2025 Toyota Tacoma vs Jeep Gladiator

The Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Gladiator stand out as top contenders in a fiercely competitive midsize truck segment. In 2024, the Toyota Tacoma got a complete redesign, marking the start of the fourth generation. It boasts improved on-road driving, updated technology, and impressive off-road capabilities. The 2025 Jeep Gladiator maintains its spot as the only pickup with Wrangler’s off-road DNA. You can remove the doors and roof panels, plus it’s built for extreme off-roading. This 2025 Toyota Tacoma vs. Jeep Gladiator comparison breaks down how these two stack up, so you can choose the right one for your automotive needs.

Pricing and Value Comparison

The 2025 Toyota Tacoma base SR model has a starting MSRP of $31,590. In comparison, the Jeep Gladiator Sport trim has an entry price of $38,695. This price marks a staggering difference of over $7,000, making the Tacoma the more affordable.

The Gladiator also has a diverse lineup, from the Rubicon and Mojave models to the Nighthawk and Sport trim levels. Jeep targets El Monte buyers seeking a truck with robust off-road capability. However, the high entry price reduces your bargaining power when negotiating for add-ons. The Tacoma’s extensive lineup and lower price make it the better choice.

Engine Performance and Powertrain Options

Every 2025 Tacoma features a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine for enhanced efficiency and balanced performance. While the base truck delivers 228 horsepower, higher trims, such as the TRD Pro, pump up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque of torque. Its eight-speed automatic facilitates swift gear changes while the optional six-speed manual provides an engaging driving experience. The Tacoma’s upgraded suspension provides smooth handling and control behind the wheel. For a truck, the Tacoma accelerates exceptionally, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.0 seconds.

The Jeep Gladiator features a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. For the 2025 lineup, the manual transmission is gone, leaving an eight-speed automatic as the sole option. While the Tacoma offers a smoother ride, the Gladiator drives like a classic Jeep with a bed. Toyota’s engine delivers more low-end power for merging onto busy freeways in El Monte. For this reason, the Tacoma is the better choice for a truck, as it strikes a balance between daily driving comfort and off-road capability.

Fuel Economy 

The Tacoma has an unassailable advantage in fuel economy. The two-wheel-drive Tacoma has an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Additionally, four-wheel-drive models are close behind at 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. These numbers are great for a truck and will save you money at the pump.

The Jeep Gladiator has an EPA-estimated rating of 17 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. Some models with bigger tires, like the Mojave, get as low as 15 mpg in real-world testing. When comparing these fuel-efficiency ratings, the Tacoma’s better gas mileage supports longer drivers and adds up to significant savings.

Towing and Payload Capabilities

The Gladiator can tow up to 7,700 pounds with the Max Tow package, while the Tacoma’s maximum towing capacity is 6,500 pounds. While the Gladiator might have an upper hand in towing capacity, it requires a specific configuration to hit these numbers. The popular Rubicon trim’s towing capacity drops to 7,000 pounds, meaning the Tacoma is not far off.

With a payload capacity of 1,705 pounds, the Tacoma makes it easy to haul all your gear and equipment in the bed. The Gladiator’s max is 1,725 pounds on Sport trim, but Rubicon models drop to 1,200 pounds. Toyota offers a hybrid version that tows up to 6,000 pounds and carries loads of up to 1,709 pounds in the bed. The Tacoma’s towing and payload capabilities remain consistent across all trims, making this truck ideal for all your hauling needs.

Interior Space and Comfort

The 2025 Tacoma’s redesigned cabin features raised seating for better road visibility. Its ergonomic seats are adjustable and boast soft upholstery for enhanced in-car comfort. The front area offers 41.8 inches of space, while the back seat has 33.7 inches of legroom for enhanced comfort during long El Monte road trips.

The Gladiator offers a roomy cabin, with 41.2 inches for the driver and more than 38 inches for back seat passengers. Its dash and controls are straight from the Wrangler playbook, meaning lots of hard plastics. Tacoma feels more refined for everyday commuting, while Gladiator leans rugged for those who love open-air driving.

Truck Bed and Cargo Features

The Gladiator features a five-foot bed as the only option on all models. Jeep argues that a shorter length improves ride and handling when hauling heavy loads. The Tacoma offers multiple bed configurations to suit your hauling needs. XtraCab models come with a six-foot bed only, while Double Cab crew-cab versions let you pick between a six-foot box or a shorter five-foot bed. That five-foot option makes parking easier in tight spots in downtown El Monte.

The Tacoma bed includes intelligent, modern touches. It’s slightly deeper than the Gladiator’s, so you can fit camping refrigerators under a tonneau cover. Toyota borrowed the quick-release tailgate from the Tundra. You can remove the tailgate without tools when needed. There’s an optional power tailgate that opens and closes automatically. A bed view camera helps when loading cargo or lining up a trailer hitch.

Both trucks are built on a strong frame, but the Tacoma offers two rear suspension setups. Base models utilize traditional leaf springs, while other trims feature modern coil springs that significantly enhance ride quality. The Gladiator features a solid axle setup, which is ideal for extreme off-roading but less comfortable on paved roads. For drivers who spend most of their time on the road, the Tacoma’s coil-spring models are the better choice.

Test Drive the 2025 Toyota Tacoma at Longo Toyota

While the Jeep Gladiator is an off-road legend, the 2025 Toyota Tacoma is the better all-around truck. It’s more comfortable, efficient, and comes loaded with modern technology. It delivers a refined driving experience without compromising the toughness and capability you would expect from a pickup. The best way to see the difference is from behind the wheel. We invite you to visit Longo Toyota in El Monte to experience the new Tacoma. Contact us today to schedule your test drive.

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