When shopping for a midsize truck, there are plenty of options to choose from, but if serious off-road credibility and towing muscle are on your list of priorities there are two nameplates in particular that tend to dominate the conversation: the Jeep Gladiator and the Toyota Tacoma. Both of these pickups are rugged, reliable and – depending on the trim level in the latter’s case – trail-ready.
If you live in Tulsa and spend your weekends pulling toys or tearing through the local dirt trails, choosing the right truck requires that you know the strengths of each model. So today, we’re going to break down towing capacities and off-road features to help you decide which rig is the right choice for you.
Powertrain & Towing Capabilities
The Jeep Gladiator was built with the backbone of one of the most legendary vehicles ever built, the Wrangler. It was, of course, enhanced with a full pickup bed and a beefed-up frame, which have helped it to tie for the best-in-class towing capacity of 7,700 pounds — a title it shares with the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. In case you’re doing the math, that should be more than enough to haul a pair of ATVs or jet skis, or even a medium-sized boat. Here are some key towing features of the 2025 Gladiator:
- Standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine; 285 horsepower, 260 pound-feet of torque
- Optional Max Tow Package; enabling that 7,700-pound capacity
- Available 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth hauling
The Toyota Tacoma, on the other hand, has become a trusted name among many off-road enthusiasts thanks to trim levels like the TRD Pro and Off-Road, but it can’t quite keep up with the Gladiator in terms of towing. Its capacity maxes out at 6,800 lbs. when properly equipped, which is plenty close but not quite as much as the Gladiator has to offer. Here are some key towing features of the 2025 Tacoma:
- Standard i-FORCE 2.4L turbocharged I4 engine; 278 hp, 317 lb-ft.
- Tow Package includes coolers for engine oil, power steering and transmission fluids
- Available 8-speed continuously variable transmission for smooth hauling
Off-Road Features & Capabilities
Now we enter the true bread and butter of the Jeep brand, where the Gladiator gets to flex its DNA. Every single trim level is born ready to tackle the trail, especially the Rubicon, which packs impressive features like:
- Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials
- Electronic front sway bar disconnect
- Rock-Trac 4x4 system with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio
- 33” all-terrain tires
- 11.1” of ground clearance
As mentioned, the Toyota Tacoma has been building its reputation as an off-road contender for years thanks to a couple of great trim levels focused on enhancing those aspects. In particular, the TRD Pro trim level has been the benchmark for stock off-road vehicles since before the Gladiator was introduced — five years after the TRD Pro! Here are some of its own impressive features:
- FOX internal bypass shocks
- Multi-terrain select and crawl control
- Locking rear differential
- Skid plates and lift-friendly suspension geometry
Which Should You Choose?
While the Tacoma TRD Pro may have been the benchmark before the Gladiator was introduced, we’re not sure its reputation has been able to keep up with the legendary pedigree that comes with a Jeep-brand off-road vehicle. The Tacoma is rugged, reliable and nimble, but true off-road enthusiasts will find plenty to be desired in comparison to the Gladiator.
Plus, the Gladiator brings with it an unmatched amount of customizability, both in terms of aftermarket upgrades and even as a stock vehicle. For example, the Tacoma doesn’t feature removable doors or roof panels. These are the kinds of things that give the Gladiator a unique and unmatched experience. If you’re interested in trying one out for yourself, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us right here at Jim Glover CDJRF. We look forward to hearing from you!
