I believe the RubiGlad is more capable than either Tacoma or 4Runner due to it's flexible solid axle suspension, locking diffs, disconnecting sway bar, and aggressive 33" tires. The fact that they designed it to fit 35's stock (even the spare) is pretty much what most are gonna run and that increases the clearance.
I also agree it is too expensive. I remember buying my first TJ in 2001 for $13k. These prices nowadays are silly.
Yes, I agree, there is no question that it is more capable in absolute terms and there may be parts of the country where it matters. It is also true that there are offroad scenarios where bigger is better, such as big open spaces and certain types of ledges and hills where the longer wheelbase adds stability.
However, I am questioning the practical use for that capability from the perspective of trails in states like Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Montana, and probably California as well.
Size would be a big issue on most of the harder trails in those states.
In addition, there is a difference between looks and reality. Looks are deceptive because size also requires more capability. So a TJ with minor mods can still run circles around big flashy pickups in the realities of the Southwest (yeah, the TJ won't cut it in Australia, that's for sure!).
A long wheelbase requires a lot of clearance to offset it hence the Gladiator ends up with about the same mediocre brakeover angle of a 4Runner, 20sh degrees despite everything else. More weight requires better traction and from what I can tell more height requires more traction, too.
The SFA front is a big deal in many cases, sure, but if the vehicle is too big, it won't matter what front it has
So, I am not sold on the practicality of the Gladiator Rubicon.
Now, 70-series Land Cruisers are definitely super practical in Australia or Africa, etc.
Lastly, there is too much talk about capability on the internet. A TRD 4Runner or Tacoma has all the capability needed to get on most difficult Southwestern trails that involve getting out and seeing things. With very few exceptions, the trails that actually require Rubicon capability are driven for the sake of driving and nothing else. They are driven for the sport alone. In which case the 2dr Wrangler is the winner among new vehicles and old trucks with giant lifts and welded differentials are best for the truly extreme trails of which we have some really amazing ones right around Phoenix (more than Moab). The same should be true of offroad parks in the eastern half of the country. Aren't old modded trucks and purpose-build crawlers the best for those?
I don't mind the Gladiator Rubicon one little bit, it is a welcome addition. It is just that I personally like products that have perfectly matching characteristics. The JLU has proven to be able to get the job done on some seriously tight trails. But the Gladiator adds another 20" of wheelbase or so.
