2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma was a midsize truck that offered a more compact alternative to full-size pickups like the Tundra. Despite being shorter, the Tacoma maintained an assertive stance with its upright grille and tall bed, giving it a substantial appearance without the bulk. Toyota provided a wide range of trim levels, from the base model to the off-road-oriented TRD Pro, which featured a unique grille, TRD-tuned suspension, and other rugged enhancements. Inside, the Tacoma varied from basic to well-appointed, with options for leather upholstery and heated seats, though the interior design was somewhat dated.

In contrast, the 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was available in nine trims and various configurations, with the ZR2 model standing out for its off-road capabilities. The Silverado's exterior design, refreshed in 2022, remained attractive with its angular lights and customizable grille. Inside, the Silverado boasted a modern cabin with high-quality materials, especially in higher trims like the High Country. The ZR2 trim offered a luxurious experience with features like leather seats and advanced technology, although it lacked some premium options available in the High Country.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came with a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. While the V6 provided decent power, the Tacoma was not particularly quick, and engine noise was noticeable at highway speeds. The TRD Pro trim, designed for off-road use, handled rough terrain well but exhibited some wandering on paved roads. Fuel economy was average for the segment, with the TRD Pro delivering 14.4 L/100 km in winter conditions.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered four engine choices, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and two V8s. Our ZR2 tester featured a 3.0-litre Duramax turbodiesel engine with 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, providing strong performance and smooth shifts from the 10-speed automatic transmission. The ZR2 trim excelled off-road with its Multimatic shocks and differential lockers, while the diesel engine offered impressive towing capacity. However, the ZR2's unique suspension limited its towing and payload capabilities compared to other trims.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered two cab styles: the access cab with clamshell doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed, and the double cab with a choice of bed lengths. The access cab's rear seats were cramped, making the double cab a better option for passengers. The front seats provided ample space, but the steering wheel's limited adjustment posed challenges for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed was spacious enough for gear and equipment, making it practical for outdoor adventures.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 provided a range of interior options, from basic vinyl seats in the WT trim to luxurious features in the High Country. Our ZR2 trim offered a comfortable cabin with leather seats and advanced technology, though it lacked some premium features. The crew cab configuration provided generous rear legroom, while the double cab was more suitable for cargo or children. The Silverado's towing and payload capacities varied by engine and configuration, with the ZR2 offering a lower capacity due to its off-road suspension.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma featured a user-friendly infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and smartphone integration. While the interface was intuitive, it felt outdated compared to competitors. Higher trims offered wireless charging and a premium JBL audio system, but the Tacoma lacked some advanced tech features found in rival trucks.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 excelled in technology, with a 13.4-inch touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster available in higher trims. The infotainment system was responsive and featured built-in Google services, including voice recognition. The Silverado also offered advanced trailering technology with multiple camera views and a rear camera mirror, enhancing safety and convenience for towing.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came with Toyota Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure alert. However, it lacked some advanced features like lane-keeping assist. The Tacoma received four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests, with top marks in side-impact tests but lower scores in frontal and rollover tests.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. Optional features included a 360-degree camera and Super Cruise for hands-free driving. The Silverado received five stars in NHTSA side crash tests but had mixed results in IIHS evaluations, with some areas rated as "Poor" or "Marginal."