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When shopping midsize pickup trucks, you have a lot of great options. The 2026 Jeep Gladiator and 2026 Toyota Tacoma are both solid choices. Let’s go through the pluses and minuses of both to find out which one is right for you.
The Gladiator comes in seven trims, ranging from the entry-level Sport model to the pricier Mojave X. The Tacoma comes in eleven configurations, from the affordable SR to the fully equipped TRD Pro. We’ll find most of what these vehicles have to offer in their respective Sport configurations, so let’s go through the standard features of the 2026 Jeep Gladiator Sport vs. the 2026 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport.
The Gladiator packs a peppy 3.6L V6 engine, delivering 285 horsepower, 260 lb-ft torque, 4,500 lb towing capacity, and a payload of 1,025 lbs. As the first-ever trail-rated pickup truck, its 4×4 system with 8-speed automatic transmission adds up to a ton of fun behind the wheel. With an estimated fuel economy of 17 MPG city / 22 MPG highway, the Gladiator offers excellent efficiency for its class.
The Tacoma has a 2.4L turbo engine under the hood for 278 horsepower, 317 lb-ft torque, and a max payload capacity of 1,445 lbs. Featuring an 8-speed automatic transmission and an estimated 20 MPG city / 24 MPG highway, the Tacoma is also a practical pick.
Altogether, both the Gladiator and Tacoma are capable performers in most conditions.
The Jeep Gladiator is equipped with an impressive bundle of safety features. Standard driver-assistance or safety features include electronic stability control with anti-roll, traction control, brake assist, and cruise control, but it is overall unfussy, putting the driver in control.
The Toyota Tacoma also delivers in terms of safety. The Tacoma is equipped with a driver assist package that includes lane departure alert with steering assist, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, and more.
If you prefer a comfortable interior with thoughtful features, you’ll probably like the Gladiator. Open the doors and you’ll discover all the comforts you need to protect yourself from the elements, as well as a fold-down windshield and removable doors when you want to experience the open air. The infotainment system features 8-speaker audio, voice-activated controls, wireless phone connectivity, and everything you need to feel at home behind the wheel.
We have no major complaints about the Tacoma’s interior. With automatic climate control, under-seat storage, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and more, comfort shouldn’t be an issue. 6-speaker audio, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, satellite radio and more make for a respectable infotainment setup.
Jeep is highly regarded for highly-capable, rugged vehicles that emphasize freedom and a connection with the outdoors. The 2026 Gladiator is no exception. The 2026 Toyota Tacoma is also a great choice. You can’t go wrong with either, but in our opinion, the Jeep Gladiator pulls out ahead.
When purchasing a vehicle there are multiple buying options to take into consideration, browse our online inventory of the CJDR vehicles to get started. We always recommend the one that best fits your financial needs, and our experienced sales staff is eager to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you to find the best lease, buy, or finance options.
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