2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, nearly as tall as the average American woman. Despite its height, the truck was immensely capable, surpassing its Silverado 1500 counterpart. Redesigned in 2020, the 2021 model introduced new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet offered a variety of body styles, trim levels, and bed lengths, making customization a key feature. Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Z71 Sport Edition added to its appeal. The truck's high-strength steel bed, available in standard and long-bed versions, was accessible via Integrated BedSteps and large CornerSteps, though these steps posed a challenge for shorter individuals. The Silverado's exterior, while functional, lacked the sophistication of its competitors, often appearing more toy-like than worksite-ready.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, a staple in the North American market since 1995, showed signs of aging despite a 2020 facelift. Its exterior remained contemporary with an aggressive grille and headlights, but the cabin revealed its age with hard plastics and outdated switchgear. The Tacoma was available in SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trims. Standard features on the SR included 16-inch steel wheels, a tow-hitch receiver, and a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. Higher trims added features like fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheels, and power-adjustable seats. The TRD Pro, the top trim, boasted unique styling, underbody skid plates, and a TRD-tuned suspension, making it a formidable off-road vehicle.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two engine choices: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine with 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, and a 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine with 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet 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. The diesel engine excelled in towing, with a maximum capacity of 18,500 pounds. Fuel economy figures were not provided, but the Silverado HD was praised for its highway performance and ease of maneuvering.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's base engine was a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which was underpowered. The optional 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, was recommended. The V6 engine was standard on higher trims and offered a 6,800-pound towing capacity and a 1,685-pound payload capacity. Both engines were paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, with a six-speed manual available on TRD models. The V6 struggled with highway speeds due to its gearing and transmission but performed well around town. The TRD Pro excelled off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its trail capabilities.

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 legroom. Standard features included a 40/20/40 split-bench seat, vinyl or cloth upholstery, and a power-sliding rear window. Higher trims added bucket seats, a center console, and 10-way power-adjustable front seats. Assist handles, manual windows, and single-zone climate control were standard, with more luxurious features available on upper trims.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma was available in Access Cab and Double Cab body styles, with five-foot and six-foot-one-inch bed options. The Access Cab had clamshell rear half-doors and seating for four, with tight rear legroom. The Double Cab offered seating for five but still had limited rear legroom. The front seats provided ample legroom, but the tilt/telescoping steering wheel's limited range could be an issue for taller drivers. The Tacoma's cab featured plenty of cupholders and storage, with in-bed lighting and a power outlet available.

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 features included a 12-volt front power outlet, Bluetooth, and Chevrolet Connected Access. Available upgrades included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hotspot, Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet's camera technology was a highlight, with a bed-view camera available on lower trims.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma's base infotainment system was a 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with a basic layout and large icons. Apple CarPlay integration was seamless, but the tuning and volume dials were small. The Tacoma also featured a wireless device charger, though it required manual activation. Advanced tech features were limited, but the trail camera was a useful addition for off-road enthusiasts.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. Standard safety features included six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability 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, and cruise control. Additional safety features included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, and OnStar services.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma came standard with driver assistance features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors. The backup camera's image quality was grainy. The 2022 Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests.