2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2020 Toyota Tundra

CarGurus experts rate both the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the 2020 Toyota Tundra with an overall look and feel score of 8 out of 10. The Silverado, with its new rakish design, offers a broad range of options across three cab styles, six engines, and eight trims. Notably, the LT Trail Boss stands out for its off-road capabilities and bold design. However, its interior, while spacious, largely retains the dated look of its predecessor and relies heavily on plastic components, which might detract from its higher price point. The Tundra, available in several trims from the base SR to the luxurious 1794 Edition, maintains a simpler, more utilitarian design. The TRD Pro model, in particular, boasts a military-grade aesthetic and high-end features like black leather with red stitching. Yet, it too suffers from an abundance of hard plastics inside, which might not justify its higher trim price tag.

Performance ratings from CarGurus experts put the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 at 6 out of 10 and the 2020 Toyota Tundra at 4 out of 10. The Silverado's varied engine lineup promises a blend of power and efficiency, with the LT Trail Boss' 5.3-liter V8 delivering robust acceleration and towing capabilities. Despite this, its fuel economy falls short of expectations. Conversely, the Tundra's singular 5.7-liter V8 offers considerable power and a simpler choice for consumers but also underperforms in fuel efficiency, despite its sturdy off-road and towing capabilities.

Regarding usability and comfort, the Silverado scores 7 out of 10, slightly edging out the Tundra's 5 out of 10. The Silverado's towing and payload capacities are standout features, boasting a maximum towing capacity of up to 12,200 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 2,250 pounds. These figures not only reflect the Silverado's robust design but also its ability to handle heavy-duty tasks with ease. Chevrolet further complements these capabilities with the Durabed cargo box, which is designed for durability and utility. It features a floor made of roll-formed, high-strength steel, offering up to 20% more volume than its competitors, along with 12 tie-down hooks rated for 500 pounds each. Ease of use is enhanced by larger bumper corner steps and a power-release aluminum tailgate, adding to the Silverado's functional appeal. Conversely, the Toyota Tundra, while offering a spacious cabin and a straightforward bed design, falls short in maximizing towing and payload potential. Its maximum towing capacity is capped at 10,200 pounds, and the payload capacity reaches up to 1,730 pounds for the SR Double Cab with rear-wheel drive, with figures declining across different configurations. Although the Tundra CrewMax's rear seating area is impressively spacious, echoing the truck's Texas-sized interior, its utilitarian bed lacks the innovative features found in competitors. The absence of advanced utility options such as locking storage wells or integrated tailgate steps emphasizes the Tundra's simpler approach to form and function.

The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 impresses with a technology score of 9 out of 10, showcasing a high-definition reversing camera, the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, and several premium audio and connectivity options. The 2020 Toyota Tundra, scoring a 6 out of 10, updates its infotainment system with modern features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its presentation and functionality feel outdated compared to the Silverado's more advanced offerings.

Safety evaluations reveal a significant disparity; the Silverado achieves an 8 out of 10, benefiting from a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies and improved construction anticipated to enhance crash-test performance. The Tundra, scoring a 4 out of 10, includes standard safety features and achieves respectable ratings in certain crash tests but falls behind in others, notably in small-overlap, frontal-impact tests.

On cost-effectiveness, the Silverado receives a 6 out of 10. Despite its higher initial price, especially for models like the LT Trail Boss, expected discounts and a wide range of options can offer value to certain buyers. The Tundra, scoring a 5 out of 10, presents a more affordable entry point and solid resale value but struggles with fuel economy and does not lead in towing or payload capacities.