2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator was a unique creation, derived from the Wrangler but with a stretched and fortified frame to enhance its towing and hauling capabilities. It featured a short 5-foot cargo bed, designed to maintain a good departure angle while offering the utility expected from a midsize pickup. Initially, its appearance seemed peculiar, with its tall, long, and narrow build, especially when combined with the Wrangler-based bodywork. However, driving the Gladiator, particularly in remote locations, revealed its charm, as it allowed drivers to enjoy the outdoors with ease. The 2021 model introduced a new Willys grade with distinctive features and a High Altitude luxury model, adding to its appeal. Pricing for the Gladiator started at $49,315, but our test model, equipped with the Overland trim and a turbo-diesel engine, reached a total of $77,475. The interior, while luxurious with options like heated seats and leather upholstery, remained true to its rugged roots, emphasizing durability and utility.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tundra had a somewhat awkward appearance, a result of its design origins from the mid-2000s. Its massive grille and small headlights gave it an oversized look. Despite this, the Tundra's "Cement" paint colour and blacked-out wheels lent it a modern touch. Inside, the cabin was dated but functional, with hard plastics and large monotone panels. The layout was straightforward, making it easy for drivers to operate all features without a learning curve. The Tundra's interior was not luxurious, but Toyota kept it updated with a 7-inch infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Tundra offered various cab and bed configurations, with the CrewMax providing ample legroom and a lockable cargo area. The TRD packages added off-road capabilities and unique styling elements, while the Platinum trim offered additional luxury features.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered a new 3.0-litre EcoDiesel turbo-diesel V6 engine, providing 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque. This engine option, priced at $9,190 in Canada, delivered impressive low-end torque and improved fuel efficiency compared to the standard 3.6-litre Pentastar gasoline V6. During testing, the diesel engine averaged 10.4 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly above the estimated 9.8 L/100 km. The Gladiator Sport S could tow up to 3,469 kilograms with the standard engine, while the diesel variant had a towing capacity of 2,720 to 2,948 kilograms. The diesel engine excelled in off-road conditions, providing ample torque at low speeds. However, the Gladiator's steering was slow, and the ride was stiff, with noticeable wind noise on highways.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offered strong acceleration and confident performance. The Tundra's towing capacity reached 4,400 kilograms, although it fell short of competitors like the Ford F-150. The Tundra's ride was comfortable, absorbing bumps well, and it felt stable on highways. The steering was vague at low speeds but improved at higher speeds, making it suitable for long-distance cruising.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort. While the seats provided adequate support, the small door openings, snug seating positions, and limited rear legroom required some adjustment. Side steps or rails, though intended for convenience, often proved cumbersome. In-cabin storage was limited, with netting on door panels, a small centre console bin, and a locking storage bin under the rear seat. The Gladiator's 1,531 mm steel cargo box offered 1,005 litres of cargo space and included tie-down hooks and an adjustable tailgate.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes, with the CrewMax providing exceptional rear legroom and a lockable cargo area. The front seats were spacious, with a large centre console and ample storage options. The CrewMax's rear seats folded up, creating additional cargo space. The Tundra's interior featured multiple cup holders and storage trays, though they were smaller than those in other full-size pickups.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator featured the Uconnect 4 system with a 7-inch touchscreen, offering Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The High Country trim included the Uconnect 4C system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and navigation. While the system was user-friendly, it showed signs of aging with slow response times. The Gladiator also offered a forward-facing Trail Cam for off-road navigation.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra received an updated infotainment system in 2020, carried into 2021. It included an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was easy to operate, with hard buttons for convenience. The Tundra came standard with multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. The audio system varied by trim, with options for a JBL premium audio system.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator offered basic safety features, including a reversing camera. Depending on the trim, advanced driving assistance systems were available, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The NHTSA rated the Gladiator with a four-star frontal-impact rating and a three-star rollover resistance rating.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. The Tundra featured eight airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, and a tow package with a heavy-duty hitch receiver.