2020 Toyota Tundra vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was available in three models in Canada: SR, SR5, and Platinum, with various package configurations for the SR5 trim, including SX, TRD Off-road, and TRD Pro, among others. The Platinum model offered a 1794 Edition package. As you moved up the trim levels, the Tundra became more luxurious. It featured two cab styles, Double Cab and CrewMax, with three bed lengths depending on the cab and trim. Prices ranged from an MSRP of $40,650 to $63,190, excluding destination charges and options. The test model, a Toyota Tundra TRD Pro CrewMax with 4WD, was the most expensive version, sporting an exclusive Army Green colour and black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels, giving it a rugged, military-grade look. Inside, the TRD Pro featured black leather with red stitching and embroidery, though the interior was criticized for its industrial-grade plastic, which seemed out of place at higher price points.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered three cab styles, three bed lengths, and eight trim levels, each with a unique appearance. It came with six engine options paired with various automatic transmissions, with 4WD available and RWD standard. The test truck featured a crew cab, short bed, and LTZ trim, just below the top-tier High Country. It was equipped with a 3.0-litre inline-six turbodiesel engine, LTZ Premium Package, Technology Package, and a spray-in cargo bed liner, bringing the price to an estimated $75,838, including destination charges. The Silverado was praised for its attractive, boxy styling with Northsky Blue paint, chrome trim, and 20-inch polished aluminum wheels. However, the interior was criticized for its dated design, with glossy plastic, large panel joints, and small infotainment screens lacking finesse.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, delivering 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb-ft of torque at 3,600 rpm. It had a maximum towing capacity of 4,536 kilograms and a payload capacity of up to 784 kilograms, depending on the configuration. The TRD Pro model featured BBS forged aluminum wheels, heavy-duty Fox off-road shocks, a TRD-tuned dual exhaust system, and an aluminum skid plate. The V8 engine provided robust power, and the transmission was flawless, though the exhaust was loud. The Tundra's steering and brakes were satisfactory, and it had a tight turning radius. Fuel efficiency was unimpressive, with an average of 16.4 L/100 km during testing. The Tundra excelled on straight roads but struggled with wind noise at higher speeds and was challenging to maneuver on narrow roads.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a choice between a 6.2-litre Ecotec3 V8 engine and a 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel engine. The Duramax, priced at $1,995, was fuel-efficient, achieving 9.6 L/100 km in combined driving. It produced 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm. The Duramax's towing capacity was 4,309 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 848 kilograms. The Silverado's maximum towing and payload capacities were higher with other engine options. The turbodiesel was paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and an electronic Autotrac 4WD system. The Silverado's standard suspension provided a firm ride, but the Z71 Off-Road Package was recommended for better control and off-road capability. The Silverado's performance was generally smooth, but the suspension struggled on rough terrain.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, built in Texas, featured a spacious interior, with the CrewMax's rear seating area being particularly large. The front seats were leather-bound, supportive, and comfortable for long drives. Storage was abundant, except for the small glove compartment and limited backseat storage. The rear seat cushions flipped up for extra floor space. The Tundra's bed was basic, lacking advanced features like locking storage wells or multifunctional tailgates, emphasizing simplicity.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's crew cab offered a roomy interior with wide, supportive front seats featuring 10-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation. The test truck included a heated steering wheel. Storage was ample, with dual dashboard glove compartments, but lacked innovation. The rear seat accommodated three adults comfortably, with heated outboard seat cushions and a power sliding rear window. The Silverado's bed was deep and roomy, with useful features like CornerStep rear bumpers and tie-down hooks. The optional Multi-Flex tailgate offered six configurations, though the test truck had a remote power-down tailgate.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, though housed in hard plastic, was up-to-date. Lower trims had a 7-inch display, while higher trims featured an 8-inch screen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. The TRD Pro trim included dynamic navigation, voice recognition, SiriusXM, and a 12-speaker JBL audio system. The system had physical knobs and buttons but relied on touchscreen controls for some functions. The Tundra lacked advanced towing technology, offering only a reversing camera.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 featured 7-inch and 8-inch screens. The system was responsive, with modern graphics and standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The LTZ trim had an 8-inch HD display, wireless connectivity, SiriusXM, navigation, and a Bose sound system. The system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons. The Silverado offered a head-up display, rear camera mirror, and numerous trailering technologies, though they fell short compared to competitors.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra came with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. A blind-spot monitoring system was available. The Tundra's crash-test performance was lacking, with Marginal and Poor ratings from the IIHS for small-overlap frontal impacts. The NHTSA gave it more favourable ratings, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered safety features like forward collision alert, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. The IIHS rated it Marginal for front passenger protection in small-overlap frontal impacts, and the NHTSA gave it an overall four-star rating. The Silverado included a rearview camera, parking sensors, and a rear-seat reminder system. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a Safety Alert Seat.