2022 Jeep Gladiator vs. 2022 Toyota Tacoma

Jeep has long been making its name on its SUVs, but it entered the truck market in a big way in 2018 when it introduced the Gladiator. Now, the Gladiator is going head-to-head with some of the biggest names in trucks and emerging a clear leader in the mid-size truck market. It offers just the right mix of style, performance, and features to meet the needs of a wide variety of buyers.

If you're shopping for a new truck, you might see a lot of recommendations for both the Jeep Gladiator and the Toyota Tacoma. Both 2022 models have a lot to offer, but we think that if you look more closely at these trucks, you'll find that there is a clearly superior choice. Here's how the 2022 Jeep Gladiator and the 2022 Toyota Tacoma compare: 

Exterior Styling

The 2022 Jeep Gladiator and the 2022 Toyota Tacoma look about as different as two trucks can. The Gladiator has the distinct, classic Jeep styling. In fact, it looks very much like the old Jeep with a truck bed attached - something that Jeep enthusiasts will love. The boxy frame has a front end that includes the classic seven-slot grille flanked by the round headlights. The full cab has four doors and a square roof, dropping off into the bed frame, which keeps the same rugged styling.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma looks like just about any other truck you are going to see on the road right now. It has a bulky and somewhat geometrical frame that is rounded off at the edges for a softer look. The front end includes a hexagonal grille over a horizontal air intake, flanked by the headlights. The overall look is pleasing enough, but there's nothing different about it. We've seen this truck before.

If you're interested in daring style, the Jeep Gladiator is the clear choice. 

Interior Styling and Comfort

The Jeep Gladiator has a standard configuration with two rows that seat five passengers. The Tacoma comes standard as a two-seater, but you can upgrade to a crew cab that will seat five. However, even when you are comparing the five-seat option on both trucks, the Jeep Gladiator still has more passenger volume, resulting in a roomier ride for everyone.   

The styling on the interior of the Gladiator and the Tacoma is surprisingly similar, given their stark exterior differences. The horizontal dash is high and flanked by round air vents, and the steering wheel is compact and mounted with controls for easy access.

In the Gladiator, the dash is much higher, and the console is loaded with more controls. The Gladiator's interior looks like a command center, while the Tacoma's looks more typical. The atmosphere creates a more exciting driving environment. 

Performance

When it comes to performance, the Jeep Gladiator has the advantage again. The Gladiator comes with two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 that pouts out 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 that puts out 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma has two engine options: the standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder that puts out 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, a 3.5-liter V6 that puts out 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. 

The Gladiator is going to handle tough terrain better, giving you the power to crawl out of tricky spots. It also has the power to accelerate more quickly, and in speed tests, it reached its mark faster than the Tacoma. The Gladiator's engine also turns off automatically when its idle - like at stop lights - and then restarts when you're ready to accelerate, helping to save on gas and pollution. 

The Toyota Tacoma comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while the Jeep Gladiator comes standard with all-wheel drive, giving you more power when you need it. 

If you need to hitch a trailer or haul cargo in the bed, the Gladiator has a towing capacity of 4,000 pounds, while the Tacoma has a towing capacity of just 3,500 pounds. 

Technology

Today's trucks are loaded with just about all the "fun" features that you'll find on comfort-oriented sedans, and the Gladiator and Tacoma are no exception. However, their offerings don't line up. Some features are standard on one while optional on the other - or not available at all. 

The 2022 Jeep Gladiator has an infotainment system that includes HD radio, smart device integration, an auxiliary output, and an mp3 player - all of which are just optional on the Tacoma. In contrast, the Tacoma comes with a wi-fi hotspot, while that is just optional on the Gladiator. 

Both come with features like cruise control, an anti-theft system, variable speed intermittent wipers, and an onboard hands-free communications system. The Gladiator also offers illuminated vanity mirrors, a rear defroster, and a sliding rear window. 

Safety features on the Jeep Gladiator include electronic stability and traction control, brake assistance, anti-lock brakes, child safety locks, and a rollover protection system - the latter two that the Tacoma doesn't have. 

Choosing the Right Truck for You

Everyone needs something different in a truck, so the final choice between the Jeep Gladiator and the Toyota Tacoma will come down to your own needs, preferences, and budget. However, we know that the clear choice for us is the Jeep Gladiator, with its unique styling, superior performance, enhanced comfort, and slate of offerings. Bournival Jeep is proud to sell the new Jeep Gladiator, as well as previously owned models from the last several years. 

Visit us today to test drive the 2022 Jeep Gladiator and to explore all that it has to offer. We'll help you understand your options through trim levels and packages so you can get the right configuration for your needs. We'll then work with you to find the right finance terms to meet the needs of your budget. Our service department will be there to keep your new Jeep in top condition for years to come. Visit us today to get started, and you could be driving home with your new Gladiator today!