2020 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2021 Toyota Tacoma
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 6.5 out of 10. Based on these scores, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is the recommended choice for consumers looking for a truck that offers a blend of style, performance, technology, and safety features.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Tacoma if:
Shop Now- You prefer a rugged and classic truck styling with a solid reputation for reliability.
- You seek good fuel economy ratings and solid safety features.
- You prioritize a composite bed with tie-down cleats and convenient storage options.
Choose the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize powerful performance and versatile towing capacity.
- You appreciate a user-friendly infotainment system with advanced features.
- You value a wide range of bed and cab configurations for customized utility.
Overview | |
MSRP$29,600 | MSRP$26,400 |
Average price$40,621 | Average price$36,005 |
Listings2238 | Listings3975 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.3 out of 10 | Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2020 GMC Sierra 1500 Reviews SummaryIt’s no surprise that trucks have improved and evolved over the years. After all, think about an average sedan from the early 1980s compared with a modern 2020 vehicle. Yet because pickup trucks are largely confined to a common shape, many shoppers are still surprised to see how nice they have become. This is especially true if your memory of trucks includes a vinyl bench seat. Modern trucks heavily incorporate utility-minded innovations. Cargo-management tools, side steps, and bed steps make for a more useful vehicle. Under the hood, turbocharging has made V6 and even 4-cylinder engines usable, delivering the power of the larger engines they aim to supplant. And finally, cabins have become nicer and more comfortable than previously imagined for a pickup. This evolution speaks to how trucks get used as family vehicles that can also do work. There are the work trucks, but there are also trucks like the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, which has many of the creature comforts of SUVs and crossovers. It says “I want a truck, but I could probably be used as a minivan.” But somewhere in the middle sits Sierra's AT4 trim. It’s comfortable, sure, but it’s also capable. Does that make it a good fit for both the worksite and the daily commute? | |
2021 Toyota Tacoma Reviews SummaryLast 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. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Engine2.7L 159 hp I4 |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower | Horsepower159 hp @ 5200 rpm |
MPG City16 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway21 | MPG Highway23 |
Engine | |
Engine Name4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | Engine Name2.7L 159 hp I4 |
Torque | Torque180 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm |
Horsepower | Horsepower159 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City16 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway21 | MPG Highway23 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity3 | Seating Capacity4 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length98.2 in | Bed Length73.7 in |
Curb Weight4520 lbs | Curb Weight3915 lbs |
Height75.6 in | Height70.6 in |
Length229.6 in | Length212.3 in |
Width81.2 in | Width74.4 in |
Wheelbase139.6 in | Wheelbase127.4 in |
Maximum Payload2240 lbs | Maximum Payload1685 lbs |
Number of doors2 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity10000 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity7900 lbs | Standard Towing Capacity |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is 8.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 6.5 out of 10. Based on these scores, the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 is the recommended choice for consumers looking for a truck that offers a blend of style, performance, technology, and safety features.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Tacoma if:
Shop Now- You prefer a rugged and classic truck styling with a solid reputation for reliability.
- You seek good fuel economy ratings and solid safety features.
- You prioritize a composite bed with tie-down cleats and convenient storage options.
Choose the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 if:
Shop Now- You prioritize powerful performance and versatile towing capacity.
- You appreciate a user-friendly infotainment system with advanced features.
- You value a wide range of bed and cab configurations for customized utility.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $29,600 | $26,400 |
Average price | $40,621 | $36,005 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.6 | 4.9 |
Expert reviews | 8.3 out of 10Read full review | 6.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | It’s no surprise that trucks have improved and evolved over the years. After all, think about an average sedan from the early 1980s compared with a modern 2020 vehicle. Yet because pickup trucks are largely confined to a common shape, many shoppers are still surprised to see how nice they have become. This is especially true if your memory of trucks includes a vinyl bench seat. Modern trucks heavily incorporate utility-minded innovations. Cargo-management tools, side steps, and bed steps make for a more useful vehicle. Under the hood, turbocharging has made V6 and even 4-cylinder engines usable, delivering the power of the larger engines they aim to supplant. And finally, cabins have become nicer and more comfortable than previously imagined for a pickup. This evolution speaks to how trucks get used as family vehicles that can also do work. There are the work trucks, but there are also trucks like the 2020 GMC Sierra 1500, which has many of the creature comforts of SUVs and crossovers. It says “I want a truck, but I could probably be used as a minivan.” But somewhere in the middle sits Sierra's AT4 trim. It’s comfortable, sure, but it’s also capable. Does that make it a good fit for both the worksite and the daily commute? | 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. |
Video | ||
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 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 4.3L 285 hp V6 Flex Fuel Vehicle | 2.7L 159 hp I4 |
Torque | 180 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm | |
Horsepower | 159 hp @ 5200 rpm | |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 16 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 21 | 23 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 3 | 4 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 98.2 in | 73.7 in |
Curb Weight | 4520 lbs | 3915 lbs |
Height | 75.6 in | 70.6 in |
Length | 229.6 in | 212.3 in |
Width | 81.2 in | 74.4 in |
Wheelbase | 139.6 in | 127.4 in |
Maximum Payload | 2240 lbs | 1685 lbs |
Number of doors | 2 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 10000 lbs | 3500 lbs |
Standard Towing Capacity | 7900 lbs | |
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.