New England is ripe for off-roading, whether you’re heading to the mountainous Live-Free-Or-Die state of New Hampshire or spend your summers on the sandy beaches of Cape Cod. As such, drivers in Newton looking for a ride that can take them from playtime back to their city commute need a versatile vehicle that doesn’t skimp on off-road ability.
While the 2017 Jeep Wrangler and the 2017 Toyota Tacoma don’t have much in common at first glance, Toyota’s marketing of the TRD Pro model as the ultimate all-terrain vehicle have many wondering whether it can compare with Jeep’s off-road juggernaut. Well, we’re here to answer that question. Here’s our one-to-one comparison:
Performance
Jeep Wrangler
First and foremost, the Wrangler was designed for the outdoorsy type. It has best-in-class ground clearance and Trail Rated badging, which means its crushed performance tests in traction, articulation, maneuverability, ground clearance, and water fording. Plus, the Rubicon model is outfitted with Rock-Trac 4x4 System that delivers more control and torque at the wheels, and has a 4:1 low-gear ratio and crawl speed that help it climb over boulders and descend steep inclines with ease. Tru-Lok locking differentials keep your Wrangler balanced and ensure steady traction, while heavy-duty, adaptable suspension let you stay grounded and stable even in tough conditions.
The Wrangler is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission with Autostick for manual control when needed. The powertrain makes 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, the Wrangler has a best-in-class towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, as well as standard trailer sway control.
Toyota Tacoma
Only the TRD models (Off-Road and Pro) are equipped with specially designed off-road features, so if this is your main draw, look past the base to the upper trim levels. The 2017 Tacoma Off Road is equipped with a locking rear differential, Crawl Control, off-road tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, and rear wheel drive, with the option to upgrade to all-wheel drive. The 4X4 models also include Multi-Terrain Select, which lets you choose between five modes to regulate wheelspin for optimal traction off-road. The Tacoma TRD Pro adds a V6 Tow Package, cat-back exhaust, internal bypass shocks with rear remote reservoirs, and active traction control. All-wheel drive is optional on the Tacoma.
There are two engine options on the 2017 Tacoma and, again, the base doesn’t hold a candle to the Wrangler’s. It’s a 2.7-liter inline-4 that makes 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. Upper trim models are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The Tacoma has a 3,500-lb towing capacity.
Pricing
JeepWrangler
Starting at $23,996 MSRP
Toyota Tacoma
Starting at $24,320 MSRP (TRD models start at $31,940 MSRP)