2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was a behemoth of a truck, prioritizing function over form. Its massive grille fed multiple radiators, readying it for serious work. The Denali trim stood out with extensive chrome, including a large chrome grille and 8-lug chrome wheels. Offered in premium colors like Onyx Black, the Denali was one of the flashiest trucks from General Motors. Despite its over-the-top touches, the Sierra 2500HD Denali was preferred over most versions of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or 2500, thanks to its more universally appealing design.

Trims for the Sierra 2500HD started with the Base, known as the “Sierra,” and moved up to the SLE, SLT, and the range-topping Denali. The base model came with a V8 engine and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SLE added features like 17-inch aluminum wheels, two-tier trailering mirrors, and a 4.2-inch color driver-information screen. The SLT offered 18-inch aluminum wheels, LED lighting, and a power-release tailgate. The Denali featured a full leather interior, wood-grain inserts, navigation, wireless device charging, and a Bose premium sound system. However, the Denali's cabin was criticized for its fit-and-finish and material quality compared to competitors like the Ram 2500 Limited.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra had an awkward look, with a massive grille and small headlights. Developed in the mid-2000s, it looked oversized in some ways. The "Cement" paint color with blacked-out wheels and badging gave it a modern appearance despite its dated underpinnings. The cabin was dominated by hard plastics and big monotone panels, typical of mid-2010s truck styling. However, all buttons and dials were within easy reach, making it user-friendly compared to the more complex Ram 1500.

The Tundra's interior was not luxurious but had been updated where it counted. A standard 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa was added in 2020 and carried into 2021. Trim levels included SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Pro, Platinum, and the 1794 Edition. The SR5 CrewMax trim added power-adjustable front seats and an 8-inch touchscreen. The Limited trim offered 20-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, and leather upholstery. The TRD Pro added off-road features, while the Platinum and 1794 Edition offered more luxury touches. The new Nightshade Edition added dark chrome and black exterior touches.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered two V8 engine options: a 6.6-liter gas engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.6-liter Duramax diesel engine delivering 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. The gas engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the diesel engine used a 10-speed Allison transmission. The diesel engine provided immense power, making the truck feel lively despite its size. The Sierra 2500HD could tow up to 18,510 pounds and haul a payload of up to 3,979 pounds. Fuel economy was not officially rated, but the trip computer showed an average of 16.5 miles per gallon.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine producing 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual tap-shift function. The Tundra had a towing capacity of 10,200 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds. The six-speed automatic was responsive, and the V8 provided strong acceleration. The Tundra was comfortable over various surfaces, with vague steering at low speeds but stable on the highway.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD was available in various bed and cab configurations, including regular, double, and crew cabs with standard or long beds. The Denali was only available with the crew cab and a choice of bed lengths. Both bed sizes featured bed corner steps and steps ahead of the rear wheel well. The EZ lift-and-lower tailgate and MultiPro tailgate with six configurations, including a step, were notable features. Inside, the 2500HD had ample room and storage options, with additional storage under the rear seats in SLT-and-up trims.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered two cab sizes and three bed sizes. The Double Cab had conventionally-opening rear doors and was available with a 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot bed. The CrewMax, a full four-door crew cab, came with a 5.5-foot bed and provided ample legroom for rear passengers. The rear seats folded up for additional cargo space. Optional in-bed storage lockers were available but less useful than the RamBox system. The front seats had plenty of room, a massive center console, and multiple storage options. The optional power rear window was a standout feature, providing clear sightlines and fresh air.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen running GMC Infotainment 3, featuring customizable icons, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The SLT and Denali trims had an 8-inch infotainment screen with available navigation. The Denali also featured an 8-inch color driver-information screen. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with the right tech in the right packaging.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra's infotainment system was updated in 2020 and carried into 2021. It came standard with a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. An 8-inch touchscreen with navigation was available. The system was easy to operate, with redundant hard buttons. The Tundra also had multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a three-month trial of WiFi hotspot capability. The standard six-speaker stereo could be upgraded to a JBL premium audio system with 12 speakers.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500HD's size presented safety concerns, but it was equipped with cameras on all four sides and two-tier trailering mirrors. Standard safety features included front and side airbags, traction control, a reversing camera, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Driver Alert Package I added parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The Driver Alert Package II included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and automatic high beams.

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