2019 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2019 Toyota Tundra

Driving the redesigned 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 through neighborhoods and ranchlands, the Sierra’s chrome-laden exterior commanded attention at every turn. Bigger in both interior and exterior dimensions compared to its predecessor, the new Sierra was designed to possess a “more dominant presence,” according to GMC. This bold assertion seemed aimed at striking a balance between exuding strength and addressing the vulnerability within its target demographic.

The Denali trim, in particular, received mixed reviews for its appearance. Some found the oversized grille, silver front skid plate, and the large "Denali" lettering on the tailgate to be rather overbearing, despite it being a more subdued version compared to the standard Sierra. Inside, the Denali trim aimed for luxury with premium leather, open-pore wood trim, and real aluminum accents, yet the cabin’s design, full of seams and a varied surface topography, retained a somewhat unrefined look even with the upgraded materials.

In contrast, the 2019 Toyota Tundra, first reviewed in 2016, hadn’t seen significant aesthetic updates, making it appear aged when compared to more modern competition. Despite minor tweaks over the years, the Tundra’s exterior and interior still felt outdated. Its classic truck design catered to a segment of buyers valuing rugged dependability over cutting-edge looks. Toyota offered the Tundra in six trims, each featuring reliable but dated V8 engines mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Highlights like heated mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer were standard, yet the interior tech lagged behind industry advancements.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali test truck delivered a robust performance, powered by the most potent of Sierra's six available drivetrains—a 6.2-liter V8 making 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a new 10-speed automatic transmission and Autotrac 4WD system, provided smooth and responsive acceleration. This configuration yielded a towing capacity of 12,200 pounds and a payload of 2,240 pounds. However, its combined fuel economy hovered around 16.3 mpg in real-world driving, slightly below its EPA estimate of 17 mpg.

The Sierra's new Dynamic Fuel Management technology aimed to balance power and efficiency through 17 cylinder deactivation modes. Despite its towering presence and robust capabilities, the Sierra required some driver acclimation, particularly concerning brake pedal calibration and the functionality of parking sensors and cameras.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra offered two V8 engines: a 4.6-liter producing 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque, and a 5.7-liter delivering 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The latter engine notably enhanced towing and payload capacities—up to 10,200 pounds for towing and 1,730 pounds for payload—but at the cost of fuel efficiency, averaging around 15 mpg combined. The TRD Pro trim, with its off-road-ready suspension and performance enhancements, provided specialized capability rivaled only by high-end competitors like the Ford F-150 Raptor.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 Denali prioritized convenience and comfort in its design. The Ultimate Package included power side steps and a host of luxury features such as heated and ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Crew cab models now boasted an additional three inches of backseat legroom, with rear air vents and USB ports enhancing passenger comfort. The revamped cargo bed was deeper and broader, equipped with GMC’s MultiPro Tailgate for versatile utility. Enlarged Corner Step bumper cutouts, a dozen cargo tie-downs, and an optional carbon fiber-reinforced plastic cargo box liner further boosted its functionality.

Conversely, the 2019 Toyota Tundra’s straightforward design had its perks. Opting for the 5.7-liter engine ensured maximum towing capacity without the need to navigate a complex array of options. However, its sheer size made ingress and egress challenging without optional steps or running boards. The Tundra’s cabin felt cramped in urban settings, and its overall design contributed to a sense of bulk that could be unwieldy on tight roads and off-road trails.

Technological advancements in the 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 were substantial. The next-generation infotainment system included faster and more responsive graphics, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. An 8-inch touchscreen, navigation, and a Bose premium sound system were standard in the Denali. Innovative features like a head-up display, Rear Camera Mirror, HD Surround Vision, and various towing-assisting cameras made the Sierra highly tech-forward. However, GMC's limited free trial for its subscription services was a drawback.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra lagged behind significantly in the tech department. Major systems like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were conspicuously absent, even in higher trims like the TRD Pro, which sported only one, hard-to-find USB port. The Tundra’s aging Entune system and advanced safety features, while standard, felt outdated compared to more modern competitors.

The 2019 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a comprehensive array of safety features, standard or optional through Driver Alert Packages. These included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, forward-collision warning, low-speed automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. Notably absent were adaptive cruise control and full-speed-range automatic braking. GMC’s Teen Driver monitoring and Rear Seat Reminder system were valuable additions, though crash test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS were unavailable at the time of review.

Safety in the 2019 Toyota Tundra earned praise for its extensive standard features, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. However, blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert were not standard across all trims. The Tundra's aging safety systems and mixed crash test results illustrated its need for modernization, with suboptimal ratings in frontal crash tests, rollover resistance, and headlights.