2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2020 Toyota Tacoma

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was a pickup that embraced simplicity and functionality over flashy aesthetics. While it didn't boast the striking looks of some of its competitors, it maintained a clean and straightforward design. The Tacoma's body, available in both extended Access and four-door Double Cab forms, was rounded yet retained enough angular lines to assert its ruggedness. The TRD Pro package added a touch of flair with redesigned LED headlights, a bold grille, and a distinctive Army Green paint option. Inside, the Tacoma's interior mirrored its exterior's straightforwardness, with a modestly sized touchscreen and durable materials, though it lacked the luxurious feel some might expect for its price.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was all about making a statement, especially with its upscale Denali trim. The Sierra's AT4 variant, priced at nearly $79,000 Canadian, was designed for off-road adventures, featuring a factory-installed suspension lift, skid plates, and aggressive mud-terrain tires. The truck's black-on-black aesthetic was striking but impractical for a vehicle meant to get dirty. Inside, the Sierra offered spacious seating with durable leather, though it lacked the luxury one might expect. The cabin was functional, with heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents, but it didn't quite match the innovation seen in some competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came 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 decent power for off-road adventures. The Tacoma offered a six-speed manual transmission option for those seeking more control, along with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control for challenging terrains. However, on paved roads, the Tacoma's performance was less impressive, with slow steering and a noisy V6 engine. Fuel efficiency was a downside, with ratings of 13.0 L/100 km in the city and 10.5 on the highway. Despite these drawbacks, the Tacoma excelled in off-road capabilities, boasting a towing capacity of 2,950 kilograms.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500, on the other hand, offered a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel engine, producing 277 horsepower and an impressive 460 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided smooth and efficient power delivery. The Sierra's automatic four-wheel-drive system was user-friendly, and the truck maintained good traction in various weather conditions. Fuel economy was commendable, with an average of 11.1 L/100 km during testing. The Sierra's suspension handled rough terrain with ease, making it a capable off-road vehicle. With a towing capacity of 4,173 kilograms, the Sierra was well-suited for heavy-duty tasks.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's compact size was a significant advantage, making it easier to navigate city streets and fit into standard garages. Its bed, available in 5- or 6-foot lengths, featured a rail system with movable cleats for securing cargo. However, the rear seats in the Double Cab were cramped for long journeys, and the lack of a rear defroster was a drawback. Despite these limitations, the Tacoma's practicality and ease of use made it a popular choice for urban and off-road adventures.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with large front seats and ample rear seating for three adults. The test truck featured heated and cooled front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rear air conditioning vents. The Sierra's innovative six-position Multipro tailgate and CarbonPro Edition cargo bed added functionality and durability. However, the interior storage space was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups, and the leather seats lacked a luxurious feel. Despite these shortcomings, the Sierra's practicality and versatility made it a strong contender in the full-size truck segment.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a straightforward and intuitive infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 8-inch version with navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility were standard, along with a USB-C port and available wireless charging. The Tacoma also offered a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams, though some modern conveniences like a proximity key were optional.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 boasted advanced camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera and a rear camera mirror, enhancing visibility and maneuverability. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The Sierra's infotainment system, available with a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, was fast and responsive, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The available Bose premium sound system was adequate but not exceptional compared to competitors.

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

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional safety features like forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking, with blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning included on higher trims. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were less impressive, with a 4-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS in certain tests. The upcoming 2022 model was expected to improve safety features with the addition of GM's Super Cruise technology.