2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2020 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Toyota Tundra was available in three models in Canada: SR, SR5, and Platinum, with various package configurations for the SR5 trim, including the TRD Off-road and TRD Pro. The Tundra offered a rugged appearance, especially in the TRD Pro trim, which featured a distinctive Army Green colour and black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels. Inside, the TRD Pro was equipped with black leather seats with red stitching, though the interior was criticized for its industrial-grade plastic, which seemed out of place at higher price points. The Tundra's design was considered aged but functional, with a focus on durability over luxury.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was noted for its styling and upscale Denali trim level, which was comparable to a luxury brand. The Sierra AT4, an off-road-ready version, was priced at $78,938 and featured a factory-installed suspension lift, off-road suspension, and unique design elements like red front recovery hooks. The Sierra's interior, while equipped with durable leather, lacked a sense of luxury, but offered features like heated and cooled front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Sierra's design was more modern, with a focus on off-road capability and a range of option packages to enhance its functionality.

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 trim featured BBS forged aluminum wheels, heavy-duty Fox off-road shocks, and a TRD-tuned dual exhaust system, which provided a robust sound but could be loud for bystanders. The Tundra's fuel efficiency was unimpressive, averaging 16.4 L/100 km, but it offered a large 144-litre fuel tank for extended range.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder engine, producing 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 460 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Sierra provided smooth gear changes and impressive fuel economy, averaging 11.1 L/100 km during testing. The Sierra's off-road capabilities were enhanced by its AT4 suspension, which handled tough terrain with ease. The Sierra's towing capacity was up to 4,173 kilograms, with a payload capacity of 962 kilograms, making it a capable workhorse for towing and hauling.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's interior was spacious, with a Texas-sized rear seating area in the CrewMax model. The front seats were large and comfortable, but storage options were limited, with a small glove compartment and few practical storage spots in the backseat. The Tundra's bed was basic, lacking advanced features like locking storage wells or multifunctional tailgates, emphasizing simplicity over innovation.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered comfortable seating with power adjustments and heated and cooled cushions in the front seats. The rear seats were spacious, with heated outboard seats and rear air conditioning vents. The Sierra's CarbonPro Edition package added a carbon fibre composite cargo bed, which improved durability and reduced weight. The Sierra's bed was more accommodating than most competitors, with up to 12 cargo tie-downs and a range of innovative features like the Multipro tailgate and rear bumper steps for easy access.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra featured an infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch display, offering Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and USB ports. The TRD Pro trim included a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system and dynamic navigation, but the system's design was outdated, with small touchscreen buttons that could be challenging to use while driving. The Tundra lacked advanced towing technology, relying on a basic reversing camera.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a robust infotainment system with a choice of 7-inch or 8-inch displays, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Sierra's Technology Package included a surround-view camera, trailer-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror, enhancing visibility and maneuverability. The Sierra's voice recognition technology was praised for its accuracy, and the available Bose premium sound system provided adequate audio quality. The Sierra's 115-volt in-dash electrical outlet and WiFi hotspot were useful for maintaining connectivity during power outages.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra came standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite, including a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane departure alert. However, its crash-test performance was lacking, with Marginal and Poor ratings in small-overlap frontal-impact tests from the IIHS. The NHTSA gave the Tundra more favourable ratings, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection.

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 in the Denali trim. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were mixed, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and Marginal ratings for front passenger protection in IIHS tests. The Sierra's LATCH anchors were rated Marginal for accessibility, and its headlights received a Poor rating.