2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2020 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was available in three models in Canada: SR, SR5, and Platinum, with various package configurations for the SR5 trim, including SX, TRD Off-road, and TRD Pro, among others. The Platinum model offered a 1794 Edition package. As you moved up the trim levels, the Tundra became more luxurious. It came in Double Cab and CrewMax styles, with three bed lengths depending on the cab and trim. Prices ranged from an MSRP of $40,650 to $63,190, excluding destination charges and options. The test model, a TRD Pro CrewMax, featured a 4WD drivetrain, exclusive Army Green paint, and black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, giving it a rugged, military-grade look. Inside, the TRD Pro had black leather with red stitching and embroidery, though the interior's industrial-grade plastic was less appealing at higher price points.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator, derived from the Wrangler, featured a stretched and fortified frame for towing and hauling, with a 5-foot cargo bed designed to maintain a good departure angle. Its appearance was unique, with a tall, long, and narrow profile that took some getting used to. However, driving the Gladiator was a joy, especially in remote areas. The new Willys grade added features like a blacked-out grille and 32-inch all-terrain tires, while the High Altitude model introduced luxury elements like body-colour detailing and premium Nappa leather. Pricing started at $49,315 for the Sport S trim, with the test model, an Overland trim with a turbo-diesel engine, costing $77,475. The interior was well-equipped, with heated front seats, leather upholstery, and top-tier infotainment, though it remained a vehicle built for rugged use.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. It had a maximum towing capacity of 4,536 kilograms and a payload capacity of up to 784 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The TRD Pro model featured BBS forged aluminum wheels, Fox off-road shocks, a TRD-tuned dual exhaust system, and an aluminum skid plate. The V8 engine produced a robust sound, though it could be loud for bystanders. The Tundra's steering and brakes were satisfactory, and its turning radius was surprisingly tight. However, fuel efficiency was poor, with an average of 16.4 L/100 km during testing.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator introduced a 3.0-litre EcoDiesel turbo-diesel V6 engine, producing 260 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 442 lb-ft of torque from 1,400 rpm to 2,800 rpm. This engine offered better fuel efficiency, averaging 10.4 L/100 km during testing, though it fell short of the estimated 9.8 L/100 km. The Gladiator Sport S could tow up to 3,469 kilograms and haul up to 771 kilograms with the standard engine. The diesel powertrain had lower towing capacity due to engine-cooling restrictions but excelled in off-road conditions, providing ample torque at low speeds. The Gladiator's steering was slow, and the ride was stiff, with wind noise on highways, but the turbo-diesel engine added to its charm.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, built in Texas, offered a spacious interior, with the CrewMax's rear seating area being particularly large. The front seats were comfortable and supportive, while storage was abundant, except for the small glove compartment. The rear seat cushions could be flipped up for extra floor space, though there wasn't much storage underneath. The Tundra's bed was basic, lacking features like locking storage wells or step ladders, emphasizing simplicity.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with agreeable seats but cramped rear legroom and small door openings. Side steps or rails made entry and exit more challenging. In-cabin storage included netting on door panels, a small centre console bin, and a locking storage bin under the rear seat. The Gladiator's cargo box was 1,531 mm long, holding 1,005 litres of cargo, with multiple tie-down hooks and an adjustable tailgate. Payload ratings varied depending on the trim level, engine, and transmission.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, though surrounded by hard plastic, was up to date, with a 7-inch display standard and an 8-inch screen in higher trims. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. The TRD Pro trim featured dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a 12-speaker JBL audio system. However, the system's virtual buttons were challenging to use while driving, and the Tundra lacked advanced towing technology.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered modern technology, with the Uconnect 4 system and a 7-inch touchscreen standard, incorporating Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The High Country trim had the Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation, along with an Alpine premium sound system. The system was user-friendly but showed signs of aging, with slow response times and voice recognition requiring specific prompts. The forward-facing Trail Cam was a useful addition for off-road driving.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra came with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including features like a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert. However, its crash-test performance was lacking, with Marginal and Poor ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact tests from the IIHS. The NHTSA gave it more favourable ratings, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator had basic safety features, with a reversing camera standard. Depending on the trim, it could be equipped with advanced driving assistance systems like adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA gave it a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.