2019 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

In 2019, Toyota distinguished various Tacoma trims with unique grilles, wheels, hoods, and finishes. The overall aesthetic employed by the designers was marked by solid blocks of metal detailed with carved character lines, flared fenders, and a provocatively protruding nose. These design elements combined to create a ruggedly handsome appearance.

Inside the Tacoma, the focus was on durability and functionality over form. Hard and durable plastic dominated the interior materials, with stylish touches like geometric upholstery patterns and evenly spaced dashboard air vents providing some visual relief. The Tacoma’s interior featured simple analog gauges and an old-school control panel, complete with large knobs and buttons that were easy to use, even with gloves on.

Toyota offered the 2019 Tacoma in extended-cab (Access Cab) and crew-cab (Double Cab) styles, with options for a short or long cargo bed, a 4-cylinder or a V6 engine, and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD). The trim levels ranged from the more affordable SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and the top-tier TRD Pro. The Limited trim, which was exclusively available as a Double Cab, short bed, V6, 4WD configuration, had a base price of $40,865. Factoring in a set of floor mats, cargo bed D-rings, and a $1,120 destination charge, the total cost came to $42,184.

In 2020, GMC carried over the Sierra 1500 from its 2019 redesign which left its timeless and stoic design largely unchanged, reminiscent of the “GMT 400” trucks from the late 1980s and '90s. The straight lines and crisp angles lent the Sierra an understated, enduring appeal.

Inside, the 2020 Sierra closely mirrored its predecessors. The dash design seemed a bit flatter, giving a slightly "jukebox" look, but maintained a practical layout with all controls intuitively placed. The Sierra was available in six trims: Base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, the luxurious Denali, and the off-road-oriented AT4 that was reviewed. The Base model came equipped with features like a V6 engine, 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, and LED "light blade" headlights. Upgrading to the SLE trim added another USB port, WiFi hotspot, larger 8-inch touchscreen, and remote keyless entry, along with numerous available option packages.

The Elevation trim offered a unique look with body-color bumpers, door handles, and grille surround, accentuated by 20-inch wheels and black grille and tow hooks. Inside, it came with standard heated front seats, remote engine start, and a heated steering wheel. The SLT trim retained many of these features but favored a more classic, chrome-clad styling.

The reviewed AT4 trim notably included many of the Denali's premium features but with minimized chrome, aligning with the trend of reducing flashy elements. The AT4 featured all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, and a rugged, upscale cabin with black leather seats accented with brown.

Most 2019 Toyota Tacomas came with a direct-injected, Atkinson-cycle 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 265 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm. All V6-equipped Tacomas were ready for towing, featuring heavy-duty cooling, trailer wiring harness connections, Trailer Sway Control, and a receiver hitch, with maximum towing capabilities reaching up to 6,800 pounds depending on the configuration.

Power was delivered to the rear wheels via a 6-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode and a manual shift gate. The part-time, shift-on-the-fly 4WD system was user-friendly and, combined with the automatic transmission, enhanced the truck's off-road abilities. TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models featured additional off-road traction systems like Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control, which managed acceleration and braking to let the driver concentrate solely on steering.

The Limited trim lacked the TRD extras but still offered 9.4 inches of ground clearance, making it capable enough for most adventurous activities. On paved roads, the Tacoma's V6 provided adequate acceleration, though the transmission exhibited sluggishness unless prompted by vigorous accelerator use or engaging Sport mode. The EPA rated the Limited trim at around 20 mpg combined, but real-world testing yielded 18.9 mpg on a test loop and an average of 20.1 mpg over a week.

The steering and handling were tailored more to rugged terrain than city streets, exhibiting slow response and a vague on-center feel. The ride quality could be jarring, magnifying the impact of rough roads, and the braking system—discs in front and drums in the rear—showed signs of wear after prolonged use.

Conversely, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 provided a multitude of engine choices. The base 4.3-liter V6, harkening back to the 1980s but continually improved, offered 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. The new 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine delivered 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. An additional option was the Duramax turbodiesel 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, producing 277 hp and a substantial 460 lb-ft of torque.

The Sierra also featured two V8 engines: a 5.3-liter model generating 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque and a 6.2-liter V8 producing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, the latter found in the AT4 test model. These engines routed power through an automatic transmission to either the rear or available 4-wheel drive (4WD) configurations. The 10-speed automatic transmission, operated via a column shifter, added a traditional truck feel.

The 4WD system included a low range and offered settings for 4-high, 4-low, 2WD, and auto mode, which shifted automatically into 4WD if the truck lost traction.

The 6.2-liter V8 provided commanding acceleration and a constant swell of power, boasting a maximum towing capacity of up to 12,100 pounds in properly equipped models. Additionally, the AT4 trim equipped with off-road enhancements like beefed-up skid plates, upgraded suspension components, and hill-descent control proved highly capable on rugged terrains.

However, the robust off-road setup contributed to a rougher ride on paved roads. The AT4 trim had a fuel economy of 15 mpg city, 19 highway, and 17 combined. The most fuel-efficient Sierra variant was the new turbodiesel with rear-wheel drive (RWD), delivering 23/30/26 mpg.

Entering the 2019 Toyota Tacoma was relatively easy for taller individuals due to its high seating position. However, shorter passengers might struggle, especially when the rocker panels were dirty. The front seats offered manual adjustments with additional lumbar support for the driver, while storage compartments were abundant throughout the cabin.

Starting in 2020, Toyota added a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat to enhance comfort further. Despite the generally cramped backseat typical of midsize trucks, the Tacoma's design had its advantages. The bottom cushion sat high off the floor, and the front seatbacks were softly padded, though foot space was limited and there were no air-conditioning vents or USB charging ports for rear passengers.

The Tacoma's short 5-foot bed came with a plastic liner, LED light, and a 120-volt/400-watt power outlet, though it wasn't particularly deep. The maximum payload capacity varied by configuration, with a top rating of 1,540 pounds.

In comparison, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered diverse configurations, including a single cab with a long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and a full four-door crew cab available with either a standard or short bed. The test model featured GMC’s innovative carbon-fiber bed which decreased weight and helped with fuel conservation. Production costs for carbon fiber had dropped significantly, making it more accessible.

The Sierra's MultiPro tailgate, capable of being used as a bed extender or steps, added to its practicality along with corner bed steps for easier access. The tailgate operated via buttons located in the cab, on the key fob, or the gate itself, though it lacked a power open-close feature.

Inside, the Sierra was loaded with cupholders, cubbies, and storage units. The rear seats could fold upward, creating additional storage space within the cabin, catering to the need for secured storage of valuable items.

While not a technological showcase, the 2019 Toyota Tacoma still offered functional in-car technology. However, it lacked Apple CarPlay, which made navigation challenging. The existing navigation system sometimes fell short, as illustrated by its inability to locate a specific address in Tustin, California. Directions ultimately relied on the driver's intuition or an additional device like an iPhone for accuracy.

Fortunately, Toyota introduced Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility for the 2020 model, but it still used a parts-bin infotainment system with underwhelming tactile feedback from the controls. The available JBL sound system offered decent audio quality, though overall, technology wasn’t the Tacoma's strong suit.

Contrastingly, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a user-friendly infotainment system with clear graphics and large icons. All necessary functions were accessible through tactile controls, making it intuitive to use. While large touchscreens like those in recent Ram 1500 models might appeal to some, the Sierra's straightforward controls were praiseworthy.

Our AT4 test model came with advanced tech features, including a head-up display (HUD), wireless charging, and multiple USB ports and outlets. These features were logically arranged for ease of use.

In 2019, Toyota equipped every Tacoma with its Toyota Safety Sense suite, including adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, sway warning, and automatic high-beam headlights. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was also available.

The Tacoma performed well in crash tests according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with some areas needing improvement. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) awarded the Tacoma Double Cab a 4-star overall rating. However, the Access Cab had not been rated.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 also featured standard safety mechanisms, such as a reversing camera, traction control, and a comprehensive array of airbags. The AT4 model was equipped with advanced safety features including a surround-view camera, parking sensors, forward-collision and lane-departure warnings, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Additional options included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, and it also introduced the innovative rear camera mirror for enhanced rear visibility.