would buy another 5.7 Tundra, I would buy another JT.

I would not buy another Tacoma.

Did you get to the bottom of that power steering issue? One of the things that drives me nuts about newer vehicles are all the unnecessary electronics, but I don't think that can be avoided with anything after 2017 or so. What year were the Tacoma's that gave you problems? That sounds terrible, If I'd bought a Tacoma expecting a reliable vehicle and ran into those kinds of issues I'd scratch them off my list as well.

Thanks for the post and sharing your experience there, I'll definitely give the manual Gladiator a test drive to see how I get on with that transmission.

 

[chdigius]

I had a Tacoma and it was louder, cramped and obviously no soft top. It had a plastic bed that some like, but I thought it felt cheap. My gladiator seems so much nicer. The Tacoma was very reliable and easier to maintain, as is the car in most Toyotas. I honestly don’t miss it. Because they are discontinuing the Gladiator manual, I will go back to a Wrangler after this.

When I heard about them discontinuing the manual for 2025, it made me want to pick up a 2023/4 even more. Then again, Tacoma discontinued the V6! It's getting harder and harder to get excited about a new machine these days.

I was very impressed by the overall fit and finish on the Wrangler 4xe I rented. The Tacomas I've driven are nice, but the Jeep was a big step up on the interior that's for sure.

 

[chdigius]

This part I believe to be true,but drive both and buy what you like.Also keep doing your research so you will know what to expect.Ive had many JEEPS and Toyotas.The old 4.0 is a different story.

Great point there. That's like the 460 in my '96 F-250. It's just a tank that runs forever. Drives like a tank too

 

[Sandman 4x4]

Hey guys new to the forum, this is my first post. I'm in the market for a light truck next year, and am trying to decide between a 2021+ slight used ( < 20kmi) Tacoma or the Gladiator. Manual transmission only for me!

I've driven my brother's 2017 V6 manual Taco and it's great. I hadn't even considered a Gladiator until I put about 1000 miles on a rented Wrangler 4xe on a trip to Utah earlier this year. I loved everything about it! The auto trans was actually very nice, but for me I gotta have the stick shift.

My only real concern here is reliability. I've read too many stories of that Pentastar V6 failing before 100kmi. Getting 200+ kmi out of a Tacoma seems like it's just a given.

I'm hoping to hear from manual transmission Gladiator owners who were also considering a Tacoma, and have put some miles on their trucks. Are you still happy you chose the Gladiator? What do you love about it? What don't you like about it?

We just bought a new 2024 Gladiator Sport S, the fifth new Jeep in over 30 years, the others were all fun trouble free 4x4’s I could have bought a 6 speed, but hesitant about the gearing, especially after test driving a couple, a Sport S with 3:73’s and a Moab with 4:10’s. that helped a little, but after driving an automatic? It was a no brainer, that 8 speed is amazing, especially after you get used to driving with a light foot. But the way it goes from 8th to 5th at 65 and takes off was the biggest selling point. In the manual I was able to go from 6th to 4th, but it wasn’t like the auto at all or no where quicker, and I was as quick as anyone, as I’ve been a truck driver my whole life, driving anything from a 5 speed Mack, to an 18 speed Autocar!

 

[chdigius]

We just bought a new 2024 Gladiator Sport S, the fifth new Jeep in over 30 years, the others were all fun trouble free 4x4’s I could have bought a 6 speed, but hesitant about the gearing, especially after test driving a couple, a Sport S with 3:73’s and a Moab with 4:10’s. that helped a little, but after driving an automatic? It was a no brainer, that 8 speed is amazing, especially after you get used to driving with a light foot. But the way it goes from 8th to 5th at 65 and takes off was the biggest selling point. In the manual I was able to go from 6th to 4th, but it wasn’t like the auto at all or no where quicker, and I was as quick as anyone, as I’ve been a truck driver my whole life, driving anything from a 5 speed Mack, to an 18 speed Autocar!

I hear ya man, and thanks for the input, but it's gotta be a stick shift for me! I do agree that 8 speed auto is real nice, having driven one.

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