2023 Toyota Tundra vs 2023 Jeep Gladiator

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator retained much of its previous design, with only a few updates such as the introduction of a new High Velocity Yellow paint colour and added standard equipment for the Willys model. The High Altitude model received a new Capability Package, which included a winch-capable steel front bumper, steel rock rails, and a front off-road camera system. The Canadian lineup offered six trim levels, starting with the Sport S trim at $52,295 and reaching up to $68,890 for the High Altitude trim, excluding destination charges. The Gladiator Mojave, our test model, was equipped with features like Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, a 2.5-centimetre front suspension lift, and 33-inch all-terrain tires, making it ideal for high-speed desert driving. Despite its higher price, the Gladiator's unique features, such as a removable top and doors, and its exceptional off-roading capabilities, made it a standout choice for enthusiasts.

The Gladiator's design, based on the Wrangler, featured a longer wheelbase and fortified frame for pickup duties, resulting in a distinctive appearance. The Mojave model added a hood scoop and high-clearance fender flares, along with orange detailing for a unique look. Inside, the Gladiator's interior mirrored the Wrangler's, with easy-to-clean plastic and rubber materials, and drain holes for hosing out the foot wells. The cabin's orange accents and fabric seats with patterned inserts added a touch of quality. While the Gladiator's interior was basic, it offered a sense of luxury compared to older Jeep models. Overall, the Gladiator's design and features catered to those seeking a rugged and versatile midsize pickup.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, was a massive and imposing truck, characterized by its large grille and interlocking design elements. The Tundra's purposeful and solid appearance was complemented by slim, high-mounted headlights and a character line that added visual length. The rear featured a three-dimensional stamped design, enhancing its robust look. In Canada, the Tundra was available in ten trim levels, with the TRD Pro trim offering unique features like clearance lamps, a skid plate, and a distinctive grille design. Our test drive of the Tundra TRD Pro, painted in Solar Octane, showcased its off-road capabilities and bold design.

Inside, the Tundra boasted spacious and comfortable seating, with a massive 14-inch touchscreen dominating the dashboard in higher trims. The interior provided ample space and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a practical and comfortable full-size pickup. Despite its polarizing exterior design, the Tundra's interior offered everything one could want in a truck, with a focus on space and comfort.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator offered two engine choices: a standard 3.6-litre V6 engine with 285 horsepower, paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, and an optional 3.0-litre turbodiesel V6 with 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The turbodiesel option, while improving fuel economy, had a lower towing capacity. The Gladiator featured Command-Trac part-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) with a two-speed transfer case, with upgrades available for certain models. The Rubicon and Mojave models had a Tru-Lok locking rear differential, enhancing their off-road capabilities. Our Mojave test model, equipped with the gas V6 and Command-Trac, averaged 13.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The Gladiator's powertrain delivered strong off-the-line acceleration, but passing power was only adequate. The Mojave's Fox shocks excelled in off-road conditions, providing a smooth ride even on rough terrain. However, the Gladiator's length made navigating tight spaces challenging, and its on-road noise and steering imprecision could be tiring.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra, in contrast, featured two engine options: a standard 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 with 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, and a hybrid version of the same engine producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid engine, known as the i-FORCE MAX, was available on select trims and standard on the Capstone trim. A 10-speed automatic transmission managed the Tundra's power smoothly, providing consistent performance without sudden power surges. The Tundra's multi-link rear suspension improved ride quality, eliminating jouncing and bouncing on rough terrain. With a maximum towing capacity of 5,045 kilograms and a payload capacity of 880 kilograms, the Tundra was competitive with its rivals. The TRD Pro trim, equipped with off-road features like a 28-millimetre lift and 33-inch tires, excelled in off-road conditions. However, the Tundra's size posed challenges on narrow trails, despite the assistance of a multi-terrain monitor.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator required some practice to enter and exit gracefully, especially through the narrow rear doors. Optional side steps, while preserving ground clearance, often got in the way. Inside, the manually height-adjustable driver's seat was comfortable but required regular readjustment. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were available, though they came at an extra cost. The rear seats offered good legroom and support, but 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 1,531-millimetre cargo box, while lacking depth, offered features like a spray-in bedliner, tonneau cover, and adjustable tie-downs. A portable Bluetooth speaker was available for outdoor activities, and the Gladiator boasted a best-in-class payload capacity of 775 kilograms.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra prioritized practicality and thoughtful design. The interior featured a blend of technology and simple controls, with big physical controls for volume, climate, and driving functions. The Tundra retained a traditional gear lever, with cupholders and a wireless charging pad conveniently located. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel were standard on 4WD models, with additional packages available for base trims. The Tundra's centre console bin featured a clever sliding door for easy access. The rear seats provided ample space for tall and wide adults, with additional storage under the flip-up backseat. The Tundra offered various size configurations, with different bed lengths available depending on the trim level.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator, despite its rugged appearance, offered several technological features. The Mojave test truck included an Off-Road+ driving mode and an optional TrailCam forward-facing camera for off-road adventures. 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, connected services, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. A portable Bluetooth speaker and a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system were also available. However, the voice recognition system had limitations, often struggling with commands. Additional tech features included passive keyless entry and a dual-zone automatic climate control system with an air filter.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra featured an 8-inch touchscreen on lower trims, with a 14-inch multimedia screen standard on higher trims. The new software offered crisp graphics and fast response times. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, with a wireless phone charger available on higher trims. A 12-speaker audio system was standard on premium trims, while lower trims had a 9-speaker or 6-speaker system. The Tundra also boasted a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel with impressive resolution and brightness, making it a technological marvel compared to older models.

The 2023 Jeep Gladiator came with basic standard safety features, with optional upgrades available. Our test vehicle included SiriusXM Guardian Services, offering features like SOS emergency calling and collision notifications. The optional Safety Group added blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, which were recommended due to the Gladiator's small mirrors and three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. The Advanced Safety Group added adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance were not available. Crash testing was incomplete, with the NHTSA giving a four-star frontal-impact rating and the IIHS rating the headlights as Marginal.

The 2023 Toyota Tundra featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a range of advanced driver assistance systems. Standard features included automatic emergency braking, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and lane-tracing assist. A sway warning system was also standard, aiding in towing situations. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available but not standard across all trims. The IIHS awarded CrewMax models a Top Safety Pick+ in 2023, while the NHTSA had not yet rated the Tundra.