Another thinking about switching to a Gladi from a Taco thread

[biodiesel]

I have since retired my JT as a DD and it sits in the driveway until I go wheeling, I need to tow, or I need to haul something. I simply don't enjoy driving it on the street. It's like having a Uhaul-- it serves a function but isn't fun to drive at all. But as a toy vehicle, it's great.

This is a very good point. I bought the Jeep Gladiator because of what it can do in stock form. With the diesel, I'm getting torque, fuel economy, and range. Those three things make the Gladiator one of the most fuel-efficient and capable midsize trucks for its time period.

Once owners begin to make modifications to the truck, then it loses its capability and efficiency. At some point, and with enough modifications, the Gladiator becomes a toy on the bell curve.

The Gladiator, in stock form, is an impressive and very capable midsized truck.

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[JTdiRtyD]

This is a very good point. I bought the Jeep Gladiator because of what it can do in stock form. With the diesel, I'm getting torque, fuel economy, and range. Those three things make the Gladiator one of the most fuel-efficient and capable midsize trucks for its time period.

Once owners begin to make modifications to the truck, then it loses its capability and efficiency. At some point, and with enough modifications, the Gladiator becomes a toy on the bell curve.

The Gladiator, in stock form, is an impressive and very capable midsized truck.

I'm likely going with a diesel. I think with my uses and the few things that I've read on that can be done to combat heat, that I'll be ok.

With a diesel I'd probably look at "skinny" 35's, transfer the winch from my Taco to the Gladi with a front bumper, transfer my cap (home built, dimensions will fit a Gladi almost perfectly), build my drawer system, build rear seat delete, address any rear squat, and thats about it.

Oh, and flush tail lights. Can't stand those bulging butt pimples.

I would stick with my Tacoma (and I still might), it's plenty capable and honestly a great truck for most people, but I just struggle to accept the poor power and performance of the engine/trans combination in them, and I'm only on 32s and haven't even added my drawer system or anything yet. When I regeard to 5.29s it made the truck so much better over stock and I thought I was going to be ok with it, but I'm just not. While its better, it's still sluggish, the transmission is slow to respond to input, slow to downshift or straight refuses when you need it to, but will downshift when you don't expect it to, theres excessive delay in slow speed throttle response... It's just not a great setup. The Toyota 2GR with the ZF 8HP would probably be a great combination.

 

[AustyPosty]

Hi all, new here.

Lately I've been contemplating switching from my 2020 Tacoma TRD PRO to either a JT Mojave or a Rubicon diesel.

I love everything about my Tacoma except the lack of power, gear hunting transmission, and piss poor mpgs. With 32's I get 15mpg avg in the summer, and I'm expecting to see about 13 avg winter. Yes I know, its a Taco, not a Prius, but the lack of power combined with piss poor mpgs, I just don't enjoy driving it and dread long trips. I could live with 15mpgs if I had good, usable power. We live in MN but we head west multiple times a year pulling a ~2k lb off road squaredrop camper. I'll see 13mpg with the trailer, which is fine considering, but it lacks so much power its a non-stop struggle.


I've been lurking for a while and from what I've read it sounds like even a gasser JT is going to perform better, even when towing.

A) What are common JT complaints? For examples, a huge 3rd gen Tacoma complaint is non-stop gear hunting. Breathe wrong and it will constantly downshift looking for power. I knew this was an issue with the Taco, but didn't realize how bad of an issue it actually was. Seating position and lack of rear leg room, piss poor video quality from rear cameras making them almost unusable, outdated tech, buggy and laggy touchscreen, etc. are common complaints in the Tacoma.

Is the 3.6 gasser going to be an improvement over the Taco? Is it going to tow better? From what I have read, a Mojave on 35s will still see better mpgs and power than my Taco on 32s.

The diesel would obviously be much better, but the overheating issues worry me, and I haven't seen much for a good solution because it's poor airflow and poor cooling system design to fit the small engine bay. Are there ways to combat the heat?

Theres a 2020 Mojave at the local dealer I'm going to go test drive tomorrow I think. Unfortunately the closest Rubi diesel is 250 miles away. There are closer diesels, but I don't want to test drive any other model because they won't drive the same.

To answer a few of your questions:
1. Power really isn't an issue with my Rubicon Gladiator, the 8-speed trans is very smooth and I always have power when I need it.
2.The 3.6L V6 is a very solid engine for this truck imo. I've easily gotten 22 mpg on the highway on 33's. I'm hopeful to still get 15-17mpg on light weight 37s.
3.I can only speak for the 8.4" UConnect screen, but the backup camera is shockingly high-resolution and the screen itself is very responsive, I love it. Leg room, head room etc. is definitely better in the Gladiator.
4. Coming from a slightly older 2 Door Wrangler I gotta just note that my 23 gladiator is very comfortable, quiet and stable even on the highway. Something I couldn't say about my 2 door. Compared to the Tacoma I imagine its very comparable, the steering may be slightly more "Trucky" but I personally never feel that its unstable or vague.

 

[biodiesel]

I'm likely going with a diesel. I think with my uses and the few things that I've read on that can be done to combat heat, that I'll be ok.

Would there be any benefit if you could keep the Tacoma and buy the Gladiator?

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Would there be any benefit if you could keep the Tacoma and buy the Gladiator?

If the Taco was paid off yes, but its not unfortunately.

 

[Redfour5]

I am averaging 16.5 around town on my Mojave with 35’s. Highway I average 19. To me the 3.6 does everything I need it too. I tow my 5000lb travel trailer with no problem. I won’t win any races but you shouldn’t try to when towing a large camper.

I'm about the same on MPG but sure isn't the numbers on my Monroney.... But, I knew that coming in. I'm not complaining. I think looking back in 20 years, the 3.6 will be the old 4.0 of the future and the ZF tranny is a relatively perfect match...

I had a 5.7 Hemi truck but traveled home a lot for a few years as the family was going down. I'd always get a Ram truck for the week or two I'd spend back home. Most of them were 3.6's. I can remember being shocked at how good they were pushing a big 1500. AND, I remember getting 22 mpg in them all the time on highways 19 in town. I just wonder why they can't do that with the much smaller Gladiator, but then again, the Ram had a different ZF in it.

 

[MTB58]

I changed from a 2022 TRD Offroad with the TRD lift and 32" tires to a 2023 Gladiator Sport Max Tow with a 1.5" puck lift, a set of Mojave wheels and 33" tires.

Mpg was about the same, around 18mpg City, 20-22 Mpg Hwy, and about 11 Mpg Towing

I towed a 4,000 Loaded trailer with the Tacoma, and I tow a 5,000 loaded Trailer with the Gladiator. I hauled less crap in the bed of the Tacoma and was over GVWR. Towing with more crap in the gladiator bed and I was still under GVWR (Max Tow). While towing I always used the manual shift option, but the Gladiator transmission is Night and Day better than the Tacoma transmission, towing or not.

Tacoma,

Cons: Engine noise, Brakes, Warped Fronts and Rear Drum Brakes, Auto Transmission, Comfort while Driving, Low Hanging Crossover Exhaust Pipe (Really!! on an Offroad Vehicle), Amount of work needed to do any kind of lift, Driver Visibility, Towing Stability, Changing the Oil Filter, Composite Truck Bed, Offroad Ride

Pros: Cabin noise, Electric Rear Window, Roof Racks that can carry more weight, Looks, On Road Ride

Jeep Gladiator,

Cons: Wheelbase Length, Turning Radius, On Road Ride Compared to Tacoma's, Dual Battery ESS, Lack of additional Accessory Ports, Cost More, Ugly Brake Lights, Manual Rear Window.

Pros: Auto Transmission, Brakes (Rear Disc), Off Road Ride, Ability to add Larger Wheels and Tires easily, No Stupid Cross over Pipe, Steel Truck Bed, Comfort While Driving, Driver Visibility, Towing Stability, Towing capability with the 4:10 gears, Payload (Max Tow), Oil Filter Change, Rear Cabin Room, Back up Camera.

 

[salvino]

Hi all, new here.

Lately I've been contemplating switching from my 2020 Tacoma TRD PRO to either a JT Mojave or a Rubicon diesel.

I love everything about my Tacoma except the lack of power, gear hunting transmission, and piss poor mpgs. With 32's I get 15mpg avg in the summer, and I'm expecting to see about 13 avg winter. Yes I know, its a Taco, not a Prius, but the lack of power combined with piss poor mpgs, I just don't enjoy driving it and dread long trips. I could live with 15mpgs if I had good, usable power. We live in MN but we head west multiple times a year pulling a ~2k lb off road squaredrop camper. I'll see 13mpg with the trailer, which is fine considering, but it lacks so much power its a non-stop struggle.


I've been lurking for a while and from what I've read it sounds like even a gasser JT is going to perform better, even when towing.

A) What are common JT complaints? For examples, a huge 3rd gen Tacoma complaint is non-stop gear hunting. Breathe wrong and it will constantly downshift looking for power. I knew this was an issue with the Taco, but didn't realize how bad of an issue it actually was. Seating position and lack of rear leg room, piss poor video quality from rear cameras making them almost unusable, outdated tech, buggy and laggy touchscreen, etc. are common complaints in the Tacoma.

Is the 3.6 gasser going to be an improvement over the Taco? Is it going to tow better? From what I have read, a Mojave on 35s will still see better mpgs and power than my Taco on 32s.

The diesel would obviously be much better, but the overheating issues worry me, and I haven't seen much for a good solution because it's poor airflow and poor cooling system design to fit the small engine bay. Are there ways to combat the heat?

Theres a 2020 Mojave at the local dealer I'm going to go test drive tomorrow I think. Unfortunately the closest Rubi diesel is 250 miles away. There are closer diesels, but I don't want to test drive any other model because they won't drive the same.

I do a lot of long distance driving in my 2020 JTR with 37s and 4:88 gears. On trips to AZ and back from NW Washington state I see average milage of 17+ mpg. My rig is way overweight with a Super Pacific camper canopy and lots of other equipment. I do keep it ay 65-70 on the highway.

The ZF 8 speed is a game changer tranny.

 

[Minty JL]

Well has the OP made a decision ????

 

[PAKraig]

Well has the OP made a decision ????

Sounds like he was test driving a few more possible trucks today. I'm interested as I'm a "Toyota-guy" lurking in this forum too. Currently driving an FJ Cruiser as my daily but I've test-driven half a dozen Gladiators over the last few years. The ones I like, the dealer won't deal on, and the other ones have imperfections I'm not willing to compromise with.

Good luck to the OP, as it's a tough decision. I say keep the Tacoma and buy a 2 door TJ!

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Wellllllllll.....

I ended up getting a 2022 Rubi diesel today.

... and no shit within 10 miles I got a service 4x4 notice popping up every few seconds.

From some research it sounds like a common issue with the Rubi and may just be a switch or sensor on the t-case? Have an appt on the 31st with service. We will see what happens with that. I have 2k miles to say nope take it back.

 

[legacy_etu]

Wellllllllll.....

I ended up getting a 2022 Rubi diesel today.

... and no shit within 10 miles I got a service 4x4 notice popping up every few seconds.

From some research it sounds like a common issue with the Rubi and may just be a switch or sensor on the t-case? Have an appt on the 31st with service. We will see what happens with that. I have 2k miles to say nope take it back.

Ugh. I wonder if that's the rear locker sensor that gets oil seeping into it issue. Common issue in the pre 23 models. Easy fix. Jeep upgraded the sensor to a different type mid 23 and that's not an issue anymore....not that it helps you in your 22.
Course, it could be something else too. Bummer.

 

[PAKraig]

Wellllllllll.....

I ended up getting a 2022 Rubi diesel today.

... and no shit within 10 miles I got a service 4x4 notice popping up every few seconds.

From some research it sounds like a common issue with the Rubi and may just be a switch or sensor on the t-case? Have an appt on the 31st with service. We will see what happens with that. I have 2k miles to say nope take it back.

D'oh

 

[JCappy]

I do a lot of long distance driving in my 2020 JTR with 37s and 4:88 gears. On trips to AZ and back from NW Washington state I see average milage of 17+ mpg. My rig is way overweight with a Super Pacific camper canopy and lots of other equipment. I do keep it ay 65-70 on the highway.

The ZF 8 speed is a game changer tranny.

San Juan Island? If so that's got to be crazy getting in and out of that area. My Daughter and SIL are in Poulsbo and he works in Keyport. Nothing is easy to get to in that area but it sure is beautiful.

 

[ZeeJay]

Wellllllllll.....

I ended up getting a 2022 Rubi diesel today.

... and no shit within 10 miles I got a service 4x4 notice popping up every few seconds.

From some research it sounds like a common issue with the Rubi and may just be a switch or sensor on the t-case? Have an appt on the 31st with service. We will see what happens with that. I have 2k miles to say nope take it back.

We all told you to get a Maverick, but oh no…….

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