Jump Links2020 Jeep Gladiator Powertrain Specs2026 Toyota Tacoma Trims and Pricing2020 Jeep Gladiator Current ValuesThe Toyota Tacoma is one of the most well-rounded pickup trucks on the market today. The truck is rugged and capable while off-road, while also being fairly premium in the top trims. Plus, it can tow plenty for a midsize truck. Not to mention the available hybrid powertrain has more than enough power for a truck of its size. However, the Tacoma's main drawback today is its price. The most extreme off-road variants start in the mid-$60,000s. That said, we feel as though it's smart to consider the used market by getting a 2020 Jeep Gladiator.A 2020 Gladiator is far cheaper today than any new Tacoma – even cheaper than the base model. Plus, the Jeep is every bit as capable off-road as the Toyota. The Gladiator, as we know it, has only been around for a single generation, but the nameplate has existed for decades.In addition, the robust aftermarket scene allows owners to modify their Gladiators extensively. No matter how you spin it, this Jeep pickup truck is worth a test drive today. First-Things First: 2026 Toyota Tacoma Specs ToyotaBefore we discuss the Gladiator and why you should give it a shot, let's set a baseline with the current Tacoma. Toyota offers two powertrains for its midsize pickup truck. One is a gas-only 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four-cylinder. It can get slightly confusing, so the chart above breaks it down. When equipped in a base model (SR trim) with no options, it makes 228 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque, but that same trim can be optioned for 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. In every other gas-only trim level, it's tuned for 278 hp and 317 lb-ft. The Tacoma's hybrid trims are more straightforward. They all use the same i-Force Max hybrid powertrain with every trim making the same 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. The Most Capable Off-Road Pickup Truck JeepWhile the Tacoma is an incredible truck that we would find difficult to walk away from, there are cheaper options. The Tacoma holds value better than some rivals, due to its reliability and other factors. The Gladiator is a reasonable alternative for those who want a hardcore rock-crawling off-roader. It has a rich history that spans back to the first Gladiator in 1962 for the '63 model year.The Gladiator was a fullsize truck built on the J platform, which it shared with the contemporary Wagoneer, front-end styling, and powertrain at the time. Fast-forward to today, and we find an all-new Gladiator released for the 2020 model year. Other than one refresh for the 2024 model year, it's still in the same generation with many of the same specs and features as six years ago. 2020 Jeep Gladiator Powertrain Specs JeepWhen it was released for the 2020 model year, the Gladiator came with two engine options: a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that made 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, or a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 that made fewer horsepower but far more torque. Only the Pentastar had access to both transmission options — the 3.6L V6 came standard with a 6-speed manual, with the eight-speed automatic being optional. The diesel engine, on the other hand, came only with an 8-speed automatic transmission to handle its increased torque output. Used Jeep Gladiator vs New Toyota Tacoma Prices 2026 Toyota Tacoma Trims and Pricing ToyotaNew Tacoma pricing is a simple matter of choosing between gas-only trims and hybrid trims. Those without a hybrid powertrain are more affordable. In fact, the SR trim with the weakest version of its 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder starts at just $32,245 (before the $1,595 destination fee), and the most expensive non-hybrid is the Limited, which starts at $53,270.Upgrading to a hybrid system is how buyers will unlock the rugged Trailhunter and TRD Pro trims, which offer the most off-road capability. Unfortunately, they cost an arm and a leg at $63,450 and $64,450, respectively. The most premium variant you can buy is the Limited with a hybrid system, which is about $3,000 more than the gas-only Limited. 2020 Jeep Gladiator Current Values StellantisThe chart below shows the current used values for the 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 4x4. They don't necessarily represent the exact price you can expect to pay for one since used values vary. Factors that might affect the value include mileage, number of previous owners, cosmetic and mechanical condition, location, and more.That said, this model year of the Gladiator is far more affordable than the new Tacoma. You could spend around $33,000 on a base-model Tacoma, or spend less than that on a 2020 Gladiator Rubicon with four-wheel drive and plenty of bells and whistles. According to Kelley Blue Book, the 2020 Gladiator's private-party values range from $20,700 to $27,500, depending on the trim. The rugged Rubicon goes for a little more, averaging $32,594, according to the CarBuzz Marketplace. Towing and Hauling: Gladiator vs Tacoma ToyotaMost people would choose the Gladiator over the Tacoma for its impressive off-road features, but another selling point is its towing capacity. The 2026 Tacoma has a reasonable pulling capacity for a midsize truck at 6,500 pounds, but the Gladiator beats it with a maximum capacity of 7,650 pounds. On that note, the only midsize trucks that beat that today are the current GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado at 7,700 pounds. Nevertheless, the Gladiator can pull some fairly heavy trailers for its class. If you plan on building an overlander with tons of aftermarket equipment, a rooftop tent, and more, then consider the Tacoma for its superior payload capacity, though. 2020 Gladiator vs 2026 Tacoma Off-Road Features ToyotaBoth the Tacoma and Gladiator offer impressive off-road capability. Starting with the Tacoma, we find trims like the Trailhunter and the TRD Pro, which we mentioned earlier. These two models have the best chance of finishing the toughest trails out there. The TRD Pro trim comes with Fox internal bypass shocks with external reservoirs, unique IsoDynamic Performance front seats with a dampening system, 33-inch rugged-terrain tires, and more.For a different look, try the Trailhunter with these highlights: Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged monotube position-sensitive shocks with external reservoirs High-clearance front bumper Rock rails ARB steel rear bumper with recovery hooks 33-inch rugged-terrain tires High-mounted air intake Part-time four-wheel drive Every trim of the 2020 Gladiator is built for climbing over boulders, sailing over dunes, and crossing deep water. For the best possible outcome, choose the Sport, Overland, and Rubicon trims, which receive Jeep's "Trail Rated" badge. These models are equipped with features like this: Command-Trac 4x4 system with 2.72:1 crawl ratio standard on Sport and Overlandmodels Rock-Trac 4x4 system with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1 and Tru-Lok locking differentials standard on Rubicon models Skid plates and front and rear tow hooks Standard on Rubicon rear steel heavy-duty off-road rear bumper and available front steel winch-ready bumper with removable end caps Approach angle of 43.6 degrees, breakover angle of 20.3 degrees, departure angle of 26 degrees, and ground clearance of 11.1 inches Available 17-inch off-road wheels; Rubicon models get 33-inch tires standard Up to 30 inches of water fording In Summary: Save Some Money on a Gladiator StellantisA new Tacoma is enticing, especially if you have the budget for the Trailhunter or TRD Pro trims. But that's just the thing, you need to have a huge budget to afford the best trim levels. Those of you on a smaller budget can find examples of the 2020 Gladiator for less than half the cost of a new TRD Pro. The Rubicon trim comes with tons of standard off-road features like 33-inch tires, locking differentials, a steel bumper, and more. Sure, you'll have to take your chances in terms of reliability, but the Gladiator platform is ready to hit the trails from the get-go.