2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma was a midsize truck that offered a more compact alternative to full-size pickups like the Ford F-150 or Chevy Silverado. Despite being shorter in length, the Tacoma maintained an assertive stance with its upright grille and tall bed, giving it a substantial appearance without the bulkiness of larger trucks. Toyota provided a wide range of trim levels, from the base standard package to the off-road-oriented TRD Pro, offering various powertrain options, bed lengths, and cab configurations. The TRD Pro trim, in particular, stood out with its bright Solar Octane paint, TRD-tuned suspension, and unique styling elements, making it a cool and capable off-road vehicle.

Inside, the Tacoma ranged from basic to well-appointed, with the TRD Pro featuring Softex leather-trimmed upholstery, heated front seats, and user-friendly controls. The interior was practical, with physical knobs and buttons that were easy to operate, even with gloves on. However, the Tacoma's technology and infotainment system felt somewhat outdated compared to its competitors, lacking some of the advanced features found in newer models.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a heavy-duty truck available in various configurations, including regular, double, and crew cabs, with bed lengths of seven or eight feet. It was offered in six trims, each with distinct front fascia styling, from the basic Work Truck to the off-road-specific ZR2. The Silverado 2500HD was a massive vehicle, with a wheelbase of up to 4.25 metres and an overall length of 6.7 metres. For 2024, Chevrolet added standard tow hooks, larger wheel options, and a broader colour palette, although the choices were somewhat conservative.

The High Country and ZR2 trims were tested, with the High Country offering a luxurious interior featuring open-pore wood, leather trim, and upscale embroidery. The Jet Black interior with brown Umber accents provided a simple yet refined look. Chevrolet addressed past issues with cheaper materials, delivering a high-quality feel throughout the cabin. The Silverado 2500HD excelled in providing a comfortable and upscale driving experience, with features like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a standard 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with an optional six-speed manual available. While the V6 offered a power advantage over the base four-cylinder engine, the Tacoma was not particularly quick, requiring significant throttle input to reach highway speeds. The truck's off-road-oriented suspension handled rough city streets well, but its steering felt vague, and it tended to wander on paved roads. Fuel economy was average for the segment, with the TRD Pro model delivering 14.4 L/100 km in winter conditions.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 6.6-litre V8 gas engine, producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. An optional 6.6-litre Duramax turbodiesel V8 was available, delivering 470 horsepower and an impressive 975 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax diesel was notably quiet and well-matched to the transmission, providing smooth shifts and quick acceleration. The Silverado 2500HD offered a mix of 2WD and 4WD options, with fuel economy ranging from 11.6 to 13.8 L/100 km, depending on the configuration. The ZR2 Bison package enhanced off-road capabilities with Multimatic DSSV spool valve shocks, 35-inch tires, and increased ground clearance.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offered various configuration choices, including the access-cab body style with clamshell-style doors and a six-foot-one-inch bed, or the double cab with a choice of bed lengths. The access cab provided a compact interior with tight rear seats, while the double cab offered easier entry and improved seat quality. The front seats were spacious, but the steering wheel's limited extension made it challenging for tall drivers to find a comfortable position. The Tacoma's bed was large enough to carry gear for a ski trip, including multiple bags, groceries, and skis.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in towing and payload capacities, with the 2500HD capable of towing up to 10,175 kilograms and hauling up to 1,680 kilograms. The ZR2 Bison model, equipped with the diesel engine, made towing nearly 5,000 kilograms a breeze, thanks to advanced camera views and trailer technology. The Silverado 2500HD featured practical touches like a side step, MultiFlex tailgate, and power-retractable running boards. The High Country trim offered a comfortable interior with heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma featured a straightforward infotainment system with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. 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 of the advanced tech features found in rival trucks.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD boasted a 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, starting on the LT trim. The system was user-friendly, with Google Maps, Google Assistant, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Charging options were abundant, with USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging, and a traditional power outlet. The Silverado 2500HD also offered a 15-inch head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, although it lacked an on-board generator.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma came equipped with Toyota Safety Sense, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. The TRD Pro model added blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. However, the Tacoma lacked some advanced safety features found in other Toyota models and did not receive a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. It scored four out of five stars in NHTSA crash tests.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered standard safety features like front pedestrian braking, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The test truck included GM's Safety Seat, which provided tactile alerts to prevent collisions. Adaptive cruise control was optional, and the Silverado 2500HD featured GM's Buckle to Drive and Teen Driver technology. The truck had not been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS.