2020 Toyota Tundra vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD had a polarizing design that sparked significant debate upon its release. Critics often compared its aesthetics unfavorably to other Chevrolet models like the Camaro and Blazer, which also faced backlash. Despite initial resistance, the Silverado's design began to grow on some over time. However, the truck's primary appeal lay in its functionality rather than its form. The interior remained largely unchanged from previous models, featuring a practical layout with all controls easily accessible. The Silverado HD was available in multiple trims, each offering a range of features from basic work essentials to luxurious amenities.

In contrast, the 2020 Toyota Tundra offered a more traditional and rugged appearance, especially in the TRD Pro trim with its exclusive Army Green color and black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels. The interior, while spacious and comfortable, was criticized for its extensive use of industrial-grade plastic, which felt out of place at higher price points. The Tundra's design had aged well, but it lacked the modern touches found in some competitors. The TRD Pro trim added unique features like black leather with red stitching and a power rear window, enhancing its appeal for those seeking a tough, off-road-ready truck.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two powerful V8 engine options, both displacing 6.6 liters. The standard gas V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax turbodiesel V8 delivered 445 horsepower and a massive 910 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing either rear-wheel drive or available 4-wheel drive with low-range gearing. The diesel engine, while not as responsive as the gas V8, built power impressively and was capable of towing up to 18,500 pounds. The Silverado 3500HD could tow even more, up to 35,500 pounds with a gooseneck hitch. Fuel economy was not officially rated, but the diesel engine achieved around 17 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, came with a single 5.7-liter V8 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain produced 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. The Tundra's maximum towing capacity was 10,200 pounds, and it could carry up to 1,730 pounds of payload in its most basic configuration. The TRD Pro trim included standard 4-wheel drive, BBS forged aluminum wheels, heavy-duty Fox off-road shocks, and a TRD-tuned dual exhaust system. While the V8 engine sounded impressive, it was loud and could be annoying to bystanders. The Tundra's fuel economy was less impressive, averaging around 14.3 mpg during testing.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered various bed and cab configurations, including a Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab. The Crew Cab, in particular, provided ample interior space with massive cubbies and trays for gear. The rear seats folded up to reveal a flat load floor and additional storage trays. The Silverado also featured Chevrolet's CornerSteps and BedSteps, making it easier to access the bed. The LTZ trim included a power lift-and-lower tailgate, which could be operated from the key fob, tailgate button, or cabin controls. The interior layout was user-friendly, with controls easily accessible and familiar to previous Silverado owners.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra, built in Texas, boasted a spacious interior, especially in the CrewMax configuration. The rear seating area was particularly large, though the bench seat was low and flat. Up front, the leather seats were supportive and comfortable for long drives. Storage options were plentiful, though the glove compartment was surprisingly small. The rear seat cushions flipped up to create extra floor space, but there was limited storage underneath. The Tundra's bed was basic, lacking advanced features like locking storage wells or multifunctional tailgates found in some competitors. However, it did offer an optional spray-in bedliner and tie-down hooks.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in its practical approach to technology. The base Work Truck and Custom trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims like the LT, LTZ, and High Country upgraded to an 8-inch touchscreen. The infotainment system had a straightforward layout with large icons, though the bottom dock icons were smaller and harder to press while driving. The truck also offered multiple USB ports, power outlets, and an optional wireless charging pad. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard on higher trims and available on lower ones.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system, while appearing outdated, was equipped with modern software. Lower trims featured a 7-inch display, while higher trims upgraded to an 8-inch screen. The system included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, USB ports, and connected services. The TRD Pro trim added dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a 12-speaker JBL premium sound system. While the system had physical knobs and buttons for easier use, the small virtual buttons on the touchscreen could be frustrating. The Tundra lacked advanced towing technology, offering only a reversing camera.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came with a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The LTZ trim added a surround-view camera with trailer views and the available Safety Package II, which included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Alert Seat, which vibrated to alert the driver to safety messages, was also part of this package. The Safety Package I, included on the test truck, offered front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. The large side mirrors with integrated wide-angle mirrors made maneuvering the truck easier.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra included Toyota Safety Sense as standard, along with an optional blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert. Every Tundra also came with a free year of Safety Connect services, providing automatic collision notification and SOS emergency calling. However, the Tundra's crash-test performance was lacking. The IIHS rated it poorly in small-overlap frontal-impact tests, with Marginal and Poor ratings for the driver and front passenger, respectively. The truck's headlights also received a Marginal rating. The NHTSA gave the Tundra more favorable ratings, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance (3 stars for RWD models).