Jeep Trend Find Jeep model that you like and find out its prices and release date for all Jeep models.
There is a new player in the mid-size pickup truck segment and it is a 2020 Jeep Gladiator. Gladiator is a Wrangler-based pickup that will arrive in the coming months. It represents real contender on the market and it will look to rival one of the best trucks in the segment.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma is perhaps a perfect competitor, as both trucks are providing great capability and performances. Moreover, both pickups are very modern, attractive and fun to drive. Versatility is on a high level and those two models are very similar in so many ways.
Exterior Design Comparison
For the start, Tacoma is one of the best-looking models in the mid-size pickup truck segment. On the other hand, the brand-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator is about to arrive and we already take a closer look at this model. Clearly, a Wrangler-based model really does look like the Wrangler SUV with the bed. A somewhat divisive exterior design starts with the grille up front, which provides an SUV-like appearance. Just like Wrangler, Gladiator also offers a hard-soft top which makes it a first open-air pickup ever. Wider seven-slot grille provides better airflow and the imposing look. The headlights are looking large and modern, while the hood is smooth and clean.
On the other hand, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma comes with the more conventional exterior design. Tacoma’s exterior design is underrated. The front end comes with the smaller trapezoidal grille while the TRD Pro variant provides a matte black grille. The angular approach is visible at first glance and the pickup looks more futuristic than Gladiator. Refined look provides a more rugged appearance as well. Whatsoever, while the Gladiator looks meaner, Tacoma looks friendlier and neutral. Dimensionally, Gladiator and Tacoma are very similar. Tacoma is slightly longer and wider while the Gladiator is taller. Interestingly, Toyota offers a significantly longer bed than the Jeep.
Both Models Offers Impressive Interior
Again, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator looks similar to the Wrangler model from the inside. Some parts of the dash are available in exterior body color and the infotainment touchscreen comes with the pinch-zoom controls. Uconnect system is standard and it supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Gladiator also offers numerous storage options, underneath and behind the rear seats for example.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma offers a quite impressive interior design. Black interior scheme perfectly hides the plastic materials that are visible inside the Gladiator. Dashboard hosts an infotainment screen that works perfectly. It is the heart and the brain of this pickup. Whatsoever, it supports voice controls such as Alexa and Siri. Unlike Gladiator, Tacoma offers only Apple CarPlay. Level of comfort is equal and you can equip both pickup trucks with the optional leather seats. Interestingly, Tacoma is longer, but it offers less legroom than the Gladiator.
2020 Jeep Gladiator Vs. 2019 Toyota Tacoma Engine Details
When it comes to overall performance and the power both trucks are delivering, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator takes the win. Both models are available with two powertrain options. Jeep is offering a 3.6-liter V6 Pentastar as standard and Tacoma 2.7-liter four-cylinder DOHC. Gladiator provides 285 HP and 260 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, Tacoma generates 159 HP and 180 lb-ft of torque with the standard engine choice. When it comes to optional engines, Gladiator offers a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6.
The 2019 Tacoma comes with a 3.5-liter V6 DOHC. Gladiator’s output is rated at 278 horses and 265 lb-ft of torque. Toyota’s pickup truck delivers 278 HP and 265 lb-ft of torque. Both trucks will offer about the same mileage numbers. Gladiator’s fuel economy rating is not available yet but the calculations are suggesting 19 mpg combined, just like Tacoma. Both models are available with the 6-speed manual and 8-speed automatic transmission.
Price and Release Date
Overall, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator beats the 2019 Toyota Tacoma in many segments. However, the price of Gladiator will start slightly above $30,000 while Tacoma will cost $26,000. The differences between the models are minimal and Tacoma lags behind, but nothing significant.
On top of that, Gladiator is yet to prove its capabilities and performances. Until the Gladiator rolls out, Tacoma remains probably the best offer in the mid-size pickup truck segment. Let’s wait a couple of months more and find out the answer.
