2021 Jeep Gladiator vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator was a unique creation, derived from the Wrangler but extended and reinforced for enhanced towing and hauling capabilities. Its design included a short 5-foot cargo bed, maintaining a balance between utility and off-road prowess. Initially, its tall, narrow, and elongated appearance might have seemed unusual, but it quickly grew on those who appreciated its rugged charm. The Gladiator was particularly appealing to those who enjoyed off-road adventures, as it allowed for an immersive experience with the outdoors. The introduction of the Willys grade and the High Altitude luxury model added more variety to the lineup, offering features like a blacked-out grille, rock rails, and premium Nappa leather.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, despite its long-standing presence in the market, began to show signs of aging. Its exterior maintained a contemporary look with an aggressive grille and headlights, but the interior revealed its age with hard plastics and outdated switchgear. The Tacoma was available in various configurations, including Access Cab and Double Cab, with a range of trim levels like SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Pro. Standard features included a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TRD Pro, in particular, was designed for off-road enthusiasts, offering features like a TRD-tuned suspension and a multi-terrain monitor.

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, although more expensive, delivered better 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 missing 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 managed between 2,720 to 2,948 kilograms. The diesel engine excelled in off-road conditions, offering substantial low-end torque for tackling tough trails.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, on the other hand, came standard in Canada with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It offered a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and a payload capacity of 583 kilograms. While the V6 provided decent acceleration in urban settings, it struggled on highways due to transmission gearing issues. The TRD Pro trim was particularly adept off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, which enhanced its trail capabilities. The Tacoma's suspension offered a balance between a smooth ride and firmness around corners, making it suitable for both city and trail driving.

The 2021 Jeep Gladiator prioritized utility over comfort, with agreeable seating but cramped rear legroom and small door openings. The cabin featured practical storage solutions, including netting on door panels and a removable 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. Payload ratings varied depending on the trim and engine configuration.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma was available in Access Cab and Double Cab configurations, with seating for four or five, respectively. The rear seats in both configurations were tight on legroom, making them more suitable for short trips or additional storage. The front seats provided ample legroom, but the steering wheel's limited adjustment range posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed featured in-bed lighting and a power outlet, enhancing its practicality for outdoor activities.

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 infotainment system was user-friendly, it showed signs of aging with slow response times. The forward-facing Trail Cam was a valuable addition for off-road enthusiasts, providing visibility of obstacles ahead.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's base infotainment system included a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth compatibility, while higher trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system's straightforward layout and large icons made it easy to use, despite its older design. The Tacoma also offered a wireless device charger, although it required manual activation. Overall, the infotainment system was functional and familiar to many users.

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

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with driver assistance features such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The NHTSA gave the Tacoma a four-star overall rating, with five stars in side crash tests.