2023 Jeep Gladiator vs. 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator and the 2023 Toyota Tacoma are two of the most popular midsize pickup trucks on the market. Both models offer impressive capabilities, making it difficult for buyers to decide which one is right for them. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how these two trucks compare in terms of performance, payload, fuel efficiency, and more. Whether you're in the market for a new pickup or just curious about how these two models stack up against each other, read on to learn more about the 2023 Jeep Gladiator vs. the 2023 Toyota Tacoma.

Tacoma

Design

In 2023, both the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma will receive updates to their design and capabilities. The Tacoma will be built on Toyota's new TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, with an expected switch from leaf-spring to coil-spring suspension. Design-wise, the Tacoma is expected to borrow from the Tundra's grille, headlights, and taillights. The Gladiator, on the other hand, will receive minor changes, including a new Freedom special edition that pays tribute to the U.S. military. The High Altitude model will receive an all-new Capability Package for enhanced off-road capabilities, including a steel front bumper, rock rails, and a front-mounted camera. The Willys trim will now come standard with keyless entry and remote start, while the Snazzleberry color option will be replaced with High-Velocity yellow. Overall, both the Gladiator and Tacoma are expected to continue offering customers a mix of capability and style. LED Factory Mart offers Gladiator accessories and good prices.

Towing

In the midsize pickup truck market, two popular options are the 2023 Jeep Gladiator and the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. When it comes to towing, the Gladiator with its available Trailer Tow Package reigns supreme, boasting a Best-in-Class maximum gas towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. On the other hand, the Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds when properly equipped with its own tow package, which is supported by a range of capable engines and impressive performance and safety features. Ultimately, those who require maximum towing power may be swayed by the Gladiator's Best-in-Class status, while others may appreciate Tacoma's well-rounded package of features and capabilities.

Payload

When it comes to payload capacity, the Gladiator Sport S stands out with a Best-in-Class 4x4 payload capacity of 1,710 pounds, making it the ultimate choice for those looking to haul heavy loads. The Gladiator also features a durable all-steel 5-foot truck bed, adding to its impressive capability. Meanwhile, the Toyota Tacoma's payload capacity maxes out at 1,685 pounds on two-wheel-drive models with a four-cylinder engine and a manual transmission. 

Fuel economy

both the 2023 Jeep Gladiator and the 2023 Toyota Tacoma offer a range of options. The Gladiator models equipped with the standard manual transmission are rated at 16 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, while the automatic gearbox increases the estimated city mpg to 16 and drops the highway figure to 22 mpg. The diesel version of the Gladiator achieves an impressive 22 mpg city and 28 mpg highway. On the other hand, the Toyota Tacoma's gas mileage varies slightly depending on the configuration, with the SR and SR5 models achieving 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway, while the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road models offer slightly less city mpg at 19, but slightly more highway mpg at 24. Overall, those prioritizing fuel efficiency may be drawn to the Gladiator's diesel option or the manual transmission, while those considering a Tacoma may appreciate the consistency in fuel economy across different trim levels.

Performance

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma have different options when it comes to engine power and drivetrain. The Gladiator's base engine is a 3.6-liter V6, producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It also offers an available 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6, generating 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. The Tacoma, on the other hand, comes with a 2.7-liter inline-four base engine, providing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a V6 engine option producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The Gladiator features four-wheel drive as standard, while the Tacoma has the rear-wheel drive as standard and four-wheel drive as an option. Both vehicles offer different transmission options with the Gladiator having a standard six-speed manual and an available eight-speed automatic, while the Tacoma comes with a 6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode. In terms of performance, the Gladiator achieves a faster 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds, compared to the Tacoma's 7.7 seconds, and has better road-holding with a 300-ft skidpad of 0.74g, while the Tacoma's is 0.70g. However, the Tacoma has better braking performance with a distance of 180ft to stop from 70mph, compared to the Gladiator's 194ft.

2023 Jeep Gladiator

2023 Toyota Tacoma

Base engine

3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque

2.7-liter inline-four producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque

Available engine

3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque

V6 with 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque

Drivetrain

four-wheel drive

Rear-wheel drive is standard; four-wheel drive is available as an option

Transmission

standard six-speed manual; available eight-speed automatic

6-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

C/D TEST RESULTS

60 mph: 7.3 sec

1/4-Mile: 15.6 sec @ 87 mph

100 mph: 22.2 sec

Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.

Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.2 sec

Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec

Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.5 sec

Top Speed (gov ltd): 112 mph

Braking, 70–0 mph: 194 ft

Road holding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.74 g

Zero to 60 mph: 7.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 23.5 sec
Zero to 110 mph: 34.2 sec
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 8.1 sec
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 4.2 sec
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 5.3 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 16.0 sec @ 89 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 113 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 180 ft
Road holding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 0.70 g



Technology
Jeep Gladiator:

  • Wi-Fi on the go  
  • Uconnect® 4 system  
  • Available 8.4-inch touchscreen  
  • SiriusXM Guardian™  
  • Vehicle Finder  
  • Blind-spot monitor  
  • Adaptive cruise control  
  • Rear cross path detection  
  • Forward collision warning-plus  

Tacoma: 

  • Panoramic View Monitor
  • 8-inch multimedia system
  • Amazon Alexa Integration 
  • KBL® Premium Audio System.

Safety

Tacoma

Toyota Safety Sense™ P: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams.

Gladiator


Blind Spot Monitoring  

Adaptive Cruise Control with Full Stop  

Full-Speed Forward Collision Warning with Active Braking  

Rear Cross Path Detection  

Trailer Sway Control System  

Tire Pressure Monitoring System    

Keyless Enter ’n Go™ passive entry system  

Wireless connectivity

Price

2023 Tacoma Pricing by Model

Toyota Tacoma SR – $27,250 

Tacoma SR5 – $29,040

Tacoma TRD Sport – $34,160

Tacoma TRD Off-Road – $35,440 

Tacoma Limited – $40,005

Tacoma Trail Special Edition – $40,470 

Tacoma TRD Pro – $46,685 

2023 Gladiator Pricing by Model

Sport S - $38,775

Freedom - $38,775

Texas Trail - $38,775

Sport - $38,775

Willys Sport - $38,775

Willys - $38,775

High Altitude - $46,580

Overland - $46,580

Rubicon - $50,995

Mojave - $50,995


In summary


Comfort:

Compared to the Toyota Tacoma, the Jeep Gladiator offers passengers in the extended cab more room to stretch out. The Gladiator has slightly more head and legroom, making it a roomier and more comfortable ride.

Convenience:

Both the Jeep Gladiator and the Toyota Tacoma have similar fuel efficiency, allowing them to travel a comparable number of miles on a single tank of gas. As a result, you will need to make about the same number of stops at the gas station with either vehicle.

Cost:

When considering the total cost of a vehicle, the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is the primary factor to consider. The Jeep Gladiator has a significantly higher MSRP than the Toyota Tacoma, which is much more affordable.

Dimensions:

Compared to the Toyota Tacoma, the Jeep Gladiator is slightly narrower, making it easier to get in and out of tight parking spots. However, the Gladiator is also slightly longer, which some people may prefer.

Handling:

The Jeep Gladiator has a larger turning radius than the Toyota Tacoma, which can make it slightly more challenging to maneuver in tight spaces.

Performance:

Although the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma have comparable horsepower, the Tacoma has a slightly better towing capacity, allowing it to haul heavier loads.

Powertrain:

The engines of the Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma have similar torque, enabling them to transmit their respective horsepower equally to the wheels.

Utility:

If you frequently have a group of people with you, the Jeep Gladiator is a better choice as it offers slightly more seating capacity than the Toyota Tacoma.

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