2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was a clean, pure, and simple pickup, though it had its flaws. The back doors had a tinny sound reminiscent of older Toyota trucks, and the flared hood scoop was purely decorative. Despite these quirks, the Tacoma's design was functional and rugged, especially in the TRD Pro trim. The TRD Pro featured redesigned LED headlights, a new grille, and Army Green paint, making it stand out. The interior was straightforward, with a modestly sized touchscreen and durable materials, though the leather seats in the TRD Pro were not particularly impressive.

In contrast, the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, nearly as tall as the average American woman. Redesigned for 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Silverado 2500HD came in various body styles, trim levels, and bed lengths, offering buyers a wide range of choices. The truck's exterior was more rugged than sophisticated, with high-strength steel beds and large CornerSteps for easier access. Despite its size, the Silverado 2500HD was designed to be highly functional and capable.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma offered two engine options: a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The V6 was the preferred choice, providing better performance and towing capabilities. The Tacoma's 6-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive were standard, with 4-wheel drive available. The TRD Pro trim came with advanced off-road features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, making it highly capable on rough terrain. However, the Tacoma's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow steering and a noisy V6 engine. Fuel economy was also subpar, with the V6 achieving 18 mpg city, 22 highway, and 20 combined.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two powerful engine options: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque. The diesel engine was paired with a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission, providing smooth and powerful performance, especially when towing. The Silverado 2500HD's maximum payload ranged from 3,715 to 3,979 pounds, depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration. Towing capacities were impressive, with the diesel engine capable of pulling up to 18,500 pounds. The Silverado 2500HD excelled on the highway, offering a smooth and comfortable ride.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size made it more maneuverable in city environments compared to full-size trucks. It was easier to park, fit in standard garages, and navigate wooded trails. The bed featured a rail system with movable cleats, an optional power outlet, and LED lighting. The Double Cab's rear seats were cramped for long trips, and the lack of a rear defroster was a drawback. However, the Tacoma's overall design was practical and functional for everyday use.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample headroom and seating for three adults across the cab. The Crew Cab version provided the most rear legroom. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or cloth upholstery, and a power-sliding rear window with defogger. Higher trims offered more luxurious options, such as 10-way power-adjustable front seats and carpeted floor mats. The Silverado 2500HD's interior was designed for both comfort and functionality, making it suitable for long drives and worksite use.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma featured a simple and intuitive infotainment system, with a 7-inch touchscreen standard and an 8-inch version available. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa were standard, along with a new USB-C port. Optional features included wireless phone charging and onboard Wi-Fi. The Tacoma also offered 360-degree cameras and a suite of driver assists, including adaptive cruise control. While not the most advanced, the Tacoma's technology was functional and user-friendly.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, along with two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system worked well but had some quirks when scrolling through radio stations. Additional standard features included a 12-volt front power outlet, Bluetooth, and a 3.5-inch driver information display. Available features included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hotspot, Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Silverado 2500HD excelled in camera technology, with a bed-view camera available on lower trims.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with standard safety features like forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. The Tacoma scored 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash tests and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in five of six crash tests.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS due to its heavy-duty classification. Standard safety features included six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, and electronic stability control. Optional features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Silverado 2500HD offered a range of safety technologies to enhance driver and passenger protection.