2024 Toyota Tundra vs 2024 Jeep Gladiator

The 2024 Toyota Tundra presented a bold and somewhat controversial design, primarily due to its large grille, which was intended to enhance powertrain cooling and ensure long-term reliability. While some appreciated its rugged appearance, others found the design less appealing. The Tundra's industrial design theme, with camo-pattern detailing, aimed to convey durability and strength, but the use of plastic in the cabin detracted from the overall sense of quality. Despite these design choices, the Tundra offered a variety of configurations, including Double Cab and CrewMax styles, with multiple trim levels and a powerful twin-turbocharged V6 engine.

In contrast, the 2024 Jeep Gladiator maintained its distinctive Jeep styling, sharing similarities with the Wrangler from the center roof pillars forward. However, the Gladiator's unique frame and rear suspension design set it apart, providing the capability expected from a pickup. The Gladiator's simple yet functional cargo bed featured a dampened tailgate and integrated tie-downs, with optional upgrades like a spray-in bedliner. Inside, the Gladiator's cabin offered limited practical storage, but the new power-adjustable front seats improved comfort. The Gladiator's design emphasized off-road capability, with features like removable doors and a foldable windshield.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro was engineered for both on-road and off-road performance. It featured a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 engine producing 358 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. The TRD Pro variant boasted a hybrid version of this engine, known as the i-Force Max powertrain, delivering an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. With a towing capacity of 11,175 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,600 pounds, the Tundra TRD Pro was well-suited for heavy-duty tasks. Off-road capabilities were enhanced by features like a part-time 4WD system, locking rear differential, and Multi-Terrain Select modes. However, the Tundra's fuel economy fell short of expectations, averaging 17.1 mpg during testing.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator continued to offer its reliable 3.6-liter V6 engine, generating 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It came with a choice of a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission, along with four 4WD systems. The Gladiator Mojave variant was designed for desert running, featuring a one-inch front suspension lift, FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, and a Tru-Lok locking rear differential. With a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,725 pounds, the Gladiator was versatile for various tasks. However, its fuel economy was not a strong point, averaging 16.7 mpg during testing.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra offered a spacious interior, typical of modern full-size crew-cab pickups. However, the i-Force Max's battery placement eliminated rear underseat storage and a flat rear cab floor, limiting storage options. The Tundra's cargo bed lacked some of the innovative features found in competitors, such as adjustable cargo tie-downs and bumper corner steps. Despite these limitations, the Tundra provided wide seats and ample interior room, though entry and exit could be challenging for shorter individuals. The TRD Pro's heated and ventilated front seats added to the comfort.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator shared design elements with the Wrangler but featured a unique frame and rear suspension design. Its five-foot steel cargo bed was simple yet functional, with options for a spray-in bedliner and under-rail bed lighting. Inside, the Gladiator's cabin offered limited practical storage, with small bins and nets for smaller items. Climbing into the Gladiator could be challenging, but the new power-adjustable front seats improved comfort. Rear-seat passengers needed to be cautious of protruding plastic hooks on the front seatbacks.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro featured a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation panel and a 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The infotainment system offered robust features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Toyota provided complimentary trial subscriptions to connected services, with varying durations for different features. The TRD Pro also included a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system, wireless smartphone charging, and a surround-view camera.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator introduced a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Uconnect 5 technology. This system offered superior graphics, responsiveness, and features, including Bluetooth pairing for two smartphones, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Gladiator's infotainment system also included SiriusXM 360L satellite radio and access to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. A TomTom navigation system with Jeep Adventure Guides was available, providing access to trail guides.

The 2024 Toyota Tundra came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which included adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. However, the lane-centering assist feature was less reliable, especially on curved roads. The Tundra received high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for Crew Cab 4WD models, but the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it a Poor rating for rear-seat passenger safety in frontal-impact tests.

The 2024 Jeep Gladiator's safety ratings were less impressive, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA. However, the Gladiator received safety-related improvements for 2024, including forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control as standard on the Sport S model. The Mojave X and Rubicon X trims added blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors. Structural enhancements were made to improve occupant safety in side-impact collisions, and the roll cage now included front and rear side-curtain airbags.