2025 Toyota Tacoma vs 2026 Jeep Gladiator
Comparison Overview
Deciding between the tried-and-true utility of the 2025 Toyota Tacoma and the rugged adventure focus of the 2026 Jeep Gladiator can be tough. If your primary concern is keeping running costs low, the Tacoma shines; it delivers a 23 MPG combined fuel economy compared to the Gladiator's 19 MPG, saving you significantly at the pump over thousands of miles. Furthermore, the Tacoma has a much friendlier starting MSRP of $31,590, beating the Gladiator's $38,830 price tag by a substantial $7,240 right out of the gate. While the Gladiator offers more outright muscle with 285 hp versus the Tacoma's 228 hp, the Tacoma's superior fuel efficiency and lower entry cost make it the more practical choice for daily driving needs where immediate power isn't the top priority.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Toyota Tacoma
The 2025 Tacoma wins for commuters due to its better fuel efficiency, achieving 23 combined MPG versus the Gladiator's 19 MPG.
2025 Toyota Tacoma
While both are trucks, the Tacoma's slightly smaller footprint (213.0 inches long) and lower cost make it a more manageable daily family hauler than the slightly larger Gladiator.
2026 Jeep Gladiator
The 2026 Gladiator appeals more to enthusiasts by offering significantly more power with 285 hp and standard four-wheel drive capability.
2025 Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma provides better overall value with a $7,240 lower MSRP and superior fuel economy figures.
Choose the Toyota Tacoma if...
- You prioritize saving money upfront, as the Tacoma starts at $31,590, significantly less than the Gladiator.
- You need better daily driving economy, benefiting from the Tacoma's 23 MPG combined rating (vs. 19 MPG).
- You prefer slightly less bulk for parking, as the Tacoma is 5 inches shorter in length than the Gladiator.
Choose the Jeep Gladiator if...
- You absolutely require more off-road capability, which is suggested by the Gladiator’s standard 4WD system.
- You need the extra passing power provided by the Gladiator's 285 hp engine (compared to 228 hp in the Tacoma).
- You don't mind spending an extra $7,240 for greater horsepower and torque (260 lb-ft).
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | Toyota Tacoma | Jeep Gladiator |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 213.0" | 218.0" |
| Width | 76.9" | 73.8" |
| Height | 74.0" | 75.0" |
| Wheelbase | 131.9" | 137.3" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | Toyota | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Lane Keeping Assist System | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | — |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | — | ✓ |
| LATCH System | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Front Fog Lights | — | ✓ |
| Rear Headrests | — | 3 |
| Rear Folding Headrests | — | ✓ |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | Toyota | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 2.4 L | 3.6 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 4 | V6 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 228 hp @ 6000 rpm | 285 hp @ 6400 rpm |
| Torque | 243 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm | 260 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 16 | 24 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | — |
Drive Train
| Feature | Toyota | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | four wheel drive |
| 4WD System Type | — | Part Time |
| Transfer Case Gearing | — | Manual Hi-Lo |
| Locking Hubs | — | Automatic |
Fuel
| Feature | Toyota | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 20/26 MPG | 17/22 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 23 MPG | 19 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 364.0/473.2 mi. | 374.0/484.0 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.2 gal. | 22.0 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | Toyota | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | — |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Overhead Console with Storage | ✓ | — |
| Single Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Steering | — | ✓ |
| Rear Cupholders | — | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | — | ✓ |
| Front Seatback Storage | — | ✓ |
| Leatherette Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
| Interior Air Filtration | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | Toyota | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 8.0 in | 12.3 in |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Speaker System | 4 | 8 |
| Android Auto (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wireless) | ✓ | — |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 3 months | 6 months |
| Android Auto (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | — | ✓ |
| Auxiliary Audio Input | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | Toyota | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | ✓ |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| One-Touch Power Windows | — | 2 |
Frontseats
| Feature | Toyota | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 39.7 in. | 42.8 in. |
| Front Leg Room | 41.8 in. | 41.2 in. |
| Front Shoulder Room | 58.3 in. | 55.7 in. |
| Front Hip Room | 56.8 in. | 53.9 in. |
| Seat Material: Cloth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Seat Type: Bucket | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 6-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Manual | Manual |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | 6-way | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Seat Folding Capability | ✓ | — |
Rearseats
| Feature | Toyota | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | — | 42.8 in. |
| Rear Leg Room | — | 38.3 in. |
| Rear Shoulder Room | — | 55.7 in. |
| Rear Hip Room | — | 55.9 in. |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | — | ✓ |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | Toyota | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Material | Steel | — |
| Wheel Diameter | 17 in | — |
| Tire Type | All Season | All Season |
| Tire Size | P245/70R17 | 245/75R17 |
| Spare Tire Type | Full Size Non-Matching | Full Size Non-Matching |
| Spare Tire Location | Underbody Mounted | Underbody Mounted |
| Wheel Finish | — | Painted Steel |
| Wheel Size | — | 17 x 7.5 in |
Suspension
| Feature | Toyota | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Type | Independent | — |
| Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | — |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | — | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | Toyota | Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Hybrid Component Warranty | 8 yr./ 100000 mi. | — |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 2 yr./ unlimited mi. | 5 yr./ 60000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 2 yr./ 25000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 Toyota Tacoma and 2026 Jeep Gladiator.
What is the primary difference in cost between the 2025 Tacoma and the 2026 Gladiator?
The 2025 Toyota Tacoma has a starting MSRP of $31,590, creating a significant gap when compared to the 2026 Jeep Gladiator's MSRP of $38,830. This $7,240 price difference is one of the most significant factors for budget-conscious buyers.
How much better is the fuel economy on the Tacoma for highway driving?
The Tacoma offers notably better highway efficiency, rated at 26 MPG Highway, whereas the Gladiator trails behind with 22 MPG Highway. This 4 MPG difference translates into fewer stops at the pump.
Is the Gladiator substantially more powerful than the Tacoma?
Yes, the Gladiator holds a clear advantage in raw output, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque compared to the Tacoma's 228 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. This 57 hp difference favors performance enthusiasts.
Which truck is physically larger?
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator is longer and taller; it measures 218.0 inches in length and 75.0 inches in height. The 2025 Tacoma is slightly more compact at 213.0 inches long and 74.0 inches tall.
Do both trucks use regular unleaded gasoline?
Fortunately, both the 2025 Toyota Tacoma and the 2026 Jeep Gladiator specify regular unleaded fuel as their required fuel type, keeping operational fueling costs consistent despite their differing MPG ratings.
Which drivetrain is standard on these base models?
The base model 2025 Toyota Tacoma comes standard with Rear Wheel Drive (RWD). In contrast, the 2026 Jeep Gladiator includes Four Wheel Drive (4WD) as standard equipment, reinforcing its off-road focus.
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