The 2023 Toyota Tacoma Only Has 1 Advantage Over the Jeep Gladiator
Today’s truck owners can find just the right size and capability they need, with so many pickup models available. The midsize pickup truck segment is wildly popular among consumers who need practical performance and prowess without a full-size truck’s behemoth designs and hefty price tags. Two top contenders in this pickup class are the Toyota Tacoma and the Jeep Gladiator.
If you’ve narrowed your new truck purchasing decision down to these two pickups, keep reading. U.S. News recently shared scores and evaluations of both. While the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is a worthy consideration, it only beats out the 2023 Jeep Gladiator in one key area.
A look at the official scores for both midsize trucks
Before you buy any new truck, you’ll want to see what the industry critics have to say after evaluating the new class of models. Recently, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma and the 2023 Jeep Gladiator went head-to-head in a U.S. News review. According to the U.S. News findings, the Tacoma ranks at No. 9 in the segment while the Gladiator ranks at No. 4.
The Jeep Gladiator is the clear victor in the individual scores and evaluation categories. Based on a scale of 1.0 to 10, the U.S. News team rates the Gladiator with a 7.3 in Performance and 7.7 in Interior quality and touchpoints. Alternatively, the Toyota Tacoma only earns a 6.6 in Performance and 5.8 in Interior.
Based on a 100-point scale, the overall reliability ratings are a tighter race. The Toyota Tacoma earns 83, while the Jeep Gladiator earns an 85 score. Safety has yet to be officially evaluated for the 2023 model year of either truck. Still, for now, the Gladiator is shaking out to be the better truck.
The one advantage the Toyota Tacoma has over the Jeep Gladiator
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma earned praise for its healthy roster of standard safety features. Additionally, the critics say the very off-road-ready TRD trims are impressive. However, some cons include a weak base engine, harsh ride quality, and a not-so-spacious back row. In a way, it’s a great little pickup. Still, it’s not as competitive where it counts most in performance, reliability, and interior quality.
As for the 2023 Jeep Gladiator, the critics hailed its off-road ability, potent engines, spacious interior, and user-friendly infotainment. However, the Tacoma does beat out the Gladiator with one clear advantage. The Gladiator has a lofty starting price. In fact, regarding affordability and starting price, the Tacoma’s $28,580 is far more attractive than Gladiator’s $38,775 MSRP.
Edmunds reminds consumers that the Toyota Tacoma is still one of Toyota’s biggest success stories. It continues to be one of the best-selling trucks in its segment. In its overall review, Edmunds’ score aligns with U.S. News, giving it a verdict of 7.7 out of possible 10.
What the Jeep Gladiator could do differently
If affordability matters most to you, you’ll likely give more consideration to the 2023 Toyota Tacoma with its $10,000 savings proposition. However, if you’d prefer four-wheel-drive over all-wheel drive and a 3.6-liter V6 over an I-4 2.7-liter engine, the 2023 Jeep Gladiator is the only way to go. Ultimately, you’re paying a little more because the Gladiator is more truck than the Tacoma. So, if Jeep ever considers a price reduction or introduces a more entry-level model, it might just be the perfect pickup.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is a worthwhile truck. It’s a Toyota, a brand synonymous with reliability. However, the price is the only advantage it has over the 2023 Jeep Gladiator.
