2019 Toyota Tundra vs 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

When the 2019 Toyota Tundra was reviewed, it was noted that its design had not significantly changed since its 2016 review, and many felt it looked and felt aged compared to its competitors like Ford, Chevy, and Dodge. Toyota had made some subtle updates over the years, but the technology inside still felt like an afterthought. The interior showed its age, and the two available V8 engines with 6-speed automatic transmissions were considered archaic and fuel-thirsty. Despite this, the Tundra appealed to a segment of pickup truck buyers looking for rugged dependability, a hallmark of the Toyota brand.

For performance, the 2019 Toyota Tundra eschewed modern turbocharged 4- or 6-cylinder engines, sticking to its tried-and-true V8 options. The base 4.6-liter V8 produced 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque, allowing a combination of 1,600-pound payload and 6,800-pound towing capacities. However, for greater power and utility, the 5.7-liter V8 was recommended. It offered 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, a 1,030-pound increased payload, and an additional 3,200 pounds of towing capacity. Although this larger engine had a minor penalty on fuel economy, it significantly improved the truck's performance, with an estimated 0-60 mph time of about 7 seconds. The standout trim in terms of performance was the TRD Pro, which boasted superior off-road capabilities. With a raised suspension, off-road tires, and 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks, it was second only to the Ford F-150 Raptor in off-road scenarios. This provided a rugged and enjoyable off-roading experience at a relatively lower price point. On the performance front, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered a wider variety of engine choices, catering to different needs and preferences. The base 4.3-liter V6 produced 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque, while the 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder offered a more modern option with 310 horsepower and 348 lb-ft of torque. For those preferring diesel, the Duramax 3.0-liter engine provided 277 horsepower and an impressive 460 lb-ft of torque. Two V8 options were available: a 5.3-liter V8 with 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, and the powerful 6.2-liter V8 found in the AT4 trim, delivering 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. The Sierra's 10-speed automatic transmission provided smooth shifts, and the column shifter added a touch of traditional truck utility. The 6.2-liter V8 offered commanding acceleration and impressive 60-80 mph passing power. Properly equipped, the Sierra 1500 could tow up to 12,100 pounds. The AT4 trim tested came with off-road enhancements such as skid plates, upgraded suspension components, hill-descent control, and knobby off-road tires, which provided excellent performance on trails, albeit at the cost of a rougher on-road ride.

The 2019 Toyota Tundra focused on simplicity and straightforwardness. With the 5.7-liter engine, buyers had access to the maximum towing capacity without worrying about combinations of rear axles, beds, or specific towing packages. However, its size was a double-edged sword. Without optional steps or running boards, it was challenging for shorter individuals to get in and out. Furthermore, driving on crowded city streets could be daunting, and tight off-road trails could also prove difficult. The Tundra's large size was, in part, due to its design, which made it feel even bigger than it was. In comparison, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered more versatile configurations. It came with options for a single cab with a long bed, a double cab with a standard-size bed, or a full 4-door crew cab available with either a standard or short bed. The test model featured GMC’s new carbon-fiber bed and MultiPro tailgate. The carbon-fiber bed reduced weight, aiding in fuel efficiency, while the MultiPro tailgate provided six functions, including a bed-extender and easy steps into the truck bed. The Sierra's cabin was designed with convenience in mind, filled with cupholders, cubbies, and various storage units. The rear seats folded upward, creating a large storage area inside the cabin for valuable items. This was particularly useful for securing goods behind locked doors. The Sierra also had a towing capacity of up to 12,100 pounds when properly equipped, providing substantial utility for heavy-duty tasks.

Stepping up to the Limited trim introduced conveniences like leather seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, dual-zone auto climate control, and a navigation system. The Platinum and 1794 Edition trims were the luxury options, offering sunroofs, heated and cooled front seats, a 12-speaker JBL stereo, and LED daytime running lights. However, the TRD Pro was the highlight trim, featuring a raised suspension, off-road tires, forged BBS wheels, and multiple TRD-specific features. In contrast, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 carried the momentum from its complete redesign in 2019, which brought a fresh and contemporary look. Its exterior design leaned towards a timeless stoicism with sharp lines and crisp angles that harkened back to the classic trucks of the late 1980s and '90s. Inside, the layout remained classic yet functional, with controls logically placed for ease of use. The Sierra was available in six trims: Base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali, and AT4. The Base trim came with essential features like a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. The SLE trim added additional USB ports, a WiFi hotspot, and remote keyless entry. The Elevation trim, available in double-cab and crew-cab configurations, featured body-color bumpers and 20-inch wheels, while the SLT trim embraced a more classic chrome-laden style. The AT4 trim, driven for the test, came with off-road capabilities, including all-terrain tires, red tow hooks, and black leather seats with brown accents, blending ruggedness with upscale quality. Meanwhile, the Denali trim set the standard for luxury with chrome accents, massive 22-inch wheels, a head-up display, navigation, and wireless device charging. In terms of technology, the 2019 Toyota Tundra fell behind its competitors. It lacked basic modern features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, even as optional extras. The test model, a $50,000 TRD Pro, had only one USB port, which did not even light up, making it inconvenient to use at night. Although the Entune system was user-friendly and responsive, it was starting to show its age. On the other hand, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a straightforward and user-friendly infotainment system. Its clear, crisp graphics, large icons, and sensible menu design made it easy to navigate. The system was further complemented by tactile controls for radio and climate functions, sparing users from over-reliance on the touchscreen. The AT4 trim tested came with high-end features like a head-up display, wireless charging, and multiple USB ports and outlets, making it well-equipped for modern drivers.

Toyota deserved praise for adding a comprehensive suite of standard safety features to the 2019 Tundra. These included adaptive cruise control with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, auto high-beams, and a drowsiness monitor. However, blind-spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert was not available on the base SR and TRD Pro trims. The safety systems, although robust, felt somewhat outdated, with occasional false notifications. Official safety ratings revealed the Tundra’s age, with the NHTSA giving it 4 stars in frontal crash tests and 5 stars in side crash tests. The rollover rating was a disappointing 3 stars. The IIHS tests also showed mixed results, with Marginal ratings for some crash tests and a Poor rating for the passenger-side small overlap front test. In contrast, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 featured a range of modern safety technologies. Standard features included a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of front- and side-impact airbags. The test model came equipped with a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Additional available features included blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. One standout feature was GM’s rear camera mirror, projecting a digital image onto the rear-view mirror to help with obstructions, a convenient feature that could be turned off if preferred.