The 2025 Jeep Gladiator has a reputation as a monster on the trail, while the Toyota Tacoma is known for reliability and longevity. But which truck should you choose? Well, that depends on your needs, but the choice isn’t always so easy. Let's put these two midsize trucks head-to-head to see how they stack up.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The 2025 Jeep Gladiator is built for rough terrain, while the Toyota Tacoma is more of an everyday driver.
- The Gladiator’s engine options are more powerful than the Tacoma’s.
- The Jeep Gladiator has greater towing and cargo capacity than the Toyota Tacoma.
Engine Power and Towing of the 2025 Jeep Gladiator vs 2025 Toyota Tacoma
The 2025 Jeep Gladiator and 2025 Toyota Tacoma pack a wallop in terms of power and performance. However, the Gladiator more readily wins the hearts of adventurous wanderers, thanks to its two powerful engine options:
- A standard 3.6L V6 engine generating 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, or,
- An optional 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 engine cranking out 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
The Tacoma has a standard turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder generating 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque for the base trim or 278 horsepower and up to 317 pound-feet of torque on higher trims. The engine is mated with a eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual (respectively) and available rear- and four-wheel drive.
When it comes to towing, the 2025 Jeep Gladiator simply has more muscle—it can tow up to 7,650 pounds when properly equipped and carry up to 1,700 lbs of cargo. The Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs and its payload capacity is slightly lower, at 1,440 lbs in higher trims.
Which Truck Dominates Off-Road Adventures—2025 Jeep Gladiator vs 2025 Toyota Tacoma?
The Gladiator is the king of the trail, thanks to off-road specific trims, the Rubicon and Mojave. The Rubicon features trail gear like Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials and an available Rock-Trac transfer case to help you traverse extreme terrain, while the Mojave trim is built with a desert-abled suspension created specifically for the sand.
The Tacoma’s off-road-ready trims, the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, while trailworthy, with Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, aren’t as fine-tuned to the specifics of the terrain.
Comparing Interior Comfort and High-Tech Features of the 2025 Jeep Gladiator vs 2025 Toyota Tacoma
The Jeep Gladiator and Toyota Tacoma are as comfortable as they are powerful. The rugged Gladiator’s improved features strike the right balance with its durable materials that can stand up to all you put it through. And you can easily be entertained through its Uconnect system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto controlled through a 7- or 8.4-inch touchscreen.
The Toyota Tacoma holds the corner on elegance, particularly in its higher trims. Its cabin feels less work-oriented and more suited toward creature comforts, thanks to its quality materials. Its infotainment touchscreen system is user-friendly and features a 7- or 8-inch screen with Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Which Truck Is Your Best Pick— the Gladiator or Tacoma
Both trucks have their strengths, but if you’re after serious adventure, the 2025 Jeep Gladiator wins the competition. With its legendary off-road capability and rugged style, it brings something the Tacoma just can’t match. If you want a truck that works hard and plays even harder, the Jeep Gladiator is ready to take you on your next adventure!