2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
$35,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
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2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
$35,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
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CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is 6.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 6.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is the recommended choice, offering superior towing and payload capacities, a more spacious interior, and advanced camera technology.

Overview

MSRP

$35,300

MSRP

$26,400

Average price

$44,794

Average price

$34,161

Listings

860

Listings

3843
Ratings & Reviews
User Reviews
User Reviews

Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10

Expert reviews

6.5 out of 10
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Poor handling
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Excellent off-road capability
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Poor handling
  • Underwhelming base engine

2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Reviews Summary

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD is plenty capable but its interior design keeps it from being a standout in the segment. Still, the Silverado 2500HD has a number of redeeming qualities that make it worthy of consideration, from comfortable accommodations to innovative camera technology.

2021 Toyota Tacoma Reviews Summary

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.

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Popular Features & Specs

Engine

Engine

2.7L 159 hp I4

Drive Train

Drive Train

4X2

Seating Capacity

3

Seating Capacity

4

Horsepower

Horsepower

159 hp @ 5200 rpm

MPG City

MPG City

20

MPG Highway

MPG Highway

23
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
$35,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
$35,300MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now
2021 Toyota Tacoma
$26,400MSRP
Overview
Overview
OverviewShop Now

CarGurus highlights

Winning Vehicle Image

According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is 6.8 out of 10, while the 2021 Toyota Tacoma scores 6.5 out of 10. Based on these ratings, the Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is the recommended choice, offering superior towing and payload capacities, a more spacious interior, and advanced camera technology.

Overview
MSRP
$35,300
$26,400
Average price
$44,794
$34,161
Listings
Ratings & Reviews
User reviews
4.4
4.8
Expert reviews

6.8 out of 10

Read full review

6.5 out of 10

Read full review
Pros & cons
Pros
  • Multiple body styles
  • Multiple powertrain options
  • Powerful engine
Cons
  • Poor ride quality
  • Poor handling
  • Interior materials feel cheap
Pros
  • Manual transmission available
  • Easy-to-use technology
  • Excellent off-road capability
Cons
  • Sluggish performance
  • Poor handling
  • Underwhelming base engine
Summary
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado HD is plenty capable but its interior design keeps it from being a standout in the segment. Still, the Silverado 2500HD has a number of redeeming qualities that make it worthy of consideration, from comfortable accommodations to innovative camera technology.

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.

Search for a Toyota Tacoma on CarGurus

Video
No video found
Popular Features & Specs
Engine
2.7L 159 hp I4
Drive Train
4X2
Seating Capacity
3
4
Horsepower
159 hp @ 5200 rpm
MPG City
20
MPG Highway
23
Look and feel
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
6/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
8/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, with its hood nearly reaching the height of an average American woman. Redesigned in 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Available in various body styles, trims, and bed lengths, the Silverado 2500HD offered a range of options, including the Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, and High Country grades. Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Midnight Edition added to its appeal. The truck featured high-strength steel beds, 17- to 20-inch wheels, and integrated BedSteps and CornerSteps for easier access. Despite its rugged capabilities, the Silverado's exterior design leaned more towards a toy-like appearance rather than sophisticated worksite chic.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma embodied the quintessential truck look with its boxy fender flares, tall hood, and shield-like grille. The new Trail Edition featured 16-inch TRD Off-Road alloy wheels and a unique grille, while the Nightshade Edition boasted blacked-out trim. The TRD Pro model stood out with its exclusive Lunar Rock color, blacked-out hood, and Rigid Industries LED fog lights. Built on a body-on-frame construction, the Tacoma offered Access Cab and Double Cab options, with varying wheelbases and bed lengths. The interior mirrored the rugged exterior, with durable materials suitable for off-road adventures. However, the TRD Pro's high price tag and focus on off-roading rather than luxury made it less appealing for those seeking a more refined experience.

Performance
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
8/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
7/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine choices: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine delivering 445 hp and 910 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 10-speed Allison automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive was standard, with four-wheel drive available. The gasoline engine had a maximum payload of 3,979 pounds (RWD) and 3,965 pounds (4WD), while the diesel engine had a 3,715-pound maximum payload. Towing capacities were impressive, with the gas engine capable of 14,500 pounds (conventional) and 17,370 pounds (fifth wheel/gooseneck), and the diesel engine pulling 18,500 pounds. The diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance, making it the preferred choice for heavy-duty tasks. Fuel economy figures were not provided, but the Silverado HD excelled in highway cruising and maneuverability.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma offered two powertrain options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 engine producing 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine came with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 was available with both an automatic and a six-speed manual transmission. The optional part-time 4WD drivetrain featured low range and an electronic rear limited-slip differential. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models enhanced off-road capabilities with features like upgraded suspension, Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, and Crawl Control. The TRD Pro added Fox shocks, a front lift, and wider wheels. The Tacoma's maximum towing capacity was 6,800 pounds, and its maximum payload capacity was 1,685 pounds. However, these figures varied depending on the configuration. The Tacoma's off-road prowess was commendable, but its on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and poor ride quality.

Form and function
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
8/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
6/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD provided a spacious and comfortable interior, with ample headroom and seating for three adults across the cab. The Crew Cab version offered the most rear seat 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 added bucket seats, a center console, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Assist handles, manual windows, a rubberized floor, and single-zone climate control were standard. Upper trims approached GMC's premium territory, with carpeted floor mats and softer-touch surfaces becoming available.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab struggled with interior space, offering the worst rear headroom and legroom in the segment. Front headroom and legroom were also below average, creating a bunker-like feel. The rear seats folded up to reveal storage cubbies, but other in-cab storage was limited. The Tacoma included a wireless charging pad and numerous cupholders around the center console. The bed featured a standard rail system with tie-down cleats and an available 120-volt outlet. The inner bed was made from sheet-molded composite, a lightweight and rust-resistant alternative to steel.

Technology
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
8/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
6/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen running the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system was generally user-friendly but had issues with station scrolling. Additional standard features included a 12-volt front power outlet, a two-speaker audio system, a 3.5-inch driver information display, Bluetooth, and Chevrolet Connected Access. Available features included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hot spot, an 8-inch driver information screen, bed view camera, Bose audio system, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, keyless entry, rear camera mirror, remote start, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet's camera technology was a standout, with a bed-view camera added to lower trims.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma SR trim level featured a 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims received an 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. A six-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer was available on higher trims. The infotainment system was functional and easy to navigate, with responsive touchscreens and helpful shortcut buttons. However, the graphics were plain, and the system lacked advanced features beyond basic functions. The TRD Pro model included the Multi-Terrain Monitor surround-view camera system, useful for off-road and parking maneuvers.

Safety
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
5/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
7/10

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by the NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control with traction control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Safety Confidence Package, available on Work Truck and Custom models, added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, steering-wheel audio controls, a 4.2-inch driver information screen, and cruise control. Additional available safety features included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, OnStar, rear-seat reminder, high-beam assist, and following distance indicator.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the passenger-side small overlap front test. Headlights received mixed ratings, but the Tacoma earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention tech. The NHTSA gave both Access Cab and Double Cab configurations a four-star overall rating, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash tests, and five stars in side crash tests. Standard driver-assist features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Ford Ranger offered additional features like lane-keep assist and blind-spot monitoring.

Cost Effectiveness
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
6/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma
5/10
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