2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro vs Jeep Gladiator: How Do These Rugged Mid-Sizers Stack Up?
The all-new range-topping 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a compelling option, but how does its stack up to the refreshed Gladiator?
The all-new, redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma just debuted back in May following years of anticipation, and needless to say, it certainly looks like it was worth the wait. Bearing all new styling inside and out, a brand new platform, and a new line of powerplants, there isn’t much about the 2024 Toyota Tacoma that’s hung around from the previous generation, making it one of the rarer total redesigns in a world where oftentimes, “new” doesn’t really mean “new.” However, the new Tacoma certainly has its fair share of rivals to deal with – which wasn’t the case just a few years ago, when it mostly had the mid-size pickup market all to itself, save for the Nissan Frontier.
Now, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma will do battle with that recently-redesigned pickup, along with the brand new Ford Ranger and Chevy Colorado, as well as the refreshed-for-2024 Jeep Gladiator. The Gladiator is an interesting rival, given the fact that it’s based on the wildly capable Wrangler and is the only vehicle in this segment to offer a removable top and doors. However, we wanted to take a deeper look at how these two models compare, for those that are simply looking for the best mid-size pickup on the market.
Trims and Configurations
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma is available in a pretty wide array of trims and configurations – including two-door XtraCab or four-door Double Cab body styles with five- or six-foot bed lengths, and a grand total of eight trim levels – SR, SR5, TRD PreRunner, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter, though here, we’re focusing on the most direct Gladiator competitor, the off-road focused TRD Pro.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Jeep Gladiator gets two new trim levels – Mojave X and Rubicon X – both of which are designed to offer the best in terms of luxury and off-road capability from the company’s vast parts bin. They join the existing Sport, Willys Sport, Sport S, Freedom, Willys, Overland, Rubicon, Mojave, and High Altitude in the lineup, though customers can only opt for one body style, regardless – four doors with a five-foot bed.
Powertrain
While the 2024 Toyota Tacoma lineup offers a trio of engine choices, the range-topping TRD Pro gets the best of the best – the 2.4-liter i-Force Max hybrid, which adds a 48-hp electric motor and a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack for a combined output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, though you can’t mate that powerplant to the six-speed manual. Rather, an eight-speed automatic transmission is the sole choice here.
On the flip side, the 2024 Gladiator drops its diesel engine for the new year, and is now only available with the rather old 3.6-liter V6 that churns out 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It can be mated to either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Towing and Hauling
For those that actually plan on using their new trucks like, well, trucks, the Tacoma TRD Pro is actually quite capable in that regard. The new mid-sizer touts 1,709 pounds of max payload capacity, along with 6,000 pounds of towing capacity. Depending on trim and configuration, the 2024 Gladiator offers 950-1,725 of payload, along with 4,000-7,700 pounds of max towing capability.
Suspension
The Tacoma TRD Pro is loaded with suspension upgrades compared to other trims – and its predecessor. That list includes Fox 2.5-inch QS3 dampers with three levels of manually adjustable compression damping, four trailing links, a Panhard rod, and Fox IFP hydraulic rear bump stops.
Meanwhile, the Gladiator Rubicon features specially tuned springs and monotube Fox shocks at all four corners, though the Mojave adds niceties like an extra one-inch of lift, Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs, Fox hydraulic jounce bumpers, and rear internal bypass Fox 2.5-inch shocks with external piggyback reservoirs.
Off-Road Capability
The Tacoma TRD Pro features impressive approach and departure angles of 33.8 and 25.7 degrees, a breakover angle of 23.5 degrees, 11.0 inches of ground clearance, a Terrain Management System with Crawl Control, a rear locker, and front anti-roll-bar disconnect, along with 33-inch tires.
Meanwhile, the Gladiator features an approach angle of 43.6 degrees, a departure angle of 26 degrees, and a breakover angle of 20.3 degrees, plus 11.1 inches of ground clearance, depending on trim and configuration. Wheel and tire options vary by trim, of course, but the off-road-focused Rubicon comes equipped with 33-inch rubber.
Pricing and Availability
Toyota hasn’t yet announced pricing for the 2024 Tacoma – which is set to launch next spring – though the TRD Pro figures to be at least a little more expensive than the outgoing model, which starts out at $48,035. The same goes for the refreshed 2024 Gladiator, though the outgoing model – in Rubicon trim – retails for $51,245, and it too is expected to enter production late this year with an early 2024 release. Until we can compare pricing, it’ll be hard to pick a definitive winner here, but to us at least, the Tacoma TRD Pro certainly seems like a compelling option – especially for those that don’t care about things like open-air off-roading.
Photos: Toyota, Jeep
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