2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2021 Toyota Tacoma

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
$28,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
$28,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 6.5 out of 10. Considering the higher rating, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a solid choice for those looking for a full-size pickup with impressive performance and towing capabilities.

Overview

MSRP

$28,500

MSRP

$26,400

Average price

$34,968

Average price

$36,010

Listings

4489

Listings

3958
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Poor value for money
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Excellent off-road capability
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Poor handling
  • Underwhelming base engine

2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Reviews Summary

Full-size pickup trucks are the unofficial vehicles of the United States of America. Bristling with underhood muscle, they tow, they haul, and they look good cruising Main Street as the sun sets on a balmy Friday night.

One of the most popular vehicles in the country, the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 follows its 2019 redesign with several updates. It continues waging war against the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 for the hearts and minds of American truck buyers. Highlights of the changes include a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline 6-cylinder engine, greater availability of popular powertrains across trim levels, a new bed-view camera, and a camera-based adaptive cruise control system.

While these improvements certainly help to make the 2020 Silverado more appealing, they don’t address this truck’s primary flaws.

Search for a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 on CarGurus

2021 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, The Tacoma once dominated midsize-truck sales. In recent years, though, it’s faced stronger competition from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Ford Ranger, and the Jeep Gladiator. A redesigned Nissan Frontier and heavily-updated Honda Ridgeline are also on the way.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma enters the 2021 model year largely unchanged. The only updates are two new special editions—the Nightshade Edition and Trail Special Edition—and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models.

Pickup truck buyers tend to want choices, and Toyota delivers. The Tacoma is available with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and six trim levels— SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro—plus the two special editions.

Our test vehicle was a Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab. The TRD Pro is the most off-road focused of the Tacoma models, so naturally, it gets standard 4WD drive. While Toyota does offer a more comfort-oriented Tacoma Limited model, the TRD Pro is also positioned at the top of the lineup.

Search for a Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle

Engine

2.7L 159 hp I4

Drive Train

4X2

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

Horsepower

159 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

16

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

21

MPG Highway

23
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
$28,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
$28,500MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is 7.2 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 6.5 out of 10. Considering the higher rating, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a solid choice for those looking for a full-size pickup with impressive performance and towing capabilities.

Overview
MSRP
$28,500
$26,400
Average price
$34,968
$36,010
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.5
4.9
Expert reviews

7.2 out of 10

Read full review

6.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • Advanced safety features are not standard
  • Poor value for money
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Excellent off-road capability
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Poor handling
  • Underwhelming base engine
Summary

Full-size pickup trucks are the unofficial vehicles of the United States of America. Bristling with underhood muscle, they tow, they haul, and they look good cruising Main Street as the sun sets on a balmy Friday night.

One of the most popular vehicles in the country, the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 follows its 2019 redesign with several updates. It continues waging war against the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 for the hearts and minds of American truck buyers. Highlights of the changes include a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline 6-cylinder engine, greater availability of popular powertrains across trim levels, a new bed-view camera, and a camera-based adaptive cruise control system.

While these improvements certainly help to make the 2020 Silverado more appealing, they don’t address this truck’s primary flaws.

Search for a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 on CarGurus

Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, The Tacoma once dominated midsize-truck sales. In recent years, though, it’s faced stronger competition from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Ford Ranger, and the Jeep Gladiator. A redesigned Nissan Frontier and heavily-updated Honda Ridgeline are also on the way.

Meanwhile, the Tacoma enters the 2021 model year largely unchanged. The only updates are two new special editions—the Nightshade Edition and Trail Special Edition—and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models.

Pickup truck buyers tend to want choices, and Toyota delivers. The Tacoma is available with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and six trim levels— SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro—plus the two special editions.

Our test vehicle was a Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab. The TRD Pro is the most off-road focused of the Tacoma models, so naturally, it gets standard 4WD drive. While Toyota does offer a more comfort-oriented Tacoma Limited model, the TRD Pro is also positioned at the top of the lineup.

Search for a Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle
2.7L 159 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
4X2
Seating Capacity
3
4
Horsepower
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
16
20
MPG Highway
21
23
Look and feel
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
7/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 scores 7 out of 10 for look and feel, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma receives an 8 out of 10 in the same category. The Silverado offers a range of design options, from different grilles and finishes to various wheel sizes and styles. The Tacoma, on the other hand, features the quintessential truck appearance with boxy fender flares and a tall hood. The Silverado offers various cab styles and trim levels, with pricing ranging from $28,500 to $57,100 excluding destination charges. Notably, the Chevy Silverado LT Trail Boss comes packed with a 6.2-liter V8 engine and off-road packages, making it suitable for adventure seekers. However, some may find the Silverado's interior to be lacking in modern design and refinement. In comparison, the Tacoma keeps it classic with distinct styling features like TRD Off-Road alloy wheels and exclusive color options. The Tacoma is praised for its off-road capabilities and body-on-frame construction. However, the interior of the Tacoma is noted for its rugged design but lacks in spaciousness compared to other midsize trucks.
Performance
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
9/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 9 out of 10 for performance, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 7 out of 10. The Silverado offers a choice of five different engines and three transmissions, including a new 3.0-liter turbodiesel 6-cylinder and a powerful 6.2-liter V8. The Silverado LT Trail Boss excels in off-road capabilities with features like all-terrain tires and a 2-inch lift. On the other hand, the Tacoma provides two powertrain options, with a base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and an optional 3.5-liter V6. The Tacoma TRD models enhance off-road abilities with features like Multi-Terrain Select drive modes and Crawl Control. However, the Tacoma falls short in terms of handling and acceleration compared to its competitors.
Form and function
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
8/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
6/10
When it comes to cargo capacity, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers hauling capabilities of up to 2,250 pounds of payload and 13,400 pounds of trailer towing, depending on the configuration. The Silverado also boasts ample storage options and a spacious rear seat for passengers. In comparison, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma has limited interior space, especially in the Double Cab model. While the Tacoma features rear storage cubbies and a bed with tie-down cleats, it lacks innovative storage solutions seen in competitors like the Honda Ridgeline. The Tacoma's payload and towing capacities are respectable but fall behind some of its rivals.
Technology
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
8/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
6/10
The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 features an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available navigation and HD display. The Silverado offers up to 15 camera views in its Advanced Trailering Package, aiding in safe towing. However, the system is noted for its smaller display size and average sound quality. On the other hand, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma provides a functional infotainment system with standard Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a JBL audio system option. The Tacoma TRD Pro includes a Multi-Terrain Monitor surround-view camera system, enhancing off-road visibility. However, the Tacoma's system lacks advanced features beyond basic functions.
Safety
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
5/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
7/10
In terms of safety, CarGurus experts rate the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 5 out of 10 and the 2021 Toyota Tacoma 7 out of 10. The Silverado offers available advanced driving assistance systems, but they are limited to higher trim levels. The Silverado's crash-test ratings from NHTSA and IIHS are decent but could see improvements. In comparison, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma comes equipped with standard driver-assist features like forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The Tacoma has received good safety ratings from IIHS and NHTSA, with superior front-crash prevention tech.
Cost Effectiveness
2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
6/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
5/10
According to CarGurus experts, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 receives a 6 out of 10 for cost-effectiveness, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 5 out of 10. The Silverado can reach high price points, particularly in top trim levels, but incentives and discounts are common in the full-size truck segment, making it more affordable. On the other hand, the Toyota Tacoma has competitive pricing, with lower fuel economy ratings compared to some rivals.
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By: CarGurus + AI

This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.

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