Yup. By simply putting something like KO2s on instead of what comes on Tacoma you lose up to 2 mpg. That’s huge impact if you have to show it on the sticker.
I would say they’re both right in a way. No doubt that most guys who buy this truck and are either planning on off-roading it or at least building it up with a lift will end up swapping out the rims and tires and the guys who are daily driving the truck but won’t see any significant amount of dirt will be happy with the stock tires. And for probably 90% of the people who buy this truck they won’t put it in any condition that requires more grip. And I’m sure there was also pressure to achieve the best mpg possible so their choice of tire makes perfect sense
@See Jay And yet chevy, ford, ram, jeep and others have figured out how to get Duratracs, TA KO2's, General Grabbers, etc on their factory trucks. The Ram Rebel, Chevy Trailboss, Ranger Tremor, Wrangler, Gladiator, etc all have much more aggressive tires.
Myself, I think for being mid size trucks both are over priced. On the other hand if I was big into off-roading the Jeep is what I would get. If I just did only moderate off-roading I would have a TRD PRO. I also like that both trucks are highly customizable through after market products and products from the manufacturer. Thanks for the review of both trucks TFL, Tommy & Andre. Great job guys.
I am looking at a fully loaded premium trim tacoma in Canada, $47k. An equivalent full sized truck with the same options is $70k. Trucks are expensive, period. The tacoma holds its value and is very reliable(low maintenance costs), so total cost of ownership will be quite affordable.
@@steve8803 I totally agree with you about trucks being so expensive. The Tacoma is a excellent truck I agree. The fact that Toyota's hold their value is definitely a huge plus. Go for bud.
@@ricwestdoesitwork Trust me, I am very frugal! I buy the vehicle in cash, and after 5 years sell and end up have a total cost of ownership of less than $300 cdn per month on a premium mid sized truck. Most people here pay more than that for their econobox!
I want many more videos just like this one! Do the same with the Ranger vs. Colorado, Wrangler vs. New Bronco (Rubicon vs. Badlands) F-150 vs. Silverado vs. Ram... and mix and match them. Also throw in the 4Runner in there! More videos like this one and I’m all in!
They should really takes into account the TRD Off-Road. Essentially the same as the pro (save for suspension) and so much cheaper (in price) And to upgrade to a more aggressive suspension (better bilstien, fox, or kings) wouldn't even get close to a TRD Pro MSRP. Save money AND be more capable off/on road
I literally just priced this out on Toyota yesterday. $37k for an off-road I like, vs $45k for the pro. $8k buys a heck of a suspension. Plus the off-road exists on lots, isn’t marked up, and can be had with cloth seats!! 😎👍🏼
@@upshifter5316 paid 32,000 for my manual offroad. Paid 45,000 for my TRD PRO with desert intake. Both are manual transmission. So a $13,000 difference is quite substantial... I've put $4,000 doing a budget build with my OFFROAD and at this point it is more capable than the Pro is and most of that money went to my camper 🐚 shell. As a side note both are 2019 models and were bought the same year with zero miles from the same dealer and sales rep.
S M Sounds awesome! I love cloth. Feel like nobody actually likes leather, we all just pretend to. It’s been not nice in very high end cars (real leather). Everywhere else no thanks!
I paid $34,500 for my 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD off road manual with pleather and full tech package. Could not justify almost being able to buy 2 Tacos for the price of a Gladiator.... as cool as they are!
Man I never get tired of looking at the tacoma trd pro. It’s just perfectly designed imo, I absolutely love how they look. Id choose the tacoma all day everyday. It’s still my favorite midsize truck on the market and has been for a long time now
When switching to 4wd, you have to be in drive for 4 Hi. Once the green light is solid, you then have to put it in neutral to go into 4 Low, use the locker, MTS, crawl control etc. The reason for 4 HI in drive, it allows you to switch in and out at will while driving. I've changed it in and back out at 60mpg. 🤙
They do push their testing to the limits but if your main use is off-roading then the 2 door wrangler is really tough to beat. The gladiator and tacoma are both great because they are versatile. Numerous more specialized vehicles are ideal, but of course that gets pricey.
wheelbase and clearance are similar to most full size trucks.... pick a good line and you dont get hung up much. Especially with underbody protection. You can usually be a bit more aggressive.... they have to be careful as they are either loaners or they want the resale value.
Let’s be honest almost everyone is gonna lift a glad and put 35-37” tires on it if they’re going off road and even for aesthetics. It may still touch the skids but it’s really not a big deal for 95% of all the trails. A stock rubicon gladiator will cross the rubicon trail just fine
@@mattbrew11 totally agree in reality. I just have that image stuck in my head from the previous video of the Land Rovers rolling through and the Gladiator not doing as well. Granted, it didn't actually get stuck, just couldn't take the same line scraped a little. Everyone survived.
@@tunintunin3417 60:40 is still ok by the terrible standards of Italian manufacturing. No one can build reliable cars, devices, etc etc like the Japanese...and Toyota is special even ny Japanese standards
O S I agree, We are a family of Land Cruisers, we have one 1978 FJ with 200k, one 2005 with 440k and one 2017 with 110k km... not a single glitch ever. We love them.
@@tunintunin3417 that's superb! My mother in law bought a Sharp microwave, a Brother washing machine, and a Hitachi fridge in 1994 (all made in Japan) when moving from one country to another. All 3 are still working, and no new microwave, fridge and washing machine has been bought since!!
Tacoma: better quality Gladiator: better off road Tacoma: often driven by bro truck types Gladiator: often driven by soccer moms Both: chances of being taken off road about 3%
@@theseb1979 Please point out the part of my comment where I stated that I cared what type of vehicles people purchase or what they did with their vehicles.
as a tacoma owner... its true and very disappointing on toyotas part. Can they not find the balance between technological quality and MSRP? Even dodge has a better quality cameras in their cars... smh
I've been into offroad camping since I was a kid. That's what dad called it back in the 70s/80s. Potentially buying a new vehicle this weekend. I've driven both the Tacoma and the Gladiator. I'm 6'6", 260lbs. Both vehicles were uncomfortable for me. At the Jeep dealership, it was uncomfortable enough that I didn't take it off the lot. What no one ever mentions is width. In both the Gladiator and the Tacoma, my shoulder was right up against the pillar. No, I'm a fullsize truck guy. Looking at both a '20 Tundra SR5 4x4 and a '19 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4. Leaning towards the Tundra for reliability and potential off road prowess when built.
You are a large guy. Just by your stats, I could tell you need a full size truck and not a mid size. I just bought a Taco last week. This same green one actually. I'm 5'8 and 170 pounds, and this thing is so roomy even with my family of 4 loaded in. (I'm a giant compared to the rest of my family) But giants like you- that's what the big trucks were made for!
Stay away from the Ram. My dad had a 1998 Dakota that was problematic and he got 2 1995 Tacoma’s (in 1999) from 2 cousins and gave me one his just died in 2016 and he got another (SR 4-cyl Double Cab short bed) mine is still going strong. You’ll be happier with the Tundra. The F-150 is a good truck, just stay away from the Ecoboost engines.
I’m a HUGE fan of the Tacoma higher floor because it seats more like a car, which is way easier on my back. I think I’m the exception though. It’s probably because I have really short legs.
Have a 19 4runner with that engine and a 19 trd pro and the Tacoma engine is better especially on the highway. Once it gets in the higher rev band the 4l can't compare. The 4l has a little bit more torque off the line but TFL did the Ike Gauntlet Tow testing and the 3.5 beat the 4l in less time and maintained a higher speed. I will say my Tacoma has Ovtune which reprogrammed the transmission shift points which makes it alot better.
@@Boltdriver70thats because it has different gearing & while the new atkinson engine with D-4S system is more fuel efficient. it feels weak against the 4L. They also did a race where the 2nd gen beat the 3rd gen. It's a faster truck & better looking truck imo. Fuel efficiency.. 2 more mpg meh. I think if you change your own oil, you'd appreciate 2nd gen more.
@@sharpshooter012345 funny I have a 2014 dclb and I love it! Was telling my friend who has a 2018 that he should change his oil. Popped his hood and realized his filter isn't up top like mine. Haha he said he'll keep paying for oil changes.
You’d have to get a JK 4 door and convert it to a truck with one of the JK-8 molar kits. They’re hard to find though. I think they look the best out of all wrangler type trucks.
I just got a 2021 Toyota 4runner TRD Off Road. Go with Jeep. Both the 4runner and Tacoma transmission hunt for gears even on slight inclines on the freeways. I'm actually looking to do a 5.7 hemi swap with the 8 speed transmission.
I have a Tacoma but would definitely rock a gladiator. I feel like the leg room is a wash because the seats don’t go back as far so that couples inches of seat travel gives a little more in the back. I’m 5’ 10” so head room isn’t a big problem
I know we are talking stock trucks and for disclaimer if i were to buy again I would probably not buy a Tacoma or gladiator. For the $5000 premium on the gladiator you can take that and add more clearance and better tires on the Tacoma . That probably gives you the same capability if not more then the gladiator with a lot more technology, reliability, and functionality for the same price. Given that, would you still pick the gladiator?
Yes I would. I just trade in my 17 Tacoma TRD O/R in 2 months ago for the same move and would do it again. After owning a 2nd gen Tacoma, the 3rd gen Tacoma powertrain was a step in the wrong direction. I would take my 14 Tacoma over the 17 Tacoma anyday of the week.
I agree with Tommy get 6.speed manual Taco, the instead of auto tyranny. But there again I perfer manual everything. I have a 2020 army green trd pro manual(without the ISIS air intake) its absolutely awesome 0 complaints! I store my weed in the box storage compartment. PS Andre the Taco also doesn't come with a transmitting that can catch fire.
Exhaust noise and looking under the hood basically just goin "yup its an engine" I think on offroad vehicles they'd be better off showing the underside of the truck which they rarely do
I've owned both, well almost. I did not own the TRD Pro but the TRD Off-Road and currently the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon both were fully loaded with all options. So, first I will say that I love the "Retro" look of the Gladiator but for general modern pickups I think Tacoma 3rd gen is the best looking truck out there (Mid size or Full Size) on the exterior. Interior is horrible, looks way out dated against the Jeep. The JBL Toyota stereo system is not nearly as nice as Jeep's Alpine. The Infotainment on the Jeep is SO much nicer and actually works without a hick-up the Toyota was antiquated and had and issue when it updated and locked up. Also, the camera's (well should say Camera on the Toyota it had a rear one) the Jeeps front and rear are much more clear with higher resolution, the front with the wheel tracking is great off road or for parking. Headroom, if your tall and like Tacoma -DO NOT get the sun roof. Mine had really low headroom, my friends without sun roof is a lot better. Coming from a Toyota FJ to Tacoma it felt cramped Rear seat, Jeep wins more leg room for passengers. Engine Transmission: JEEP. The Toyota 3.5 lacked low end torque and was always shifting. The Jeep has much better torque off the line the 8 speed transmission is better than Toyota's 6 speed. Ride: Depends. If your off road the Jeep is amazing, straight axle, two lockers to Toyota's rear. Plus Jeep has electronic sway bar disconnect...Rubicon is amazing off road. On street I would say that the Tacoma "handles" better with IFS suspension. Reliability: I honestly have had really no problems with either one. I would always give edge to Toyota on that factor, except off road. If your really going off road than IFS Suspension isn't going to be as durable as a straight axle especially if you start lifting and running bigger tires. That is where the Jeep shines. In fact there is another RUclipsr who did that comparison. Daily driving Toyota reliability is legendary, but if your really 4x4 the truck and things can break - advantage Jeep. I am bias, I think my Jeep Rubicon is nicer than my Toyota TRD Off Road was ........It should be it was about 12k more money. Do I think it is worth the extra 12k? NO, but then again I think most trucks are way over priced.
Good vid. I really like the calm version of Tom. I have had jeeps for decades. I currently own a Gen3 Taco overlanding. I chose the Tavo because of the combination of reliability and cost. The Jeep is way over priced. The value made the difference for me. The transmission is fine. Once you learn to drive it it does the job well. I installed hood lift kit and it’s not heavy. My biggest complaint is the seating position. But there are tons of after market solutions for that. They cured the issue for me. It’s the Tavo for me. I would be afraid to take the Jeep too far from the barn One comment Tom, you have a tendency to slap things that makes a sharp sound that can be disruptive to the flow
The hood's not heavy if you actually have biceps and have heard of a gym but that kid has a beta male physique and the arms of a 12 year old girl. All men should maintain at least some sort of a physical fitness standard throughout their lives that involves free weights it's a part of manhood. If someone like him were to even just do a 20 minute a day workout routine it would still make a dramatic and life changing difference so he can't say there's no time there really are no excuses it's just laziness.
Tacoma Rust ... has only just begun? I have a 2011 Tacoma. It will be 10 years old in December. It has 80,000 miles and has been through 10 Minnesota winters. I am changing out all the drive line fluids. During the process, I was shocked how rusted out everything is (front to back) under the truck.
L.E.D lights and the steel modular bumper should come standard on the Gladiator Rubicon and My current 2020 JLU Rubicon. You are paying a premium price for the best off-road model and you should get the bonus for those add-ons included in the price.
I think what is never discussed or compared is aftermarket lifts. If you do a comparable lift on both trucks to both have 35” tires, the Toyota requires a body mount chop that needs welded closed afterwards. Even if you go long travel on the Toyota and add fiberglass fenders, you still have to do the chop.
I only owned one tacoma and it got wrecked 6 months from new but my 2017 4 runner was an absolute nightmare that I had to get lemon law’d. Toyota is not above building bullshit vehicles sometimes
Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. But as Toyota’s are already 10 years behind, you might be right. Who are all of these people who keep cars for a quarter million miles?
Michael Anderson sorry, the communist flag implies you’re broke, and blame everyone else. I misunderstood.. you’re broke and must rely on a car for a quarter million miles? So the free market has a solution for you in the form of an overpriced yote! Awesome
@@markpfeifer1402 Not what I said, but glad you changed your avatar to something less disgusting. The Soviet hammer and sickle colored your comments. BTW, I'm broke too, hence my eye on value and not owning a yote!
For all the complaints about the drum brakes you should do 10 hard measured stops between the 2 and see which does better. I don't say this as a fanboy but honestly I'd like to actually see it put to the test. Id bet the Tacoma brakes do just as well as anything in it's class but with less maintenance. I feel like people like to complain about it's oldness, but the wheel is also very old and still pretty effective.
No clearly smaller cylinders are far more effective, especially with forced induction. You are the old school thinker not me. Drums might work fairly close for 1 braking bur every brake apllication after that will be longer. Its not even a debate.
@@dad2817 Its clearly a debate. I'd like someone to show it in 2020, because my experience and instinct is telling my that its not going to play out the way "everyone already knows". The truth is that the rear brakes on a pickup are such a small part of the equation that I don't think it remotely matters if they are drum or disc. I can tell you that the Tacoma, the Gladiator, the colorado, and the ranger all stop within a few feet of each other which says a lot. I would bet that even after 10 hot runs it wouldn't change. But I guess if you'd rather call it settled without testing it and continue on your way with assumed knowledge, that's your prerogative.
@@PatrickRich That's the same logic as Mike Sweers saying the Tundra mysteriously doesn't need a transmission cooler anymore after 11 years, and oh yeah, "we're using the exact same powertrain". Don't be a sheep.
Ive currently have the 2017 Tacoma TRD Sport with almost 90,000 miles and I've yet to have any major issue with the truck. Another reason Tacoma is king of resale.
People tend to forget how easy it is to mod a Gladiator compared to the Taco, and the fact that the JL and JT parts are interchangeable. If I was running stock, Taco all day. If I'm modding, Gladiator.
Test drove a Tacoma off-road recently, MSRP 46k. Doesn’t even feel like driving a real truck, it feels like you are driving a lifted sedan that’s under powered which also likes to hunt for gears. Camera resolution is just horrible, the head unit screen is really bad too. I don’t know why it’s so popular, it’s only has average reliability rating from Consumer Reports, it’s not as reliable as 1st and 2nd gen Tacoma.
I ride off-road with plenty of Taco Pros and I’m board in my Gladiator Rubicon and the tacos struggle in some spots. In the end for me the Taco Pro was going to cost more because the dealers won’t discount them at all and the Rubicon was cheaper with discounts. Ultimately quality go with the Taco for Off-road go with Gladiator
Don’t sleep on the Goodyear Wrangler tires on the Taco, they work pretty well off road for an all-terrain. Those are stock on the Colorado Z71 too and they truly do offer the best of both worlds between on/off-road use. I went beach camping in the Rado and aired them down only to 30psi. Handled fine sand like a champ.
I want a midsize truck and I am looking at the Chevy ZR2 which gives me the best of both worlds however if they drop a 392 in the Gladiator I just might have to throw my money right in Jeeps face.
Also you can buy the side LED bedlights for $65 online, and they install in 15 minutes because the wiring and plugs are already there behind the taillights.
@@nukewiller4083 That and the tacoma TRD Pro comes with lane departure, auto high beams, auto cruise control, front and rear collision detection, cross traffic rear detection, 360 degree top-view camera, Apple Carplay, wireless charging, and blind spot indication standard. No other truck in this class comes with all that standard.
@@shiftmotorsports9803 If you swapped the rear drums brakes with disk brakes, the truck would not stop 1 inch shorter. It would have zero difference in petal feel, and it would have zero change in reliability. Rear brakes provide barely any braking force in the road, and the drum brakes in the rear work perfectly for slow offroad driving. Not one owner of a Tacoma ever had a braking problem due to their rear drums, for the last 20 years. Yet, the new technology immediately has saved thousands of accidents, and probably hundreds of lives. Every owner with the modern saferty tech can tell you how it saved them from a crash at least once. Your logic is flawed.
Colorado ZR2! Still, little love from these guys... the Chevy offers a GREAT balance between the two compared here and a good bang for the (high) buck.
I LOVEEE the trd pro graphics personally. Looks so good. The tacoma trd pro is just the best looking midsize truck on the market to my eyes. Such a sharp looking truck. All I would do is throw on some falken wildpeaks or ko2’s and that’s all I would need.
Test drove a Tacoma. My problem with it wasn't the seating position. It was the steering wheel reach. Driving with straight arms is not very comfortable. That 1/2" to 1" telescoping column didn't do much. Sat in a Gladiator. My head was bumping the sport bar. I'm only 6'-3. Couldn't pick either of these. Both seem like a load of fun.
Actually instead of activating ect try turning off completely trac off by just holding it down for few sec. My trd or kinda drives more smoother kinda feels lighter to me. Also while off roading you should always do the above advise too and I use sequential mode for the transmission can do most trails in s1 s2.
What is the point of putting the diesel in the Gladiator? From everything I have read, it will not tow any more than the 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, due to the small grill not allowing sufficient cooling.
Had a 2017 Tacoma 4X4 Off Road and towing my 4K boat with four passengers and gear was a total disappointment. Especially going up those huge bridges up in Key West, Florida. After that trip i traded this truck in for a Tundra. Tacoma is a good truck, but it is NOT a family and/or towing vehicle.
Ryan Fillmore I don’t understand why people continuously complain about newer cars trying to make it safer for everyone on the road. Like wouldn’t you rather not have some idiot rear end you because their car has automatic stop? I definitely would after being rear ended 4 times; it’s not fun...
@@macbookpro57 being in an accident is not fun, been there, but I still don't want the added safety crap. All that is necessary on full size and larger trucks is seatbelt.
My brother just got a 2020 6.2L Silverado with the RST and Z71 packages. It's got 4 full size doors. A 6'8'' bed, a rear locker, and can tow 13,400 pounds. He got all that for $50k. Unless I planned on doing A LOT of off-roading on tight trails I'd take his Silverado over these two any day.
Several of you at TFL has commented on Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator lacking legroom for us taller people. How about installing and testing seat rail extensions?
If you had to pay the repair bills for one of these trucks for the next ten years, which one would you choose? If you had to pay the insurance premiums for one of these trucks for the next ten years, which one would you choose? If you want to have a normal conversation with someone while driving down the interstate at 70 mph, which would you choose? If you are driving through torrential rain storms, which one would you choose? I would choose the Toyota. If I had more money than sense, and my idea of fun was to take a $60,000 vehicle out where no one with any sense would take it, trying to destroy it, then I would choose the Jeep.
I found the gear hunting was more of an issue when I bought my tacoma new. After I put some miles on it.. It’s either not an issue.. or I just don’t notice it anymore.
They briefly skipped over suspension. The Tacoma pro has a great setup probably worth about 2k. where the gladiator has basic bottom end fox shocks that are 150 a piece.
Sales figures of these trucks, and all trucks, would disagree with you. I see a ton of "average" joes rolling in trucks less than 3 years old with lots of options. The Trail Boss at $55k that they use is a bargain IF (and its a big one) you keep it for the long haul. $55k for a ten year vehicle is more the style of an average joe than a $40k 3-4 years cross over. Their resale value is often higher as well in proportion to the new purchase price.
Price =/= cost. In reality, the cost of owning a truck really hasn't changed much over the years. This is due to the fact that vehicles are lasting longer, are more efficient, they are easier and significantly cheaper to finance, and they ultimately hold their value much better. Because of this, buyers are more willing to pay a higher upfront price for a vehicle, because they know what they're getting out of it, how the price amortizes, and what they will incur over the ownership period.
Lack of "safety" electronic babysitters is a big plus, except for adaptive cruise control, that one I'd like. Choosing one for being American made is no longer a difference. Seating position and capability is better in the Jeep. Jeep for the win.
Norm Cheers no other vehicle is beat up and as capable as a Jeep. People take it off-road and break shit then blame it on its reliability. Also uneducated people buy a solid front axle vehicle and then complain about the ride, like, did you not know what you bought? An off-roader.
When I bought my tacoma the gladiator wasn’t out yet. I’d really like to get a gladiator with 38s and a 4.5” lift. If Jeep puts a Hemi in the gladiator I’ll buy it 100%
At 18:03... does your chrome trim on the aux switches not fit flush? Probably doesn't bother you but I don't think that is right. When installing the aux switches, I'm pretty sure the mount sits UNDER the screw mount for the locker panel. Silly dealership installers.
Buy a 2015 Tacoma. Put a Magnuson supercharger in it. Mod it exactly how you want. All for far less than the Gladiator. And it will still be rockin along long after the Gladiator makes like all other FCA vehicles and craps out
I almost traded in my 2012 tundra for a 2020 trd pro Tacoma. As much as I love Toyota and Tacoma’s, I refuse to pay nearly 50k for an already out-dated truck compared to the competition. Not very good fuel economy for its size, rough transmission, bad seating position, cramped interior, still uses drum brakes to name a few. Looks awesome though and of course it’ll last forever. If only the gladiator didn’t fall apart after the first 5 years of ownership...
The "Freedom" tops are cool but without a place to store them how usufull are they? I usually travel a couple hundred kilometers to where I wabt to go and I don't think I want to be without them encase it rains. Id rather have the hard top but then again I live in a place that like Colorado can get quit cold in the winter. Not sure thats a good idea either. But you guys had some softtop jeeps. How where they to drive when its like -20 F or heck just -10 F or colder?
The Tacoma have such a underpowered engine. I thought that truck was downshifting but I later on learn that it the engine reving. The old 4.0L is way better.
To put the Tacoma in 4low, it must shift to 4hi then into low. It won't let you go from 2 wheel drive immediately to 4low. To get it into 4hi you gotta roll a little from a stop. If moving, put it in 4hi, then stop put it in 4low, thats how I make it happen quickly. Its finicky, even more with the manual, its all about pushing the clutch in. TOYOTA!!!
I waited for it to order mine. Should be here in a couple weeks. I drove a diesel JL on 40s with stock gearing and it climbed a 7% grade like it was nothing.
As you mentioned the Jeep is $20K more than the Tacoma or 40% higher priced, that's not a little money. That's a lot of money, you can buy two dirt bikes, 1 nice ATV, decent bass boat, a pair of jetskis, or spend a lot of aftermarket improvements in the Tacoma market, Value for money I think Toyota wins easy here.
I had a 2013 Tacoma trd ccsb and really liked it but out grew it. Price at that time was 32k. As time has gone on of course price has gone up and yet its still not offered with any usb, aux power port for rear passenger. I would also like to see an increase in hp and tq numbers and towing capacity. I also wanted to mention Toyota definitely needs to improve clarity and resolution in the cameras. My 2017 ram 1500 has a clearer camera.
U have to go into 4hi first duh Andre lol...if u do it goes into 4lo much easier. My Tundra was that way im assuming the electric mechanism has an easier time shifting in increments
@@davidtaylor5811they only make maybe 1.5k trd pros they are not everywhere. I live in a town of 7k people and I've seen 3 ZR2s but I'm the only one with a pro. There's maybe 100 reg tacomas and Colorados
@@Boltdriver70 I shouldn't have lumped in the Off Road with the Pro models but I guess it depends on where you live. TRD Pro and ZR2 are both rare compared to the other models but I see more TRD Pro Tacomas where I live. Nice truck btw, I'm jealous!
You guys should address that towing remains the same between the manual and auto with the Taco versus the Gladiator. It's a bummer you can't get similar towing in the Gladiator with the manual otherwise I would consider it.
Tacoma Pro: virtually indestructible truck that will give you lots of cheap worry free miles. Con: expensive up front Jeep Pro: Cheap up front. Con: Virtually disposable that will give lots of expensive worry filled miles. - EDIT: Nevermind it's more expensive up front. So there are NO Pros for Jeep. Good day.
Something tells me your not a jeep guy haha😂 buuut the gladiator Rubicon has front and rear lockers disconnecting front sway bar with a solid axle upfront so better articulation, and bigger more aggressive tires from factory as well. The tacomas are good but dont completely discount the jeep they're more expensive for a reason
@@shaneolsen9394 Yes - it would be amazing for 2-3 years, then fall apart. As long as you keep buying a new one, it'll be dependable. If you want to keep something for 200k-300k KM or more, you would be foolish to get the Jeep. Is the Taco perfect? No - it only got Android Auto this year. Fiat Chrysler have some of the nicest interiours - no doubt. But if I was going to plunk my hard earned money down, thinking about dependability, reliability and resale it would be a the Taco - no questions.
@@pizzleboy ill give you jeep that hasnt had the best track record for dependability but like you said FCA is really turing all of its subsidiaries around for the better and one point I will argue is jeeps hold theyre re-sale value well, almost to the point its stupid, but you're right a toyota will definitely be more reliable across the board
Tommy is completely right about the tires, the manufacturers are pressured by the EPA to get the best fuel economy possible
Yup. By simply putting something like KO2s on instead of what comes on Tacoma you lose up to 2 mpg. That’s huge impact if you have to show it on the sticker.
Still people buying a Trd pro Tacoma probably don’t care about fuel economy
The EPA does
I would say they’re both right in a way. No doubt that most guys who buy this truck and are either planning on off-roading it or at least building it up with a lift will end up swapping out the rims and tires and the guys who are daily driving the truck but won’t see any significant amount of dirt will be happy with the stock tires. And for probably 90% of the people who buy this truck they won’t put it in any condition that requires more grip. And I’m sure there was also pressure to achieve the best mpg possible so their choice of tire makes perfect sense
@See Jay And yet chevy, ford, ram, jeep and others have figured out how to get Duratracs, TA KO2's, General Grabbers, etc on their factory trucks. The Ram Rebel, Chevy Trailboss, Ranger Tremor, Wrangler, Gladiator, etc all have much more aggressive tires.
Myself, I think for being mid size trucks both are over priced. On the other hand if I was big into off-roading the Jeep is what I would get. If I just did only moderate off-roading I would have a TRD PRO. I also like that both trucks are highly customizable through after market products and products from the manufacturer. Thanks for the review of both trucks TFL, Tommy & Andre. Great job guys.
I am looking at a fully loaded premium trim tacoma in Canada, $47k. An equivalent full sized truck with the same options is $70k. Trucks are expensive, period. The tacoma holds its value and is very reliable(low maintenance costs), so total cost of ownership will be quite affordable.
@@steve8803 I totally agree with you about trucks being so expensive. The Tacoma is a excellent truck I agree. The fact that Toyota's hold their value is definitely a huge plus. Go for bud.
@@ricwestdoesitwork Trust me, I am very frugal! I buy the vehicle in cash, and after 5 years sell and end up have a total cost of ownership of less than $300 cdn per month on a premium mid sized truck. Most people here pay more than that for their econobox!
@@steve8803 😄👍
I want many more videos just like this one! Do the same with the Ranger vs. Colorado, Wrangler vs. New Bronco (Rubicon vs. Badlands) F-150 vs. Silverado vs. Ram... and mix and match them. Also throw in the 4Runner in there!
More videos like this one and I’m all in!
They should really takes into account the TRD Off-Road. Essentially the same as the pro (save for suspension) and so much cheaper (in price) And to upgrade to a more aggressive suspension (better bilstien, fox, or kings) wouldn't even get close to a TRD Pro MSRP. Save money AND be more capable off/on road
It’s only a $700 difference saved having the mods done yourself
I literally just priced this out on Toyota yesterday. $37k for an off-road I like, vs $45k for the pro. $8k buys a heck of a suspension.
Plus the off-road exists on lots, isn’t marked up, and can be had with cloth seats!! 😎👍🏼
@@upshifter5316 paid 32,000 for my manual offroad. Paid 45,000 for my TRD PRO with desert intake. Both are manual transmission. So a $13,000 difference is quite substantial... I've put $4,000 doing a budget build with my OFFROAD and at this point it is more capable than the Pro is and most of that money went to my camper 🐚 shell. As a side note both are 2019 models and were bought the same year with zero miles from the same dealer and sales rep.
@@upshifter5316 yup I have cloth seats in my Tacoma 6 speed manual OFFROAD and prefer it over the leather in my Pro to be honest.
S M Sounds awesome! I love cloth. Feel like nobody actually likes leather, we all just pretend to. It’s been not nice in very high end cars (real leather). Everywhere else no thanks!
I paid $34,500 for my 2019 Toyota Tacoma TRD off road manual with pleather and full tech package. Could not justify almost being able to buy 2 Tacos for the price of a Gladiator.... as cool as they are!
I agree. Also the price you paid seems very reasonable for such a nice pickup. Hope you get many miles and smiles out of your taco.👍
That isn't pleather..
Man I never get tired of looking at the tacoma trd pro. It’s just perfectly designed imo, I absolutely love how they look. Id choose the tacoma all day everyday. It’s still my favorite midsize truck on the market and has been for a long time now
The third gens are beautiful I agree totally.
When switching to 4wd, you have to be in drive for 4 Hi. Once the green light is solid, you then have to put it in neutral to go into 4 Low, use the locker, MTS, crawl control etc. The reason for 4 HI in drive, it allows you to switch in and out at will while driving. I've changed it in and back out at 60mpg. 🤙
It says how to use it right on the visor. All they got to do is read it
60 mph i think 🤔? Right on love the Tacoma myself
Ever since seeing that Gladiator high-centered, I'm nervous about the wheelbase.
They do push their testing to the limits but if your main use is off-roading then the 2 door wrangler is really tough to beat.
The gladiator and tacoma are both great because they are versatile. Numerous more specialized vehicles are ideal, but of course that gets pricey.
wheelbase and clearance are similar to most full size trucks.... pick a good line and you dont get hung up much. Especially with underbody protection. You can usually be a bit more aggressive.... they have to be careful as they are either loaners or they want the resale value.
Like a lot of people I'm into the LJs, nice sweet spot in terms of length. but getting tough to find with under 100k miles.
Let’s be honest almost everyone is gonna lift a glad and put 35-37” tires on it if they’re going off road and even for aesthetics. It may still touch the skids but it’s really not a big deal for 95% of all the trails. A stock rubicon gladiator will cross the rubicon trail just fine
@@mattbrew11 totally agree in reality. I just have that image stuck in my head from the previous video of the Land Rovers rolling through and the Gladiator not doing as well. Granted, it didn't actually get stuck, just couldn't take the same line scraped a little. Everyone survived.
Tacoma will always have a major one up because of its resale value. I just traded in my 2018 trd pro for 45.6k to upgrade to the 2021 Tacoma lol.
Jeep Wrangler is currently the number one best reselling car
@@pantloaded True and look at Rubicon models...hold value like crazy
I agree with Tommy about the tires. I would go with the Tacoma because I am only doing medium to light off roading.
I would always go with the Japanese rather than the Italian engineering.
Yup, it’s unfortunate that Jeep is now owned by Fiat. Although Chrysler was never dependable either 😞
dcwaku had a Fiat once in my life, time between broken and running was like 60:40.
@@tunintunin3417 60:40 is still ok by the terrible standards of Italian manufacturing. No one can build reliable cars, devices, etc etc like the Japanese...and Toyota is special even ny Japanese standards
O S I agree, We are a family of Land Cruisers, we have one 1978 FJ with 200k, one 2005 with 440k and one 2017 with 110k km... not a single glitch ever. We love them.
@@tunintunin3417 that's superb! My mother in law bought a Sharp microwave, a Brother washing machine, and a Hitachi fridge in 1994 (all made in Japan) when moving from one country to another. All 3 are still working, and no new microwave, fridge and washing machine has been bought since!!
I am really enjoying the view from my 2018 ZR2 that i bought new for $37k.
15 yrs later the only view of it is in a salvage yard
Tacoma: better quality
Gladiator: better off road
Tacoma: often driven by bro truck types
Gladiator: often driven by soccer moms
Both: chances of being taken off road about 3%
Who cares? Why is it that what people do with their vehicles bother RUclips commenters so much?
quailty from tacoma has went down hill since they moved some of the builds to mexico
Funny because it's true!
JD power just put out an article saying majority of Tacomas today are indeed bought by women.
@@theseb1979 Please point out the part of my comment where I stated that I cared what type of vehicles people purchase or what they did with their vehicles.
Toyota is using cell phone cameras from 2005 for external video.
Potato
as a tacoma owner... its true and very disappointing on toyotas part. Can they not find the balance between technological quality and MSRP? Even dodge has a better quality cameras in their cars... smh
I'd like to see more off-road tests (water crossing also pls, you never do that!)
We don’t have any water here in Colorado. Streams perhaps.
This time of year? Water in CO? You're really funny...
Tommy can’t swim.
As a former Tacoma owner I think the off road is the doper version and super capable.. never got stuck
Why’d you get rid of your taco and what’d you replace it with?
@@micahjones9528 hopefully a newer toyota
TRD OR is 100% dope
I've been into offroad camping since I was a kid. That's what dad called it back in the 70s/80s. Potentially buying a new vehicle this weekend. I've driven both the Tacoma and the Gladiator. I'm 6'6", 260lbs. Both vehicles were uncomfortable for me. At the Jeep dealership, it was uncomfortable enough that I didn't take it off the lot. What no one ever mentions is width. In both the Gladiator and the Tacoma, my shoulder was right up against the pillar. No, I'm a fullsize truck guy. Looking at both a '20 Tundra SR5 4x4 and a '19 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4. Leaning towards the Tundra for reliability and potential off road prowess when built.
Check out a F150 FX4......great value and capability
You are a large guy. Just by your stats, I could tell you need a full size truck and not a mid size. I just bought a Taco last week. This same green one actually. I'm 5'8 and 170 pounds, and this thing is so roomy even with my family of 4 loaded in. (I'm a giant compared to the rest of my family) But giants like you- that's what the big trucks were made for!
Stay away from the Ram. My dad had a 1998 Dakota that was problematic and he got 2 1995 Tacoma’s (in 1999) from 2 cousins and gave me one his just died in 2016 and he got another (SR 4-cyl Double Cab short bed) mine is still going strong.
You’ll be happier with the Tundra. The F-150 is a good truck, just stay away from the Ecoboost engines.
@@J.Young808, I currently own a '15 Ram 1500. Lol.
I’m a HUGE fan of the Tacoma higher floor because it seats more like a car, which is way easier on my back. I think I’m the exception though. It’s probably because I have really short legs.
The old 4L was the best. But I would go with the tacoma all day everyday & twice on sunday. Gladiator looks awkward and fugly.
I think they look awesome with a basic 2” lift and 37s
3rd gen Tacoma powertrain is trash. A pickup should not have to be revved to the moon to get power out of, save that for passenger cars.
Have a 19 4runner with that engine and a 19 trd pro and the Tacoma engine is better especially on the highway. Once it gets in the higher rev band the 4l can't compare. The 4l has a little bit more torque off the line but TFL did the Ike Gauntlet Tow testing and the 3.5 beat the 4l in less time and maintained a higher speed. I will say my Tacoma has Ovtune which reprogrammed the transmission shift points which makes it alot better.
@@Boltdriver70thats because it has different gearing & while the new atkinson engine with D-4S system is more fuel efficient. it feels weak against the 4L. They also did a race where the 2nd gen beat the 3rd gen. It's a faster truck & better looking truck imo. Fuel efficiency.. 2 more mpg meh.
I think if you change your own oil, you'd appreciate 2nd gen more.
@@sharpshooter012345 funny I have a 2014 dclb and I love it! Was telling my friend who has a 2018 that he should change his oil. Popped his hood and realized his filter isn't up top like mine. Haha he said he'll keep paying for oil changes.
I'd like to see a 2 door extended cab Gladiator with a shorter wheel base.
It won't happen unfortunately. Just get a wrangler unlimited and take off the roof and rear seats when needed.
I’d opt out of my diesel gladiator order for one with a “extra cab” size from the old Nissan days 2 door with a 6’ bed for sure.
You’d have to get a JK 4 door and convert it to a truck with one of the JK-8 molar kits. They’re hard to find though. I think they look the best out of all wrangler type trucks.
If they did an extended cab version, guaranteed they just lengthen the box and the wheelbase would be the same.
I just got a 2021 Toyota 4runner TRD Off Road. Go with Jeep. Both the 4runner and Tacoma transmission hunt for gears even on slight inclines on the freeways. I'm actually looking to do a 5.7 hemi swap with the 8 speed transmission.
I have a Tacoma but would definitely rock a gladiator. I feel like the leg room is a wash because the seats don’t go back as far so that couples inches of seat travel gives a little more in the back. I’m 5’ 10” so head room isn’t a big problem
The problem with the automatic equiped Tacoma is gearing. It's needs 4.88 gears with stock tires and 5.29s if you go with a taller tire.
I know we are talking stock trucks and for disclaimer if i were to buy again I would probably not buy a Tacoma or gladiator. For the $5000 premium on the gladiator you can take that and add more clearance and better tires on the Tacoma . That probably gives you the same capability if not more then the gladiator with a lot more technology, reliability, and functionality for the same price. Given that, would you still pick the gladiator?
Yes I would. I just trade in my 17 Tacoma TRD O/R in 2 months ago for the same move and would do it again. After owning a 2nd gen Tacoma, the 3rd gen Tacoma powertrain was a step in the wrong direction. I would take my 14 Tacoma over the 17 Tacoma anyday of the week.
big simpin yea I’m not super happy with my Tacoma either but I don’t think a gladiator is going to change much for me.
I agree with Tommy get 6.speed manual Taco, the instead of auto tyranny. But there again I perfer manual everything. I have a 2020 army green trd pro manual(without the ISIS air intake) its absolutely awesome 0 complaints! I store my weed in the box storage compartment.
PS Andre the Taco also doesn't come with a transmitting that can catch fire.
Please stop with the exhaust noise. It's pointless.
Imao they’re both na v6s, always sound like crap
Exhaust noise and looking under the hood basically just goin "yup its an engine" I think on offroad vehicles they'd be better off showing the underside of the truck which they rarely do
Interesting to review these two when they're both almost new. I love Jeep, but I know which one will be in better shape in 10yrs.
I've owned both, well almost. I did not own the TRD Pro but the TRD Off-Road and currently the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon both were fully loaded with all options. So, first I will say that I love the "Retro" look of the Gladiator but for general modern pickups I think Tacoma 3rd gen is the best looking truck out there (Mid size or Full Size) on the exterior. Interior is horrible, looks way out dated against the Jeep. The JBL Toyota stereo system is not nearly as nice as Jeep's Alpine. The Infotainment on the Jeep is SO much nicer and actually works without a hick-up the Toyota was antiquated and had and issue when it updated and locked up. Also, the camera's (well should say Camera on the Toyota it had a rear one) the Jeeps front and rear are much more clear with higher resolution, the front with the wheel tracking is great off road or for parking.
Headroom, if your tall and like Tacoma -DO NOT get the sun roof. Mine had really low headroom, my friends without sun roof is a lot better. Coming from a Toyota FJ to Tacoma it felt cramped
Rear seat, Jeep wins more leg room for passengers.
Engine Transmission: JEEP. The Toyota 3.5 lacked low end torque and was always shifting. The Jeep has much better torque off the line the 8 speed transmission is better than Toyota's 6 speed.
Ride: Depends. If your off road the Jeep is amazing, straight axle, two lockers to Toyota's rear. Plus Jeep has electronic sway bar disconnect...Rubicon is amazing off road. On street I would say that the Tacoma "handles" better with IFS suspension.
Reliability: I honestly have had really no problems with either one. I would always give edge to Toyota on that factor, except off road. If your really going off road than IFS Suspension isn't going to be as durable as a straight axle especially if you start lifting and running bigger tires. That is where the Jeep shines. In fact there is another RUclipsr who did that comparison. Daily driving Toyota reliability is legendary, but if your really 4x4 the truck and things can break - advantage Jeep.
I am bias, I think my Jeep Rubicon is nicer than my Toyota TRD Off Road was ........It should be it was about 12k more money. Do I think it is worth the extra 12k? NO, but then again I think most trucks are way over priced.
Good vid. I really like the calm version of Tom. I have had jeeps for decades. I currently own a Gen3 Taco overlanding. I chose the Tavo because of the combination of reliability and cost. The Jeep is way over priced. The value made the difference for me. The transmission is fine. Once you learn to drive it it does the job well. I installed hood lift kit and it’s not heavy. My biggest complaint is the seating position. But there are tons of after market solutions for that. They cured the issue for me. It’s the Tavo for me. I would be afraid to take the Jeep too far from the barn
One comment Tom, you have a tendency to slap things that makes a sharp sound that can be disruptive to the flow
The hood's not heavy if you actually have biceps and have heard of a gym but that kid has a beta male physique and the arms of a 12 year old girl. All men should maintain at least some sort of a physical fitness standard throughout their lives that involves free weights it's a part of manhood. If someone like him were to even just do a 20 minute a day workout routine it would still make a dramatic and life changing difference so he can't say there's no time there really are no excuses it's just laziness.
Tacoma Rust ... has only just begun? I have a 2011 Tacoma. It will be 10 years old in December. It has 80,000 miles and has been through 10 Minnesota winters. I am changing out all the drive line fluids. During the process, I was shocked how rusted out everything is (front to back) under the truck.
L.E.D lights and the steel modular bumper should come standard on the Gladiator Rubicon and My current 2020 JLU Rubicon. You are paying a premium price for the best off-road model and you should get the bonus for those add-ons included in the price.
The biggest winner with Jeep are the aftermarket producers as you always need are least 15 k more to have a capable Jeep
I think what is never discussed or compared is aftermarket lifts. If you do a comparable lift on both trucks to both have 35” tires, the Toyota requires a body mount chop that needs welded closed afterwards. Even if you go long travel on the Toyota and add fiberglass fenders, you still have to do the chop.
If you are buying a truck that you plan on having for the next 10+ years, the Tacoma's reliability makes it the obvious choice.
I only owned one tacoma and it got wrecked 6 months from new but my 2017 4 runner was an absolute nightmare that I had to get lemon law’d. Toyota is not above building bullshit vehicles sometimes
Past performance doesn’t guarantee future results. But as Toyota’s are already 10 years behind, you might be right. Who are all of these people who keep cars for a quarter million miles?
Michael Anderson sorry, the communist flag implies you’re broke, and blame everyone else.
I misunderstood.. you’re broke and must rely on a car for a quarter million miles? So the free market has a solution for you in the form of an overpriced yote! Awesome
@@benca101 So people who Keep their cars for a long time are communists? Lol. I've never heard that one before.
@@markpfeifer1402 Not what I said, but glad you changed your avatar to something less disgusting. The Soviet hammer and sickle colored your comments. BTW, I'm broke too, hence my eye on value and not owning a yote!
For all the complaints about the drum brakes you should do 10 hard measured stops between the 2 and see which does better. I don't say this as a fanboy but honestly I'd like to actually see it put to the test. Id bet the Tacoma brakes do just as well as anything in it's class but with less maintenance. I feel like people like to complain about it's oldness, but the wheel is also very old and still pretty effective.
Because that test was done in the mid 80s to prove that. Maybe its on a reel to reel somewhere
thats the same test that determined "there's no replacement for displacement" right? Give me a break.
No clearly smaller cylinders are far more effective, especially with forced induction. You are the old school thinker not me. Drums might work fairly close for 1 braking bur every brake apllication after that will be longer. Its not even a debate.
@@dad2817 Its clearly a debate. I'd like someone to show it in 2020, because my experience and instinct is telling my that its not going to play out the way "everyone already knows".
The truth is that the rear brakes on a pickup are such a small part of the equation that I don't think it remotely matters if they are drum or disc. I can tell you that the Tacoma, the Gladiator, the colorado, and the ranger all stop within a few feet of each other which says a lot. I would bet that even after 10 hot runs it wouldn't change.
But I guess if you'd rather call it settled without testing it and continue on your way with assumed knowledge, that's your prerogative.
@@PatrickRich That's the same logic as Mike Sweers saying the Tundra mysteriously doesn't need a transmission cooler anymore after 11 years, and oh yeah, "we're using the exact same powertrain". Don't be a sheep.
Ive currently have the 2017 Tacoma TRD Sport with almost 90,000 miles and I've yet to have any major issue with the truck. Another reason Tacoma is king of resale.
Actually Jeep Wranglers have better resale than Tacoma and Gladiator will as well.
Gladiator V Power Wagon fella's. Similar pricing, both with lockers and S/B disconnects. offroad v offroad!
You guys missed the underneath storage compartments in the rear seats in the Tacoma, super functional.
People tend to forget how easy it is to mod a Gladiator compared to the Taco, and the fact that the JL and JT parts are interchangeable. If I was running stock, Taco all day. If I'm modding, Gladiator.
Test drove a Tacoma off-road recently, MSRP 46k. Doesn’t even feel like driving a real truck, it feels like you are driving a lifted sedan that’s under powered which also likes to hunt for gears. Camera resolution is just horrible, the head unit screen is really bad too. I don’t know why it’s so popular, it’s only has average reliability rating from Consumer Reports, it’s not as reliable as 1st and 2nd gen Tacoma.
The Tacoma leans almost entirely on a it's reputation.
@@Lamar-zx5tp Jeeps sell well despite their reputation.
@@Lamar-zx5tp Leans on the drivers side too. I've heard up to as much as an inch and 3/4.
I ride off-road with plenty of Taco Pros and I’m board in my Gladiator Rubicon and the tacos struggle in some spots. In the end for me the Taco Pro was going to cost more because the dealers won’t discount them at all and the Rubicon was cheaper with discounts. Ultimately quality go with the Taco for Off-road go with Gladiator
That Goodyear wrangler Kevlar, may not look fancy. But it's s pretty good tire.
Don’t sleep on the Goodyear Wrangler tires on the Taco, they work pretty well off road for an all-terrain. Those are stock on the Colorado Z71 too and they truly do offer the best of both worlds between on/off-road use. I went beach camping in the Rado and aired them down only to 30psi. Handled fine sand like a champ.
I want a midsize truck and I am looking at the Chevy ZR2 which gives me the best of both worlds however if they drop a 392 in the Gladiator I just might have to throw my money right in Jeeps face.
I opted for the diesel rubicon. Much better motor than either zr2 option
The taco has a bed light it’s built into the rear overhead brake light
Also you can buy the side LED bedlights for $65 online, and they install in 15 minutes because the wiring and plugs are already there behind the taillights.
Wow, an overhead light! That's some serious innovation and sophistimmications going on. Toyota is really bringing things into the 1970s.
@@nukewiller4083 That and the tacoma TRD Pro comes with lane departure, auto high beams, auto cruise control, front and rear collision detection, cross traffic rear detection, 360 degree top-view camera, Apple Carplay, wireless charging, and blind spot indication standard. No other truck in this class comes with all that standard.
@@42bill And still has drum brakes. I'll take the better braking system. You can keep the tech.
@@shiftmotorsports9803 If you swapped the rear drums brakes with disk brakes, the truck would not stop 1 inch shorter. It would have zero difference in petal feel, and it would have zero change in reliability. Rear brakes provide barely any braking force in the road, and the drum brakes in the rear work perfectly for slow offroad driving. Not one owner of a Tacoma ever had a braking problem due to their rear drums, for the last 20 years. Yet, the new technology immediately has saved thousands of accidents, and probably hundreds of lives. Every owner with the modern saferty tech can tell you how it saved them from a crash at least once. Your logic is flawed.
Ovtune on my 19' pro Tacoma fixed the shift points, loving it.
Two trucks that NEVER change but sell a ton. If it ain't broke.
Colorado ZR2! Still, little love from these guys... the Chevy offers a GREAT balance between the two compared here and a good bang for the (high) buck.
That’s probably the one I’d go for too. I’d love a diesel ZR2.
I LOVEEE the trd pro graphics personally. Looks so good. The tacoma trd pro is just the best looking midsize truck on the market to my eyes. Such a sharp looking truck. All I would do is throw on some falken wildpeaks or ko2’s and that’s all I would need.
Test drove a Tacoma. My problem with it wasn't the seating position. It was the steering wheel reach. Driving with straight arms is not very comfortable. That 1/2" to 1" telescoping column didn't do much. Sat in a Gladiator. My head was bumping the sport bar. I'm only 6'-3. Couldn't pick either of these. Both seem like a load of fun.
Try the Ranger. It's bigger
@@henryford2736 Bought my truck in 2017. Won't get another one for several more years.
@@matbasterson2128 what truck did you get?
@@henryford2736 I got a Nissan Frontier. SV Long bed and moon roof. Been happy with it. Really considered the Tacoma.
Tacoma ECT button is the trick to stop the issues with gear hunting. Why does nobody mention this?
Actually instead of activating ect try turning off completely trac off by just holding it down for few sec. My trd or kinda drives more smoother kinda feels lighter to me. Also while off roading you should always do the above advise too and I use sequential mode for the transmission can do most trails in s1 s2.
What is the point of putting the diesel in the Gladiator? From everything I have read, it will not tow any more than the 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, due to the small grill not allowing sufficient cooling.
Had a 2017 Tacoma 4X4 Off Road and towing my 4K boat with four passengers and gear was a total disappointment. Especially going up those huge bridges up in Key West, Florida. After that trip i traded this truck in for a Tundra. Tacoma is a good truck, but it is NOT a family and/or towing vehicle.
The best thing about the wrangler, is the lack of safety crap!
Ryan Fillmore I don’t understand why people continuously complain about newer cars trying to make it safer for everyone on the road. Like wouldn’t you rather not have some idiot rear end you because their car has automatic stop? I definitely would after being rear ended 4 times; it’s not fun...
Philip Alani well for one thing there’s no upgrading the front bumper with all that crap Toyota is requiring
@@macbookpro57 being in an accident is not fun, been there, but I still don't want the added safety crap. All that is necessary on full size and larger trucks is seatbelt.
My brother just got a 2020 6.2L Silverado with the RST and Z71 packages. It's got 4 full size doors. A 6'8'' bed, a rear locker, and can tow 13,400 pounds. He got all that for $50k. Unless I planned on doing A LOT of off-roading on tight trails I'd take his Silverado over these two any day.
But this isn't a video about Silverados isn't it...😒
Several of you at TFL has commented on Jeep Wrangler/Gladiator lacking legroom for us taller people. How about installing and testing seat rail extensions?
They aren’t even that tall. They’re at most 6’1 dunno why they complain so much.
@@AustinH7 the Russian bear is 6'5" I think
Remember 130k miles later hahaha.
I was gonna say 150K...lol
130k miles later, the Jeep would have been long gone.
Jeep engine issues Lol they suck especially when they don't off road Lol no good
If you had to pay the repair bills for one of these trucks for the next ten years, which one would you choose? If you had to pay the insurance premiums for one of these trucks for the next ten years, which one would you choose? If you want to have a normal conversation with someone while driving down the interstate at 70 mph, which would you choose? If you are driving through torrential rain storms, which one would you choose? I would choose the Toyota. If I had more money than sense, and my idea of fun was to take a $60,000 vehicle out where no one with any sense would take it, trying to destroy it, then I would choose the Jeep.
I found the gear hunting was more of an issue when I bought my tacoma new. After I put some miles on it.. It’s either not an issue.. or I just don’t notice it anymore.
I've heard the computer adapts to your driving pattern. But you're probably just used to it.
Correct ! The transmission adapts ( or learns ) your driving habits and responds accordingly.
@TLF please when you do your next Tacoma towing test... can you test a long bed TRD sport or an SR5?
Gladiator needs a Hemi option. Doesn't matter if it is the 5.7 or the 392, it needs more humpf! At least on the rubicon trim model
They briefly skipped over suspension. The Tacoma pro has a great setup probably worth about 2k. where the gladiator has basic bottom end fox shocks that are 150 a piece.
And the gladiator still performs better offroad. If you’re leaving it stock, get a Mojave which outmatches the TRD pros suspension by miles
They are 2.5” remote reservoir with hydraulic bump stops. Better than anything else
All these new trucks are so nice, but the price of these trucks is getting out of the average joes pocket book.
Sales figures of these trucks, and all trucks, would disagree with you. I see a ton of "average" joes rolling in trucks less than 3 years old with lots of options. The Trail Boss at $55k that they use is a bargain IF (and its a big one) you keep it for the long haul. $55k for a ten year vehicle is more the style of an average joe than a $40k 3-4 years cross over. Their resale value is often higher as well in proportion to the new purchase price.
"Average" Joe is financially illiterate, so it's no wonder he can't afford anything.
Price =/= cost. In reality, the cost of owning a truck really hasn't changed much over the years. This is due to the fact that vehicles are lasting longer, are more efficient, they are easier and significantly cheaper to finance, and they ultimately hold their value much better. Because of this, buyers are more willing to pay a higher upfront price for a vehicle, because they know what they're getting out of it, how the price amortizes, and what they will incur over the ownership period.
Lack of "safety" electronic babysitters is a big plus, except for adaptive cruise control, that one I'd like. Choosing one for being American made is no longer a difference. Seating position and capability is better in the Jeep. Jeep for the win.
All these comments about the jeeps reliability but the gladiator is based off of the wrangler which has proven its reliability for decades.
Yes it has been very low on every reliability consumer report auto issue since the 80s.
Norm Cheers no other vehicle is beat up and as capable as a Jeep. People take it off-road and break shit then blame it on its reliability. Also uneducated people buy a solid front axle vehicle and then complain about the ride, like, did you not know what you bought? An off-roader.
When I bought my tacoma the gladiator wasn’t out yet. I’d really like to get a gladiator with 38s and a 4.5” lift. If Jeep puts a Hemi in the gladiator I’ll buy it 100%
i've never had a jeep i had land cruiser truck 70's series but id get the jeep 100%
At 18:03... does your chrome trim on the aux switches not fit flush? Probably doesn't bother you but I don't think that is right. When installing the aux switches, I'm pretty sure the mount sits UNDER the screw mount for the locker panel. Silly dealership installers.
The trd pro is basically matched by a stock fx4 ranger so other than the longer wheelbase the gladiator is superior
The Gladiator has the same engine as my Dodge Grand Caravan.
Doesn’t mean much at all, the penestar engines have proven their reliability across the board.
@@bradgt5130 wasn't poking fun, just surprised at it
The taco has the same engine as a Camry.... I have one. It’s a dog even with the MT.
@@agraetzel Amen. The 2nd gen Tacoma powertrain with the 4.0L and 5 spd. was so much better than the 3.5L / 6 spd in the 3rd gen.
Rubicon sounds like the Transformer that came from the farm to help Megatron and TRD Pro sounds like a plumber who deals with septic tanks.
This is the best comparison I’ve ever seen
Toyota all the way long
Buy a 2015 Tacoma. Put a Magnuson supercharger in it. Mod it exactly how you want. All for far less than the Gladiator. And it will still be rockin along long after the Gladiator makes like all other FCA vehicles and craps out
The price for either of these trucks is outrageous!
I thought this was an off-road video. They never left the parking lot. How lame.
he did say in the beginning that they were just going to talk about them.
Ericz34 - that’s where I stopped watching. 🤣 but the title suggests they were going to take them out.
People complain about Toyota’s unwillingness to do a major refresh, but why fix what’s not broken? Taco for the win!
Toyota didn’t start a trend of flat military colors, Ural sidecar motorcycles did. golbi was a 2013 option
And here I thought that was a jeep thing from the 40s haha
I almost traded in my 2012 tundra for a 2020 trd pro Tacoma. As much as I love Toyota and Tacoma’s, I refuse to pay nearly 50k for an already out-dated truck compared to the competition. Not very good fuel economy for its size, rough transmission, bad seating position, cramped interior, still uses drum brakes to name a few. Looks awesome though and of course it’ll last forever. If only the gladiator didn’t fall apart after the first 5 years of ownership...
Colorado ZR2.
It’s hasn’t even been out 5 years smart one
The "Freedom" tops are cool but without a place to store them how usufull are they? I usually travel a couple hundred kilometers to where I wabt to go and I don't think I want to be without them encase it rains. Id rather have the hard top but then again I live in a place that like Colorado can get quit cold in the winter. Not sure thats a good idea either. But you guys had some softtop jeeps. How where they to drive when its like -20 F or heck just -10 F or colder?
The Tacoma have such a underpowered engine. I thought that truck was downshifting but I later on learn that it the engine reving. The old 4.0L is way better.
Is the tacoma quieter in terms of cabin noise on the freeway? Or just about the same?
Jeeps are terrible on highway you can't even hear the radio. Go with tacoma. Toyota does a good job with noise level.
To put the Tacoma in 4low, it must shift to 4hi then into low. It won't let you go from 2 wheel drive immediately to 4low. To get it into 4hi you gotta roll a little from a stop. If moving, put it in 4hi, then stop put it in 4low, thats how I make it happen quickly. Its finicky, even more with the manual, its all about pushing the clutch in. TOYOTA!!!
If the ecodiesel was available when you got the Gladiator would you have opted for it?
I waited for it to order mine. Should be here in a couple weeks. I drove a diesel JL on 40s with stock gearing and it climbed a 7% grade like it was nothing.
MSRP is $46k for the Taco, if you paid more from the dealer that's your own fault.
As you mentioned the Jeep is $20K more than the Tacoma or 40% higher priced, that's not a little money. That's a lot of money, you can buy two dirt bikes, 1 nice ATV, decent bass boat, a pair of jetskis, or spend
a lot of aftermarket improvements in the Tacoma market, Value for money I think Toyota wins easy here.
I had a 2013 Tacoma trd ccsb and really liked it but out grew it. Price at that time was 32k. As time has gone on of course price has gone up and yet its still not offered with any usb, aux power port for rear passenger. I would also like to see an increase in hp and tq numbers and towing capacity. I also wanted to mention Toyota definitely needs to improve clarity and resolution in the cameras. My 2017 ram 1500 has a clearer camera.
You should ask Toyota why the Tacoma uses a knob but the 4Runner gets a real lever for the transfer case !!!
Yeah buddy
U have to go into 4hi first duh Andre lol...if u do it goes into 4lo much easier. My Tundra was that way im assuming the electric mechanism has an easier time shifting in increments
is the gladiator manual or automatic?
Good honest opinions. I'm glad Tommy mentioned the Toyota quality and reliability. That's why I drive one.
My 2017 4 runner was an absolute nightmare thank god for lemon laws
@@mattbrew11
I'm sure it happens. But statistics don't lie. Toyota still has the best quality track record out there.
Tom A they don’t top the JD power list any longer
@@mattbrew11
Ohhhhhhh, you did not just refer to the JD Powers list! The "We'll give good ratings to the highest bidder" list. Haha.
Tom A well I guess Toyota paid them for a long time them
Fiat vs Toyota is like a fertilizer vs gold comparison
owned a manual jeep. noice inside cabin was terrible. Fiats using cheap parts really made me switch it to a manual Tacoma. I have no regrets
Hey Tommy and Andre... Tacoma has 6 lug bolt pattern..is it half ton or quarter ton??
The Tacoma is a much better looking truck. ZR2 easily competes with both trucks. Realistically, the pricing has gotten out of control.
Good video Both are Great And Nice Looking Cars
Just wondering why not comparing with zr2 as well?
I agree. You don't see a lot of the ZR2 anywhere.
David Taylor TFL has done that in the past. The issue I had back then was that they only compared it to lesser equipped trucks.
@@tuliosantos5962 They need to bring it back.
Tacomas are everywhere but it's rare when I spot a ZR2.
@@davidtaylor5811they only make maybe 1.5k trd pros they are not everywhere. I live in a town of 7k people and I've seen 3 ZR2s but I'm the only one with a pro. There's maybe 100 reg tacomas and Colorados
@@Boltdriver70 I shouldn't have lumped in the Off Road with the Pro models but I guess it depends on where you live.
TRD Pro and ZR2 are both rare compared to the other models but I see more TRD Pro Tacomas where I live.
Nice truck btw, I'm jealous!
You can’t find a manual TRD pro, 8 dealers told me it’s a unicorn.
You guys should address that towing remains the same between the manual and auto with the Taco versus the Gladiator. It's a bummer you can't get similar towing in the Gladiator with the manual otherwise I would consider it.
They should put the same tires on the Tacoma TRD Pro as they do on the 4Runner TRD Pro.
Tacoma Pro: virtually indestructible truck that will give you lots of cheap worry free miles. Con: expensive up front
Jeep Pro: Cheap up front. Con: Virtually disposable that will give lots of expensive worry filled miles. - EDIT: Nevermind it's more expensive up front. So there are NO Pros for Jeep.
Good day.
Something tells me your not a jeep guy haha😂 buuut the gladiator Rubicon has front and rear lockers disconnecting front sway bar with a solid axle upfront so better articulation, and bigger more aggressive tires from factory as well. The tacomas are good but dont completely discount the jeep they're more expensive for a reason
@@shaneolsen9394 Yes - it would be amazing for 2-3 years, then fall apart. As long as you keep buying a new one, it'll be dependable. If you want to keep something for 200k-300k KM or more, you would be foolish to get the Jeep. Is the Taco perfect? No - it only got Android Auto this year. Fiat Chrysler have some of the nicest interiours - no doubt. But if I was going to plunk my hard earned money down, thinking about dependability, reliability and resale it would be a the Taco - no questions.
@@pizzleboy ill give you jeep that hasnt had the best track record for dependability but like you said FCA is really turing all of its subsidiaries around for the better and one point I will argue is jeeps hold theyre re-sale value well, almost to the point its stupid, but you're right a toyota will definitely be more reliable across the board