2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2019 Toyota Tacoma

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 introduces a variety of configurations and a fresh design departing from its more traditional, squared-off predecessor. Offering a blend of sleekness with off-road ruggedness, especially in the LT Trail Boss variant, the Silverado appeals with its modern aesthetics. The interior, however, betrays a certain continuity with the past, with predominant use of plastics, albeit softened in key touchpoints. This mixed material quality, juxtaposed with the vehicle's high price point, does dampen its otherwise spacious and comfortable cabin atmosphere. The 2019 Toyota Tacoma presents a bold, blocky design characterized by sharp lines and a commanding presence. Its interior prioritizes function over luxury, featuring durable plastics and a straightforward layout conducive to utility and ease of use, even in challenging conditions. Toyota offers the Tacoma in various trims, catering to a wide range of preferences and needs, with thoughtful touches like glove-friendly controls enhancing its practical appeal.

The Silverado's performance, with a broad selection of engines including a turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder and a potent 6.2-liter V8, offers commendable towing and hauling capabilities. The tested LT Trail Boss variant, with a 5.3-liter V8, delivers strong acceleration and a satisfactory, if not class-leading, driving experience, marred slightly by lower-than-expected fuel economy. The Tacoma, predominantly powered by a 3.5-liter V6, balances power with efficiency, offering adequate performance for both daily driving and off-road adventures. Its array of off-road technology, including Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control, positions it as a competent all-terrain vehicle, albeit with a ride quality that leans heavily towards the traditional truck paradigm, prioritizing durability over comfort.

The Silverado impresses with a towing capacity of up to 12,200 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 2,543 pounds. Its functionality is further enhanced by the innovative Durabed cargo box and larger, more accessible bumper steps, making loading and unloading more efficient. The interior space is notably generous, especially in the rear seats, providing a level of comfort and convenience that is commendable, although the LT Trail Boss model tested could benefit from more luxury touches to justify its price. On the other hand, the Tacoma's maximum towing capacity is up to 6,800 pounds with a payload capacity of up to 1,620 pounds, which, while not matching the Silverado, still offers respectable performance for its size. It stands out for its ease of ingress and egress, particularly for taller passengers, and makes clever use of its interior space to maximize storage and comfort. The truck bed may be shorter than the Silverado's, but it's equipped with practical features like a 120-volt power outlet, adding to its overall utility. Both vehicles cater to their audiences with distinct advantages. The Silverado offers higher towing and payload capacities, appealing to those needing more heavy-duty capabilities, while the Tacoma's design considerations and bed features may better suit the daily needs and preferences of off-road enthusiasts and urban dwellers alike.

In technology, the Silverado shines with its Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, delivering an intuitive and feature-rich experience. Upgrades like the HD reversing camera and smartphone integration are notable highlights, offering both practicality and entertainment value. The Tacoma's technology offerings for 2019 lag, particularly in infotainment, with a system that feels outdated and less user-friendly. However, improvements are on the horizon with the 2020 model year, promising enhanced connectivity and usability.

Both trucks come well-equipped with advanced safety features. The Silverado adds pedestrian braking and a lane-change alert to its suite, alongside a comprehensive array of driver assistance systems. While it awaited crash-test evaluations, its robust safety feature set suggests a strong commitment to occupant protection. The Tacoma comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense, providing a solid foundation of safety tech. Despite its effective suite, certain aspects like the lane-departure warning system could be refined for better user experience. Its performance in crash tests is commendable, aligning with the expectations for its class.

The Silverado, with its higher entry price and operational costs, challenges buyers to consider their needs carefully against its offerings, especially when comparable models may offer more for less. The Tacoma stands out for its cost-effectiveness, blending competitive pricing with legendary durability and strong resale value, not to mention the added value of free scheduled maintenance for the first two years or 25,000 miles.