2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD had a polarizing design that sparked significant debate upon its release. Critics often compared its aesthetics unfavorably to other vehicles in the Chevrolet lineup, such as the Camaro and Blazer. Despite initial resistance, the truck's design began to grow on some reviewers over time. The interior, however, retained a familiar and functional layout, with all controls and features easily accessible. The Silverado HD's cabin was praised for its practicality, including the column shifter and the unchanged placement of vents, dials, and buttons.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tundra's design was considered somewhat awkward, with a massive grille and small headlights that created an oversized appearance. The cabin, while dated, featured contemporary elements and a straightforward layout that made it easy to use. The Tundra's interior was not luxurious but included essential updates like a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The Tundra's design and features were functional, catering to the needs of drivers who prioritize ease of use over modern aesthetics.

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 power to either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system. The diesel engine, while not as responsive as the gas V8, offered impressive towing capabilities, with the Silverado 2500HD able to tow up to 18,500 pounds and the 3500HD up to 35,500 pounds with a gooseneck hitch. Fuel economy was not officially rated, but the truck achieved around 17 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with the I-Force 5.7-liter V8 engine, producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, offering rear-wheel drive as standard and optional 4WD with low range. The Tundra's towing capacity was 10,200 pounds, which was lower than some competitors. The six-speed transmission, while not as advanced as newer multi-gear options, provided responsive performance and confident acceleration. The Tundra excelled in comfort, handling bumps well and maintaining stability on the highway.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered various bed and cab configurations, including a Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab. The Crew Cab, tested with a standard bed, provided ample interior space with large cubbies and trays for gear. The power lift-and-lower tailgate, accessible via the key fob or cabin button, added convenience. The Silverado's cabin layout remained largely unchanged, making it easy for returning customers to adapt. The rear seats folded up to reveal a flat load floor and additional storage trays, maximizing utility.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra featured two cab sizes and three bed sizes. The CrewMax, tested with a 5.5-foot bed, offered exceptional rear legroom and fold-up rear seats for additional cargo space. Optional in-bed storage lockers provided secure storage, though they were less useful than similar systems in competitors. The front seats had ample room and a large center console with multiple cup holders and storage compartments. The optional power rear window was a standout feature, offering clear sightlines and fresh air.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in its restrained approach to technology. The base trims featured a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims offered an 8-inch screen. The infotainment system had a straightforward layout with large icons, though the bottom dock icons were smaller and harder to use while driving. Multiple USB ports and power outlets were available, along with an optional wireless charging pad and a 4G LTE WiFi hotspot.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra received a significant infotainment update in 2020, carried into 2021. It included standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, operated via a 7-inch or optional 8-inch touchscreen with navigation and Amazon Alexa. The system was user-friendly, with redundant hard buttons for ease of use. The Tundra also featured multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a three-month trial of WiFi hotspot capability. The audio system ranged from a six-speaker setup to an available 12-speaker JBL premium audio system.

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 Safety Package II, which included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Package I, also included on the test truck, featured front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. The massive side mirrors with integrated trucking mirrors were particularly useful for maneuvering the large truck.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra included the Safety Sense P suite as standard, featuring forward-collision warning and avoidance, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. Optional safety features included front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tundra also came standard with eight airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system, trailer sway control, and an integrated trailer brake controller.