2021 GMC Sierra 1500 vs 2020 Toyota Tacoma

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma exhibited a clean, pure, and simple design that was not flashy but certainly effective. In both extended Access and four-door Double Cab forms, its body was rounded enough to distinguish it from a Jeep, yet it remained defined by upright lines and chiseled panels. This allowed it to appear robust without feeling cumbersome. The Tacoma’s TRD Pro model for 2020 stood out with redesigned LED headlights, a new grille featuring the classic “TOYOTA” in caps, and a seductive new Army Green paint option. It also flaunted distinct exterior features like an aluminum skid plate, red TRD logo, exposed red shocks from Fox Racing, TRD wheels, and all-terrain tires. The Tacoma's interior carried a straightforward design with long rectangular planes forming the dashboard. Even though the overall fit and finish were good, the materials were mostly bargain plastics and rubbers, which felt underwhelming for a vehicle close to $50,000.

Conversely, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 emphasized styling and upscale trims like the Denali, positioning itself as a premium option. The AT4 test truck we examined was priced at $66,695, featuring a factory-installed suspension lift, off-road suspension with Rancho monotube shocks, skid plates, and unique design details such as red recovery hooks. Its black-on-black appearance looked appealing but quickly succumbed to dirt, emphasizing its off-road intent. On the inside, the Sierra featured large, supportive seats covered in stiff leather that, while durable, lacked the plushness expected from a luxurious truck. The cabin’s industrial design felt dated compared to its competitors, even though it included practical elements like rubber floor mats with carpeted inserts.

Under the hood, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma offered a choice between a less desirable 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a more capable 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft. The V6, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive or optional four-wheel drive, provided a balanced mix of power and capability. The Tacoma TRD Pro also had features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, enhancing its off-road prowess. However, the Tacoma’s performance on paved roads was lackluster, with slow steering, laboring engine, and a noisy sport exhaust. Fuel economy was a weak point, with the V6 achieving 18 mpg city, 22 highway, and 20 combined.

In comparison, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 featured a 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel six-cylinder engine that delivered 277 horsepower and an impressive 460 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm. Paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, the Sierra offered smooth and efficient gear selections. The truck performed admirably on a test drive from sea level to mountainous terrain, maintaining traction under varying weather conditions and achieving an average fuel economy of 21.1 mpg. The Sierra was also capable of towing up to 9,300 pounds and carrying a 2,150-pound payload, showcasing its versatility.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma's smaller size made it more manageable in urban settings, fitting easily into standard garages and offering a reasonable turning circle. Though the bed was shallow, it included a rail system with movable cleats, an optional power outlet, and LED lighting. The Tacoma’s Double Cab could feel cramped on longer journeys, with limited back-seat space and no rear defroster. Storage bins under the seats provided some extra room, but they couldn’t create a flat loading floor. Its payload capacity was 1,440 pounds, with a towing capacity capped at 6,800 pounds.

On the other hand, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 provided a significantly larger and more accommodating interior. The CarbonPro Edition's cargo bed, made from carbon fiber composite, improved durability and saved 60 pounds. The Sierra's bed offered between 62.9 to 89.1 cubic feet of cargo space, surpassing most competitors. The truck's storage solutions were less innovative, except for the cubbies in the rear seatbacks. The rear seating area included heated seats, ample space for three adults, and convenient air conditioning vents. The Sierra’s standard rear bumper steps and MultiPro tailgate added to its practicality.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with an easy-to-use interior, featuring a 7-inch standard touchscreen and an available 8-inch version with navigation. Standard tech included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa integration, plus a new USB-C port. Available features like wireless charging, Wi-Fi, and a suite of driver assists including adaptive cruise control and 360-degree cameras enhanced convenience. However, the infotainment system, while functional, lagged behind competitors in terms of modernity and video quality.

The 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 was equipped with advanced camera-based technologies, including a standard reversing camera, surround-view camera, trailer and bed-view cameras, and a rear camera mirror. The optional Technology Package added a 15-inch head-up display and an 8-inch driver information display. The Sierra’s infotainment options included a 7- or 8-inch touchscreen, with the test truck featuring the latter, which was fast and user-friendly. It supported wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and had a built-in 4G LTE WiFi hotspot. The Bose premium sound system was adequate but fell short of audio systems found in competitors like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma came with a wealth of standard safety features, including forward-emergency braking with pedestrian detection and lane-departure warning, with additional options like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors. It earned respectable safety ratings, with 4 out of 5 stars from the NHTSA and an IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.

In contrast, the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 offered several safety features, though many were optional. These included forward collision warning, pedestrian braking, and automatic emergency braking. The Denali trim came with blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert, while additional options included lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive cruise control. The Sierra's crash-test ratings were mediocre, with a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA and "Marginal" ratings from the IIHS in key areas.