2022 Toyota Tundra vs 2021 GMC Sierra 1500

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was a popular choice for those who valued style and luxury in their trucks, particularly with the upscale Denali trim. The Denali was often compared to a Mercedes in truck circles, offering a sense of prestige. For those who preferred a less flashy option, other variants of the Sierra could still be customized to reach a similar price point. The Sierra AT4, priced at approximately $78,938 Canadian, was the off-road-ready version, featuring a factory-installed suspension lift, off-road suspension, and unique design elements like red front recovery hooks. The truck's aggressive mud-terrain tires and CarbonPro Edition Package, which included a carbon fibre composite cargo bed, highlighted its adventurous intent. Inside, the Sierra's cabin was dominated by black plastic with some caramel seat trim, offering standard Sierra quality with an industrial-themed design.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Tundra marked the beginning of its third generation, with a complete redesign that included every part of the truck. The Tundra's exterior featured a dynamic and expressive look, with a large hexagonal grille and various trim-specific finishes. The TRD Pro trim stood out with retro "TOYOTA" badging and a technical camo pattern. The interior followed the trend of premium materials and amenities, with a 14-inch touchscreen display standard on higher trims. The Tundra aimed to be a versatile adventure vehicle, with cohesive design elements linking the exterior and interior. The new Tundra was a significant upgrade from its predecessor, offering a more modern and refined experience.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a Duramax 3.0-litre turbodiesel six-cylinder engine as an affordable option, priced at $1,995 Canadian. This engine produced 277 horsepower at 3,750 rpm and 460 pound-feet of torque at just 1,500 rpm, matching the torque of the available 6.2-litre V8 but at a much lower rpm. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Duramax provided smooth gear changes and efficient power delivery. The Sierra's automatic 4WD system was user-friendly, allowing for easy transitions between RWD and 4WD modes. During testing, the Sierra demonstrated impressive traction and averaged a fuel economy of 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres, slightly higher than the official rating. The AT4's off-road suspension handled rough terrain with ease, and the truck's towing capacity reached up to 4,173 kilograms when properly equipped.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra introduced two new engines, moving away from the previous 5.7-litre V8. The base i-Force engine, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V6, delivered 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain combined the V6 with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Tundra's fuel consumption was rated at 11.8 litres per 100 kilometres for RWD models and 12.2 litres for 4WD and hybrid versions. The new chassis and suspension improved handling, with a multi-link rear suspension providing a more comfortable ride. The Tundra excelled in off-road conditions, especially with the TRD Off-Road package, and offered a towing capacity of up to 5,443 kilograms.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 provided ample seating comfort, with large, supportive front seats and spacious rear seats. The test truck featured durable leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, and heated and cooled cushions. Rear passengers enjoyed heated seats and air conditioning vents. The Sierra's innovative six-position Multipro tailgate and CarbonPro Edition cargo bed enhanced functionality, with a bed capacity ranging from 1,781 to 2,523 litres. However, interior storage space was less impressive compared to other full-size pickups, with limited innovative storage solutions.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra offered Double Cab and CrewMax configurations, both accommodating five passengers. The CrewMax provided generous rear legroom of 1,057 millimetres, while the Double Cab offered 846 millimetres. The Tundra's aluminum-reinforced composite bed was available in various lengths, maintaining payload capacity and resisting damage. The truck's towing capacity reached 5,443 kilograms, with standard trailer sway control and TOW/HAUL mode. Inside, the Tundra prioritized smart storage solutions, such as a sliding tray in the centre armrest and a conveniently placed 12-volt power tap. These thoughtful design elements enhanced the Tundra's practicality and user-friendliness.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a range of camera-based technologies, including a surround-view camera, trailer-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror, enhancing visibility and maneuverability. The optional Technology Package included a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The Sierra's infotainment system offered a choice between a 7-inch and an 8-inch touchscreen, with fast loading times and responsive controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The available Bose premium sound system was adequate but not as impressive as competitors' offerings.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra introduced a new infotainment system, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on lower trims and a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. A 12-speaker JBL premium audio system was available on upper grades. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all models, along with Toyota Connected services and Safety Connect. The Tundra offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel on upper trims and a 10.1-inch head-up display on Platinum models. Off-road enthusiasts benefited from the multi-terrain select system and multi-terrain monitor system, enhancing the Tundra's off-road capabilities.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered optional safety features such as forward collision warning, front pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning were standard on the Denali trim. Adaptive cruise control was available on higher trims, providing smooth operation. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were less than stellar, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS for certain tests. The upcoming 2022 model was expected to include GM's Super Cruise technology, potentially improving safety features.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, offering a comprehensive suite of driver assistance features, including a pre-collision system, dynamic radar cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The Star Safety System was also standard, providing enhanced vehicle stability control and traction control. The Tundra featured eight airbags and LATCH connectors for child safety seats. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available on most trims. While crash-test ratings were not yet available, the Tundra's extensive safety features provided peace of mind for drivers.