2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2021 Toyota Tacoma

2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
$29,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
$29,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP

$26,400

MSRP

$29,300

Listings

372

Listings

1267

Ratings & Reviews

User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Expert reviews

5.5 out of 10

Pros

  • Manual transmission available

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Excellent off-road capability

Cons

  • Sluggish performance

  • Poor handling

  • Underwhelming base engine

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Multiple body styles

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Poor fuel economy

2021 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, The Tacoma once dominated midsize-truck sales. In recent years, though, it’s faced stronger competition from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Ford Ranger, and the Jeep Gladiator. A redesigned Nissan Frontier and heavily-updated Honda Ridgeline are also on the way.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma enters the 2021 model year largely unchanged. The only updates are two new special editions—the Nightshade Edition and Trail Special Edition—and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models.

Pickup truck buyers tend to want choices, and Toyota delivers. The Tacoma is available with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and six trim levels— SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro—plus the two special editions.

Our test vehicle was a Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab. The TRD Pro is the most off-road focused of the Tacoma models, so naturally, it gets standard 4WD drive. While Toyota does offer a more comfort-oriented Tacoma Limited model, the TRD Pro is also positioned at the top of the lineup.

Search for a Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Reviews Summary

Brand loyalty runs rampant among truck owners, explaining how the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado has retained its status as the second most popular vehicle in America despite the arguable need for improvement. Well, that, and big, juicy rebates to keep ‘em moving off dealership lots. This is a fundamentally sound truck, but it needs greater attention to the details. Perhaps that will happen with a rumored makeover for the 2022 model year.
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine

2.7L 159 hp I4

Engine

4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

4

Seating Capacity

3

Horsepower

159 hp @ 5200 rpm

Horsepower

MPG City

20

MPG City

16

MPG Highway

23

MPG Highway

21
2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
$29,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
$29,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

Overview

MSRP
$26,400
$29,300
Listings

Ratings & Reviews

User reviews

4.9

4.6

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10

Read full review

5.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons

Pros

  • Manual transmission available

  • Easy-to-use technology

  • Excellent off-road capability

Cons

  • Sluggish performance

  • Poor handling

  • Underwhelming base engine

Pros

  • Multiple powertrain options

  • Multiple body styles

  • Easy-to-use technology

Cons

  • Interior materials feel cheap

  • Poor fuel economy

Summary

Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, The Tacoma once dominated midsize-truck sales. In recent years, though, it’s faced stronger competition from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Ford Ranger, and the Jeep Gladiator. A redesigned Nissan Frontier and heavily-updated Honda Ridgeline are also on the way.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma enters the 2021 model year largely unchanged. The only updates are two new special editions—the Nightshade Edition and Trail Special Edition—and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models.

Pickup truck buyers tend to want choices, and Toyota delivers. The Tacoma is available with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and six trim levels— SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro—plus the two special editions.

Our test vehicle was a Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab. The TRD Pro is the most off-road focused of the Tacoma models, so naturally, it gets standard 4WD drive. While Toyota does offer a more comfort-oriented Tacoma Limited model, the TRD Pro is also positioned at the top of the lineup.

Search for a Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus

Brand loyalty runs rampant among truck owners, explaining how the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado has retained its status as the second most popular vehicle in America despite the arguable need for improvement. Well, that, and big, juicy rebates to keep ‘em moving off dealership lots. This is a fundamentally sound truck, but it needs greater attention to the details. Perhaps that will happen with a rumored makeover for the 2022 model year.
Video
No video found

Popular Features & Specs

Engine
2.7L 159 hp I4
4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
4
3
Horsepower
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
20
16
MPG Highway
23
21
Look and feel

2021 Toyota Tacoma

8/10

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

8/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Toyota Tacoma as 8 out of 10 and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as 6 out of 10. The Tacoma boasts a classic truck look with rugged styling elements like boxy fender flares, a tall hood, and a shield-like grille. In contrast, the Silverado offers a chiseled and purposeful appearance with shiny chrome accents and a commanding presence.
Picture of 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Picture of 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Performance

2021 Toyota Tacoma

7/10

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

7/10
CarGurus experts rate both the 2021 Toyota Tacoma and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 as 7 out of 10 for performance. The Tacoma offers two engine options, a 2.7-liter four-cylinder and a 3.5-liter V6, with off-road capable TRD models. The Silverado boasts a powerful 6.2-liter V8 and a fuel-efficient Duramax turbodiesel option for impressive towing and payload capacities.
Form and function

2021 Toyota Tacoma

6/10

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

7/10
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma offers limited interior space but does have some unique storage options like in-bed rail systems. Meanwhile, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 provides a spacious cabin with plenty of storage areas and a roomy rear seat.
Technology

2021 Toyota Tacoma

6/10

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

6/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2021 Toyota Tacoma and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 both as 6 out of 10 for technology. The Tacoma features functional infotainment systems with various connectivity options, while the Silverado offers quick response times, wireless smartphone integration, and available advanced safety technologies like a head-up display and multiple cameras.
Safety

2021 Toyota Tacoma

7/10

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

3/10
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma receives positive safety ratings from both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), offering a good array of driver-assist features. On the other hand, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 falls short in crash tests and lacks some advanced safety features compared to competitors.

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

CarGurus experts evaluated the 2021 Toyota Tacoma and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in the context of their own classes. The 2021 Tacoma averaged 6.5 points out of 10, while the 2021 Silverado 1500 averaged 5.5. Considering the higher rating, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is the preferred choice overall.

Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if:

5.5of 10overall
  • You prefer a truck with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo options.
  • You are interested in a cost-effective turbodiesel engine option.
  • You prioritize a larger and roomier truck with robust towing capacities.
1267 results
See all

Choose the 2021 Toyota Tacoma if:

6.5of 10overall
  • You value rugged styling and off-road capability in a midsize truck.
  • You prioritize reliability and free scheduled maintenance.
  • You want a versatile truck with unique styling features.
372 results
See all

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

CarGurus experts evaluated the 2021 Toyota Tacoma and the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in the context of their own classes. The 2021 Tacoma averaged 6.5 points out of 10, while the 2021 Silverado 1500 averaged 5.5. Considering the higher rating, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is the preferred choice overall.

Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if:

Shop Now
5.5of 10overall
  • You prefer a truck with a spacious cabin and versatile cargo options.
  • You are interested in a cost-effective turbodiesel engine option.
  • You prioritize a larger and roomier truck with robust towing capacities.
1267 results

Choose the 2021 Toyota Tacoma if:

Shop Now
6.5of 10overall
  • You value rugged styling and off-road capability in a midsize truck.
  • You prioritize reliability and free scheduled maintenance.
  • You want a versatile truck with unique styling features.
372 results

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By: CarGurus + AI

At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.

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