2026 Toyota Tacoma vs. the Competition

When Toyota introduced its truck in the U.S., the Nissan pickup (then branded as a Datsun) was already here, and the two have had one of the longest rivalries in the U.S. automotive industry. Since their early days, both models evolved into mid-size trucks with many more features and amenities. The two trucks have since diverged in what they offer, particularly regarding powertrains and model diversity. All Frontiers have a 310-hp 3.8-liter V-6 powertrain, and both two- and four-wheel drive variants are available. Like the Tacoma, the Frontier offers both 5-foot and 6-foot beds with its large 4-door cab.

• Unlike the single engine offered by the Frontier, Tacoma’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder offers three power levels: 228 horsepower for the SR, 278 for the SR5 and the rest of the non-electrified models, and 326 for the hybrid powertrain.
• The Tacoma SR5 engine’s peak torque is 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm, compared to the Frontier’s 281 @ 4400 rpm. Thus, it provides more power at a lower, more accessible rpm. 
• When torque is paramount, the Tacoma hybrid powertrain delivers 465 lb-ft. By comparison, the Frontier’s only available powertrain produces 281 lb-ft.
• The transmissions of both trucks are very similar: the Tacoma has an 8-speed automatic transmission, and the Frontier has a 9-speed automatic transmission.  Both transmissions allow the driver to engage a “manual” mode that directly control gear changes.
• The Tacoma offers superior city/highway/combined fuel economy. The EPA estimates that 4×2 non-hybrid models get up to 21/26/23 MPG city/ highway/ combined, compared with 19/24/21 MPG city/ highway/ combined for the Frontier.
• It is similar for 4×4 models, with the non-hybrid Tacoma 4×4 EPA-rated at 20/23/21 MPG city/ highway/ combined, respectively, compared to up to 19/17/20 MPG for the 4×4 Frontier. The Tacoma Hybrid drivetrain (4×4 only) is rated at 22/24/23 MPG city/ highway combined.
• The Tacoma offers more room for rear passengers, with 0.5 inches more rear legroom (33.7 vs. 33.2 inches) and about 2.5 inches more hip room (56.3 vs. 53.7 inches).
• The Tacoma SR5 and other non-off-road-focused models offer greater ground clearance than the Frontier (11.0 inches vs. 8.9 inches) across both 4×4 and 4×2 models.
• The Tacoma’s 5-foot bed is slightly longer than the Frontier’s (60.3 vs. 59.5 inches).
• The Tacoma SR5 has a greater payload capacity than the comparable Frontier SV (1,510 vs. 1,480 lb.). 
• The Tacoma offers 11 different grades to suit your taste, including six gas-only and five hybrid models, while the Frontier offers only four trim levels.
• The Tacoma will likely retain a higher resale value over its lifespan. Based on Kelley Blue Book, the Tacoma is expected to retain 63.0% of its value after five years compared to 48.7% for the Frontier.

After leaving the North American compact/midsize pickup market in 2012, Ford returned to the segment in 2019 with a revived Ranger, this time using a version of the midsize truck it was already selling elsewhere around the world. The Ranger was completely redesigned for the 2024 model year, and is now available with three engine offerings. Most trims are available with either a 270-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-4, or 315-hp 2.7-liter turbocharged V-6. The off-road-focused Raptor is powered by a 405-hp 3.0-liter V6.

• The Tacoma offers a 6.1-bed with its 4-door Double Cab, while the Ranger only offers a 5-foot bed. 
• When rear seats are not a priority, the Tacoma offers its Xtracab, while the Ranger is only available as a 4-door.
• The Ranger’s 2.3-liter four-cylinder produces slightly less horsepower (278 horsepower vs. 270) and less torque (317 lb-ft versus 310) than the Tacoma SR-5 and above non-hybrid 2.4-liter turbocharged engine.
• For the above-mentioned engines, the peak torque of the Tacoma arrives at just 1,700 rpm compared to 3,000 for the Ranger.
• Despite greater power, the Tacoma 2.4-liter turbocharged non-hybrid engine provides slightly better EPA-estimated highway fuel economy of 26 MPG compared to 25 for the Ranger on 4×2 models.
• On both 4×4 and 4X2 models, the Tacoma SR5 and other non-off-road-focused models provide greater ground clearance than the non-off-road-focused Ranger models (11.0 inches versus 8.7).
• Rear passengers in the Tacoma enjoy more shoulder room (57.8 inches versus 56.7) and hip room (56.3 inches versus 54.1) than in the Ranger. 
• The Tacoma comes standard with the convenience of a 60/40 split-folding rear seatback, while the Ranger has a single-piece fold-down rear seatback. 
• Convenience features like adaptive cruise control and keyless ignition are standard on the Tacoma SR5 but optional on the Ranger XLT.
• The Tacoma can be expected to have higher resale value. Based on Kelley Blue Book, the Tacoma is expected to retain 63% to 72% of its value after five years compared to 53.4% for the Ranger.

In 2003, the Colorado replaced the S-10, which replaced the Isuzu-built Chevrolet LUV from the 1970s. The Colorado did not have a 2013 model but returned with a new design in 2014. Ten years later, this was repeated with no 2023 model but a return with a 2024 redesigned model that has remained largely unchanged for 2026. All Colorado models are powered by a 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in three available states of tune. Unless otherwise specified, Comparisons are between the Tacoma SR5 4-door/5-foot bed 4×4 and the Colorado TrailBoss. Most of these comparisons will also apply to the GMC Canyon.

• The Tacoma offers a choice of an XtraCab and a four-door Double Cab, while the Colorado is only available with the four-door Crew Cab.
• With its configuration matched to the Colorado’s 4-door cab and 5-foot bed, Tacoma Double Cab models are very close in exterior size with the same 10-ft. 11-inch wheelbase and 17 ft 9-inch overall length.
• The most powerful Colorado powertrain falls short of the most potent Tacoma powertrain in both horsepower (326 horsepower versus 310) and torque (465 lb-ft versus 430) 
• Outside of the most off-road-focused models, the Tacoma enjoys a greater ground clearance of 11.0 inches compared to 9.5 inches for the Colorado.
• When comparing non-off-road-focused models, the Tacoma SR5 has a greater approach angle than the Colorado TrailBoss (32.5º versus 30.5º) and a greater break-over angle (24.7º versus 21.0º). In contrast, the departure angles are very similar (22.2º versus  22.4º).
• Rear passengers in the Tacoma enjoy more shoulder room (57.8 inches versus 56.1) and hip room (56.3 inches versus 53.1) than in the Colorado.
• The Tacoma SR5 has standard convenience and safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, which are optional on the Colorado Trail Boss.
• The Tacoma can be expected to have higher resale value. Based on Kelley Blue Book, the Tacoma is expected to retain 63.0% of its value after five years compared to 45% for the Colorado. 

Launched in 2019 as a 2020 model, the Gladiator is a variant of the four-door Wrangler. All models have 4×4 drivetrains, a 4-door cab, and a 5-foot bed. Power primarily comes from a 3.6-liter V-6, though a plug-in hybrid model is expected later in the 2025 model year. All Gladiators are focused on off-road ability, which is good off the pavement, but they exhibit many of the same ride, handling, and noise issues on the pavement as the Wrangler. The SR5 Double Cab with a 5-foot bed and 4WD is the most comparable model to the base Gladiator Sport.

• The Gladiator’s V6 has slightly more horsepower than the Tacoma’s turbocharged inline-4 in the SR-5 and above (278 horsepower versus 285) but significantly less torque (317 lb-ft versus 260 lb-ft). 
• Not only is it greater, but the Tacoma’s peak torque arrives at just 1,700 rpm, compared to 4,400 for the Gladiator.
• MotorTrend found that the Tacoma had noticeably quicker acceleration in 0 – 60 (7.2 vs 8.7 seconds) and the quarter mile (15.5 seconds @ 91.2 MPH versus 16.5 @ 83.4 MPH). 
• Both models feature 8-speed automatic transmissions with manual shift modes
• The non-hybrid 4×4 Tacoma is rated two MPG higher than the Gladiator across the board: 19/ 24 / 21 MPG city/ highway/ combined versus 17 / 22 / 19 MPG in the Gladiator. 
• The Tacoma has a higher ground of 11.0 inches compared to 10 inches for the Gladiator. 
• The Gladiator offers a greater approach angle (32.5º versus 40.8º) and departure angle (22.2º versus 25.0º) but a noticeably lower break-over angle (24.7º versus 18.4º). 
• The Tacoma has a greater base towing capacity of 6,400 lb. than the Gladiator, which has a 4,500 lb. capacity.
• Car and Driver found the Tacoma’s braking distances from 70 to 0 mph were considerably shorter than those of the Gladiator (171 feet versus 194).
• Compared to the Jeep Gladiator’s heavier, non-independent solid front axle, the Tacoma’s independent front suspension improves its highway ride and handling.
• Rear passengers in the Tacoma enjoy more shoulder room (57.8 inches versus 55.7) and hip room (56.3 inches versus 55.3) than in the Gladiator.
• The Tacoma is at the top of the category in resale value, while the Gladiator is at the bottom according to Kelley Blue Book