2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Toyota Tundra, with its somewhat awkward appearance, was a product of its time, originally developed in the mid-2000s. Its massive grille and small headlights gave it an oversized look, but the "Cement" paint colour and blacked-out wheels added a modern touch. Inside, the cabin was dated, dominated by hard plastics and monotone panels, yet it remained functional with all controls easily accessible. The Tundra's interior was not luxurious, but updates like the 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto kept it relevant.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 boasted a boxy, commanding exterior with chiseled details and a blunt nose. The Northsky Blue paint and chrome trim added to its appeal. However, the interior did not match the exterior's allure, with glossy plastics and inelegant control panels. Despite the lack of modern sophistication, the Silverado's cabin offered a sense of quality, though it fell short of its competitors in terms of finesse.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, provided strong acceleration and a towing capacity of 4,400 kilograms. While the Tundra's towing capacity was lower than some competitors, its ride comfort and stability on highways were commendable.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of engines, including the 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel in our test truck. This engine delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque, with impressive fuel efficiency of 9.6 L/100 km. The Silverado's towing capacity with the Duramax was 4,309 kilograms, but its maximum capabilities reached 6,033 kilograms with the 6.2-litre V8. The 10-speed automatic transmission and Z71 Off-Road Package enhanced the driving experience, though the standard suspension could be improved for better handling.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes, with the CrewMax providing ample space for passengers and cargo. The front seats were spacious, and the rear seats offered first-class legroom. Storage options were plentiful, though not as large as some competitors.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's crew cab was spacious, with supportive front seats and ample rear seat space. Storage was abundant, though not innovative, and the rear seatbacks included built-in storage. The Silverado's bed was the deepest and roomiest among competitors, with useful features like the CornerStep rear bumper and optional Multi-Flex tailgate.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra featured an updated infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system was user-friendly, with redundant hard buttons and multiple USB ports.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's infotainment system, though smaller than competitors, was impressive with quick response times and modern graphics. The LTZ trim offered a fully-featured system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system. The Silverado also offered a head-up display and numerous trailering technologies.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, including forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, and adaptive cruise control. It also featured eight airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 received a "Marginal" rating from the IIHS for front passenger protection and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. Safety features included forward collision alert, blind-spot monitoring, and a rearview camera. Optional features included adaptive cruise control and a Safety Alert Seat.