2025 Jeep Gladiator vs 2026 Toyota Tacoma

The more you spend, the less capable the Gladiator is. The 2025 Gladiator loses its manual transmission and adds’41, Joose, and Mojito paint colours.

Verdict: Unique among pickup trucks, the Jeep Gladiator is an appealing alternative to the status quo. That’s especially true if you value open-air driving or plan to tackle untrodden territory. But for serious towing and hauling tasks, there are better choices than the Gladiator.

We’d bet good money that most people who buy a Tacoma TRD Pro — one of the most off-road-capable Tacoma models — won’t use it to blast across the desert with wild abandon. Buyers will probably want to consider a different version of Toyota’s midsize pickup truck, which is available in Canada as a Double Cab with two bed lengths, several powertrain combinations, and multiple packages.

Verdict: The 2026 Tacoma TRD Pro sells a fantasy, not a reality. Given some of the compromises it requires, we think people who want an expensive off-road-ready Tacoma would be happier with the Trailhunter model.