2023 Toyota Tacoma vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator retained much of its previous design, with only a few updates such as the new High Velocity Yellow paint colour and added standard equipment for the Willys model. The High Altitude model received a new Capability Package, enhancing its off-road capabilities with a winch-capable steel front bumper, steel rock rails, and a front off-road camera system. The Gladiator Mojave, tested in this review, was equipped with features designed for high-speed desert driving, including Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, a front suspension lift, and 33-inch all-terrain tires. Despite its rugged exterior, the interior of the Gladiator mirrored that of a Wrangler, with easy-to-clean materials and a basic yet functional design. The Mojave model added a touch of flair with orange detailing and contrast stitching, elevating the cabin's quality.

In contrast, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma presented a more assertive stance with its upright grille and tall bed, offering a substantial look without appearing oversized. The Tacoma was available in various trim levels, including the TRD Pro, which was tested in this review. This model featured a striking Solar Octane paint, underbody skid pads, a TRD-tuned suspension, and a unique grille with "TOYOTA" spelled out in large letters. Inside, the Tacoma ranged from basic to well-appointed, with the TRD Pro offering Softex leather-trimmed upholstery and heated front seats. The Tacoma's interior was practical, with physical knobs and buttons for easy operation, even while wearing gloves.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engine options: a standard 3.6-litre V6 with 285 horsepower and a 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 producing 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Mojave model tested featured the gas V6 engine paired with Command-Trac part-time four-wheel-drive and a locking rear differential. While the Gladiator excelled in off-road conditions, its on-road performance was less impressive, with engine noise and wind racket being constant companions. The Mojave's suspension upgrades provided a smoother ride over rough terrain, but the truck's length made navigating tight spaces challenging. Fuel consumption was higher than expected, averaging 13.6 L/100 km in combined driving.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, on the other hand, came with a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. While the Tacoma wasn't particularly quick, it offered decent acceleration from a stop and handled city streets well, thanks to its TRD Pro suspension. However, the truck's off-road orientation led to a tendency to wander on paved roads, and the steering felt vague. Fuel economy was a concern, with the TRD Pro model delivering 14.4 L/100 km in winter conditions. Despite its power advantage, the Tacoma's performance was hindered by its outdated design and increased competition in the midsize pickup segment.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator's interior required some practice to navigate, especially when entering or exiting the back seat through the narrow rear doors. The manually height-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable, but frequent re-adjustment was necessary. The rear seats offered good legroom and support, but taller passengers might find the plastic front seatback panels uncomfortable. Storage options included netting on the door panels, cupholders, and a deep but narrow centre armrest bin. The Gladiator's cargo box was 1,531 millimetres long and offered a best-in-class payload capacity of 775 kilograms. Additional features like a spray-in bedliner and a Trail Rail Management System enhanced the truck's utility.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered a variety of configurations, with the access cab featuring clamshell-style doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed. The double cab provided easier entry and egress, although legroom in the backseat remained tight. The front seats were more comfortable, with ample cubby space and legroom. However, the steering wheel's limited extension made it challenging for tall drivers to find a comfortable position. The Tacoma's short bed was large enough to carry gear for a ski trip, demonstrating its practicality for outdoor adventures.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, despite its rugged appearance, offered a range of technology features. The Mojave test truck included an Off-Road+ driving mode and an optional TrailCam forward-facing camera. The Uconnect touchscreen infotainment system, available in 7-inch and 8.4-inch sizes, provided Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity. The larger system included navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system. However, the voice recognition system was less reliable, and the infotainment system felt somewhat outdated.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma's technology offerings were intuitive but not class-leading. The base model featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims had an 8-inch screen. All models included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. The Tacoma's interface was simple but outdated, lacking the latest infotainment software found in other Toyota vehicles. The TRD Pro model came with a premium JBL audio system and two USB-A ports, but the Tacoma's technology offerings fell short compared to competitors like the Chevrolet Colorado and Honda Ridgeline.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator came with a minimal set of standard safety features, with optional packages available to enhance safety. The Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, while the Advanced Safety Group included adaptive cruise control and forward-collision warning. The Gladiator's crash testing was incomplete, with a four-star frontal-impact rating from the NHTSA and a Marginal headlight rating from the IIHS.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma featured Toyota Safety Sense, which included automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The TRD Pro model also had blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera. However, the Tacoma lacked lane-keeping assist and rear automatic emergency braking. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with five stars in side-impact tests but lower scores in frontal crash and rollover tests.