2022 Toyota Tundra vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2022 Toyota Tundra marked the beginning of its third generation, showcasing a complete redesign from its predecessors. Every component, down to the turn signal stalks, was re-engineered, giving the Tundra a more dynamic and expressive exterior. The large hexagonal grille varied in finish depending on the trim, with the TRD Pro trim featuring retro "TOYOTA" badging. The Tundra's muscular side styling and neatly tucked rear with LED taillamps added to its robust appearance. Inside, the Tundra embraced premium materials and amenities, with a 14-inch touchscreen display standard on higher trims, emphasizing its role as a family adventure vehicle. The interior design echoed the exterior's shapes, creating a cohesive and well-thought-out design.

In contrast, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator retained much of its previous design, with minor updates such as a new paint colour and added standard equipment for specific trims. The Gladiator Mojave, designed for high-speed desert driving, featured Fox shocks, a front suspension lift, and all-terrain tires. The interior, reminiscent of the Wrangler, was practical with easy-to-clean materials and drain holes for hosing out the foot wells. Despite its basic design, the Gladiator's cabin had unique touches like orange air vent surrounds and contrast stitching, adding a sense of quality. The Gladiator's design was functional, prioritizing off-road capability and ruggedness over luxury.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra introduced two new engines, moving away from the previous V8. The base i-Force engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, delivered 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, while the i-Force Max hybrid variant offered 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth power delivery. The Tundra's fuel consumption varied slightly between the RWD and 4WD models, with the hybrid powertrain offering similar efficiency. The new chassis and suspension improved handling, with a switch to a multi-link rear suspension enhancing ride quality. The Tundra excelled in off-road conditions, especially with the TRD Off-Road package, and offered a TRD Sport package for on-road performance enthusiasts.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engine choices: a standard 3.6-litre V6 with 285 horsepower and an optional 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Gladiator's powertrain was calibrated for off-the-line acceleration and low-speed throttle response, though passing power was limited. The Mojave trim, equipped with Fox shocks, excelled in absorbing rough terrain, making it enjoyable for both off-road and urban driving. However, the Gladiator's steering precision was lacking, especially on highways and narrow roads. Despite its faults, the Gladiator's unique driving dynamics appealed to those seeking a rugged, off-road-capable vehicle.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra offered Double Cab and CrewMax configurations, both accommodating five passengers. The CrewMax provided generous rear seat legroom, akin to an SUV. The Tundra's aluminum-reinforced composite bed, available in various lengths, was lightweight yet durable, with a payload capacity of up to 880 kilograms. Towing capacity reached 5,443 kilograms, with standard trailer sway control and TOW/HAUL mode. Inside, the Tundra prioritized smart storage solutions, such as a sliding tray in the centre armrest and a conveniently placed 12-volt power tap.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator's crew cab had narrow rear doors, making entry and exit challenging. The interior featured a manually adjustable driver's seat, with available heated front seats and steering wheel. The rear seats offered good legroom and air conditioning vents, though taller passengers might find the plastic front seatback panels uncomfortable. Storage options included netting on door panels, cupholders, and a deep but narrow centre armrest bin. The Gladiator's steel cargo box, though shallow, was equipped with features like a spray-in bedliner and Trail Rail Management System. The truck's best-in-class payload capacity was 775 kilograms.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra's tech updates were significant, especially for loyal Tundra owners. The new infotainment system featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims and a 14-inch display on higher trims, with a 12-speaker JBL audio system available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Toyota Connected services. Upper trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch head-up display. Off-roaders benefited from the multi-terrain select system and multi-terrain monitor system, enhancing the Tundra's off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, while appearing low-tech, offered features like Off-Road+ driving mode and a TrailCam forward-facing camera. The standard 7-inch Uconnect touchscreen included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. An optional 8.4-inch system added navigation, connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Gladiator's tech package included a portable Bluetooth speaker and a nine-speaker Alpine sound system. However, the voice recognition system was less reliable, and the passive keyless entry system and dual-zone climate control added convenience.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, featuring a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more. The Star Safety System included stability control, traction control, and anti-lock brakes. Eight airbags and LATCH connectors were standard, with blind-spot monitoring available on most trims. Crash-test ratings were not yet available from IIHS or NHTSA.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered limited standard safety features, with optional packages adding blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA gave the Gladiator a three-star rollover resistance rating and a four-star frontal-impact rating. The IIHS rated the headlights as Marginal. Our test vehicle had both the Safety and Advanced Safety Groups, enhancing its safety capabilities.