2022 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Toyota Tundra was a truck that carried a somewhat awkward aesthetic, a relic of its mid-2000s origins. Its massive grille and small headlights created a peculiar oversized appearance. Despite its dated design, the Tundra managed to incorporate modern touches, such as the "Cement" paint colour and blacked-out wheels, which gave it a more contemporary look. Inside, the cabin was a mix of old and new, with hard plastics and monotone panels reminiscent of mid-2010s truck styling. However, the layout was intuitive, with all controls within easy reach, making it user-friendly compared to more modern competitors like the Ram 1500. The Tundra's interior was not luxurious, but it was updated with a 7-inch infotainment system featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, crucial for tech-savvy drivers.

In contrast, the 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 presented a more aggressive and modern exterior, with a larger and more intimidating presence. The updated grille and split-C headlights gave it a seamless and precise look. The Denali and Denali Ultimate trims featured unique grille designs, with the latter boasting dark-coloured "Vader bars" inserts. The Sierra's interior was where the most significant changes occurred, with a redesigned dash that felt more spacious and luxurious. The AT4X and Denali Ultimate trims elevated the cabin experience with premium materials like full-grain leather and open-pore wood. The Sierra's interior was a blend of luxury and functionality, with ample storage and a focus on driver-oriented ergonomics, although the low placement of screens and controls could be a minor inconvenience.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra was powered by a 5.7-litre V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering a traditional shifter design that was intuitive to use. The Tundra's towing capacity was 4,400 kilograms (9,700 pounds), which was lower than some competitors like the Ford F-150. Despite its lower towing capacity, the Tundra provided a comfortable ride, with strong acceleration and a stable feel on the highway. Its four-wheel-drive system with low range was standard in Canada, making it capable in various driving conditions.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a range of engine options, including a 2.7L turbo four-cylinder, a 3.0-litre Duramax turbo-diesel inline-six, a 5.3-litre V8, and a 6.2L Ecotec3 V8. The turbo-four produced 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque, while the diesel engine delivered 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque. The Sierra's towing capacity varied depending on the engine and configuration, with the diesel engine offering a best-in-class rating of up to 5,987 kilograms (13,200 pounds) for 2WD models. The Sierra's ride was smooth and comfortable, with the Denali Ultimate trim providing a luxurious driving experience. The AT4X trim was designed for off-road adventures, with features like Multimatic DSSV dampers and e-locking differentials, making it capable in challenging terrains.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes, with the CrewMax providing a spacious interior. The CrewMax's rear seats offered ample legroom, even with the front seats pushed back, and could be folded up for additional cargo space. The front seats were roomy, with a large centre console and multiple storage compartments. However, the door trays and cup holders were smaller compared to other full-size pickups.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 excelled in interior space and utility, with best-in-class cargo capacity even in its short bed. The Sierra's cabin was a sanctuary, with generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers. The interior featured numerous storage compartments, although the gloveboxes were on the smaller side. The Sierra's driver-oriented cockpit had a low centreline, which could make accessing controls slightly inconvenient. The AT4X trim had off-road controls positioned in two different places, adding to the complexity of the cabin layout.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra featured an updated infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was user-friendly, with redundant hard buttons for easy operation. The Tundra also came with multiple USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity. The audio system varied by trim, with a seven-speaker setup in the Double Cab and a nine-speaker system in the CrewMax. An available JBL premium audio system offered 12 speakers for an enhanced listening experience.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 boasted larger display screens, with a 12.3-inch digital cluster and a 13.4-inch touchscreen on most trims. The infotainment system featured Google built-in, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a customizable interface. The Denali models had an interactive start-up screen, adding a touch of sophistication. The system was fast and responsive, but the similarity between in-car and smartphone navigation screens could be confusing. The Sierra also offered a 15-inch head-up display and a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system for an immersive audio experience.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, which included forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra was equipped with eight airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system, ensuring a high level of safety for its occupants.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 1500 introduced GM's Super Cruise, a Level 2 semi-autonomous driving system available on the Denali Ultimate trim. Super Cruise offered hands-free driving with automatic lane changes and trailering capability. The Sierra featured up to 14 camera views and a GCW Alert for trailering safety. GMC Pro Safety included forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and IntelliBeam headlights. The Sierra received mostly "Good" crash safety ratings from the IIHS, but its headlights were rated "Poor." The NHTSA awarded the Sierra 2WD models four out of five stars for crashworthiness.