2022 Toyota Tundra vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a towering presence, nearly as tall as the average American woman. This height, combined with its robust capabilities, made it a superior pickup compared to its Silverado 1500 counterpart. Redesigned in 2020, the 2500HD received further updates in 2021, including new special editions, advanced camera technology, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet offered a wide variety of body styles, trim levels, and bed lengths, emphasizing versatility. Special editions like the LTZ Premium Texas Edition and Midnight Edition added to its appeal. The truck's high-strength steel bed, available in standard and long-bed versions, and various wheel options, enhanced its functionality. However, its exterior design, especially in certain colors, leaned more towards a toy-like appearance rather than worksite sophistication.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra marked the beginning of its third generation, with a complete redesign from the ground up. Its exterior featured a dynamic, expressive look with a large hexagonal grille and distinct trim-specific patterns. The TRD Pro trim stood out with retro "TOYOTA" lettering and a technical camo pattern. Inside, the Tundra continued the camo theme and offered a chiseled, muscular body design with pronounced wheel arches. The interior saw significant upgrades, including a 14-inch touchscreen display on higher trims, aiming to position the Tundra as a family adventure vehicle. The cohesive design linked the exterior and interior, showcasing a well-thought-out redesign.

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 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. Towing capacities varied, with the gas engine capable of 14,500 pounds (conventional) and 17,370 pounds (fifth wheel/gooseneck), and the diesel engine able to tow 18,500 pounds. The diesel engine provided smoother acceleration and better towing performance. Fuel economy figures were not provided, but the Silverado HD excelled in highway cruising and maneuverability.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra introduced two new engines: the i-Force, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque (348/405 in SR), and the i-Force Max, a hybrid gasoline-electric powertrain with 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Both engines used a 10-speed automatic transmission, with rear-wheel drive standard and four-wheel drive available. Toyota estimated fuel economy for the i-Force models at 18 mpg city/23 mpg highway/20 mpg combined (RWD) and 17 mpg city/22 mpg highway/19 mpg combined (4WD). The new twin-turbo V6 provided smooth and consistent power delivery, while the hybrid system added impressive torque. The Tundra's new chassis and suspension improved handling, with a switch to a multi-link rear suspension enhancing ride quality. Off-road capabilities were bolstered by the TRD Off-Road package and multi-terrain select system.

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 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, and single-zone climate control were standard, with more luxurious features available on upper trims. However, competitors like the Ford Super Duty and Ram 2500HD offered more upscale interiors.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra came in Double Cab or CrewMax configurations, both with four doors and seating for five. The Double Cab had 33.3 inches of rear seat legroom, while the CrewMax offered 41.6 inches. Bed options included 6.5-foot and 8.1-foot for Double Cab, and 5.5-foot and 6.5-foot for CrewMax. The new aluminum-reinforced composite bed saved weight and resisted damage. Towing capacity reached 12,000 pounds, with standard trailer sway control and TOW/HAUL mode. Inside, smart storage solutions like a sliding tray in the center armrest and a conveniently placed 12-volt power tap enhanced functionality. The Tundra's interior design focused on buyer convenience and practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD featured a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with the Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system, two USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The system worked well but had issues with station scrolling. Standard features included a 12-volt front power outlet, two-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, and Chevrolet Connected Access. Available features included a 120-volt power outlet, WiFi hot spot, Bose audio system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Chevrolet excelled in camera technology, adding a bed-view camera to lower trims.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra introduced a new infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen standard on SR and SR5 trims, and a 14-inch touchscreen on Limited and above. A 12-speaker JBL premium audio system was available on Limited and standard on upper trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with Toyota Connected services. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel was standard on higher trims, with a 10.1-inch head-up display available. Off-roaders benefited from the multi-terrain select system with crawl control and downhill assist control, enhancing the Tundra's off-road capabilities.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was not crash-tested by NHTSA or IIHS. It came with six airbags, a rearview camera, Teen Driver software, electronic stability control, and a tire-pressure monitoring system. The Safety Confidence Package added forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and cruise control. Additional safety features included front and rear park assist, lane-departure warning, OnStar, and high-beam assist.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra had not been crash-tested by IIHS or NHTSA. It came standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, including a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing assist, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. The Star Safety System included enhanced vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and more. Eight airbags, LATCH connectors, and child-protector rear door locks were standard. Blind-spot monitor was available on SR5 and standard on higher trims.