2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was a straightforward and practical pickup, with a design that emphasized simplicity over extravagance. While it didn't boast the aesthetic appeal of some of its competitors, it maintained a clean and functional look. The Tacoma's body, available in both extended Access and four-door Double Cab forms, was rounded yet retained enough angular lines to assert its ruggedness. The TRD Pro model, in particular, stood out with its redesigned LED headlights, Army Green paint option, and a bold grille that replaced the traditional badge with "TOYOTA" in all caps. The interior mirrored the exterior's simplicity, featuring a modestly sized touchscreen and a straightforward dashboard layout. However, the materials used were mostly basic, with the leather seats in the TRD Pro not quite meeting expectations.

In contrast, the 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD had a polarizing design that sparked mixed reactions. Its exterior was part of the same design language as the Camaro and Blazer, which some found unattractive. Despite initial reservations, the Silverado's design grew on some over time. The truck prioritized function over form, with a cabin layout that remained largely unchanged from previous models, ensuring familiarity for drivers. The Silverado HD offered various trims, with the LTZ trim providing a luxurious experience with leather upholstery, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The High Country trim topped the LTZ with additional standard features. The Silverado's interior was spacious, with ample storage options and a flat load floor, making it highly practical for work and everyday use.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma offered two engine options, with the base 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which was considered underwhelming for a vehicle of its size. The more popular choice was the 3.5-liter V6 engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine was standard on most trims and provided a more robust performance. The Tacoma's 6-speed automatic transmission was standard, with a 6-speed manual available for TRD Off-Road and Pro models. The TRD Pro came with standard 4-wheel drive and off-road features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control. Despite its off-road prowess, the Tacoma's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow steering and a noisy V6 engine. Fuel economy was also a downside, with the V6 achieving 18 mpg city and 22 mpg highway.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two powerful 6.6-liter V8 engine options: a gas V8 with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and a Duramax turbodiesel V8 with 445 horsepower and a massive 910 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, provided impressive towing capabilities, with the 2500HD able to tow up to 18,500 pounds. The diesel's power delivery was gradual but substantial, making it one of the most potent diesel engines available. The Silverado's fuel economy was not officially rated by the EPA, but it achieved around 17 mpg during testing, which was commendable for a heavy-duty truck. The Silverado's performance made it suitable for a wide range of tasks, from towing heavy loads to handling worksite demands.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size compared to full-size trucks was a significant advantage, making it easier to maneuver in urban environments and park in standard garages. The Tacoma offered a choice between a 5- or 6-foot bed, with a rail system and movable cleats for securing cargo. The Double Cab's rear seats were adequate for short trips but could feel cramped on longer journeys. The interior lacked some conveniences, such as a rear defroster and air vents for the second row, but it did include hidden storage bins under the rear seats. The Tacoma's design was practical for off-road adventures, with features like a power-sliding rear window and optional side steps.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD provided a range of bed and cab configurations, including a Regular Cab, Double Cab, and Crew Cab. The Crew Cab, in particular, offered a spacious interior with ample storage options, including a massive center console bin and hidden cubbies within the rear seatbacks. The Silverado's cabin layout was familiar and user-friendly, with controls easily accessible for work purposes. The truck featured Chevrolet's CornerSteps and BedSteps, designed to accommodate work boots, and an available power lift-and-lower tailgate for added convenience. The Silverado's interior was designed for utility, with a flat load floor and additional trays for gear storage.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a straightforward and intuitive infotainment system, with a standard 7-inch touchscreen and an optional 8-inch version with navigation. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, along with a new USB-C port. The Tacoma offered wireless phone charging and onboard Wi-Fi as available options. The truck was equipped with 360-degree cameras, providing ample views for parking and off-road driving. A suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control, was standard, although the infotainment interface was functional rather than cutting-edge.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in its restrained approach to technology, with a base 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system on the Work Truck and Custom trims, and an 8-inch version on the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims. Both systems featured a straightforward layout with large icons, although the bottom dock icons were smaller and required more precision to use. The Silverado offered multiple USB ports and power outlets, with wireless charging available on higher trims. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard on the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims, providing connectivity for all devices.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with a range of standard safety features, including forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Tacoma received a 4-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in most crash tests.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was equipped 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 was a notable feature, vibrating to alert the driver to safety messages. The Safety Package I included front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, enhancing maneuverability and safety in tight spaces.