2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was a pickup that embraced simplicity and functionality over flashy aesthetics. Its design was clean and straightforward, with a body that was rounded enough to avoid the boxy look of a Jeep, yet still maintained the rugged lines expected of a truck. The Tacoma's TRD Pro package added a touch of flair with redesigned LED headlights, a bold grille, and a striking Army Green paint option. Despite these enhancements, the Tacoma's interior remained utilitarian, with a straightforward dash and a modest touchscreen. The materials used were durable but not luxurious, reflecting the truck's focus on practicality rather than opulence.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a more commanding presence with its boxy, chiseled exterior and a tall, purposeful stance. The Northsky Blue paint and chrome trim added a touch of elegance, while the 20-inch polished aluminum wheels enhanced its visual appeal. However, the interior of the Silverado fell short of expectations, with a design that felt outdated and lacked the finesse of its competitors. Despite the presence of silver accent trim, the cabin's glossy plastic and large panel joints detracted from the overall sense of quality, leaving it feeling less sophisticated than one might hope for in a modern pickup.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive, provided a robust powertrain for off-road adventures. The Tacoma also offered a six-speed manual transmission option for those seeking more control, complete with features like Clutch Start Cancel and hill start assist. However, the Tacoma's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow steering and a V6 engine that struggled to keep up with traffic without engaging the "ECT PWR" button. Fuel efficiency was a downside, with the V6 consuming 13.0 litres per 100 kilometres in the city and 11.9 combined.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, on the other hand, offered a range of engine options, including the impressive 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel. This engine provided 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, delivering smooth acceleration and excellent fuel efficiency at 9.6 L/100 km in combined driving. The Silverado's towing capacity was increased to 4,309 kilograms, although it fell short of the maximum capabilities offered by other engine options. The 10-speed automatic transmission paired with the Duramax engine ensured seamless power delivery, while the Z71 Off-Road Package enhanced the truck's suspension for better handling on rough terrain.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's compact size made it a practical choice for urban environments, offering easy parking and maneuverability. Its bed, while shallow, featured a rail system with movable cleats for securing cargo, and optional power outlets and LED lighting. The Double Cab's rear seats were suitable for short trips but lacked comfort for longer journeys. Storage options were limited, and the absence of a rear defroster was a notable drawback. Despite these limitations, the Tacoma's design prioritized functionality, making it a versatile option for both city and off-road use.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 provided a spacious interior with wide, supportive front seats and ample rear seat space. The Silverado's cabin offered numerous storage compartments, although they lacked innovation and size compared to competitors. The truck's bed was the deepest and roomiest among its peers, featuring useful tie-down hooks and an optional Multi-Flex tailgate. However, the Silverado's interior design felt dated, and the lack of locking storage options was a missed opportunity for added security.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a straightforward and intuitive infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 8-inch version. The system included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, as well as a USB-C port and available wireless charging. While the Tacoma's infotainment interface was functional and fast, it lacked some modern conveniences like a proximity key and auto-dimming rear-view mirror, which were optional.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 boasted the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3, with quick loading times and modern graphics. The system offered Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, along with a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The LTZ trim featured a larger 8-inch HD display, wireless smartphone integration, and a Bose premium sound system. Despite these features, the Bose speakers were underwhelming, and the Silverado's trailering technologies fell short compared to competitors. The available head-up display and rear camera mirror added convenience, but the overall technology package lacked the refinement found in rival trucks.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring was optional. The Tacoma received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in most crash tests.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, however, received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for front passenger protection in a small-overlap collision. The NHTSA awarded it a four-star overall rating, with similar results for frontal-impact tests. The Silverado offered a range of safety features, including forward collision alert and blind-spot monitoring, but lacked advanced options like stop-and-go adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance.