2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD vs 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Toyota Tundra exhibited an exterior that was somewhat awkward and dated compared to its newer competitors. Originally developed in the mid-2000s and released for the 2007 model year, it embraced the "biggie-biggie" design language of its time. The focus of this design era was bulk and presence. The Tundra's massive grille seemed proportionally incongruent with its smaller headlights, resulting in an oversized but awkward look. Our test model came painted in "Cement," a color that combined with blacked-out wheels and badging to project a somewhat modern appearance despite the truck's older underpinnings.

Inside, the Tundra's cabin was equally dated but contained contemporary elements. The dashboard was largely made up of hard plastics and sizable monotone panels, hallmark indicators of truck cabins from the mid-2010s. However, all controls were conveniently placed within easy reach. This aging design made navigating the controls simple, particularly when compared to modern alternatives like the Ram 1500, which necessitated a brief acclimation period. The Tundra’s interior wasn't luxurious or modern, but the inclusion of a standard 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa was crucial for tech-savvy drivers.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, redesigned for the 2020 model year, presented a contrasting visual appeal with a commanding and bold design. It featured a tall hood, squared-off lines, and an imposing grille that bestowed it with an authoritative road presence. Subjectively, the Sierra HD was among the better-looking heavy-duty trucks available.

Inside, the Sierra 2500HD’s narrative shifted slightly. While the interior was functional and presentable, it failed to meet the high material quality standards set by competitors from Ram and Ford, especially in the upper trims. Time spent in the top trims of Ram 2500 and Ford F-250 Super Duty made this apparent. Passenger space was plentiful but did not feel as expansive as in the aforementioned rivals.

The Sierra 2500HD came in five trims, each distinct in character. The Pro trim was ideal for fleet operators or those needing basic capability. The SLE and SLT added comfort and tech for mainstream buyers. The AT4 catered to off-road adventurers, while the Denali stood as the luxury choice, exclusive along with the AT4 in crew cab form.

Our AT4 test model featured a rugged and refined look with black chrome accents, C-shaped LED lighting, red recovery hooks, and 20-inch wheels. The interior boasted Jet Black with Kalahari upholstery, heated and ventilated leather seats, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a premium Bose audio system, creating a rugged yet luxurious off-road truck ambiance.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra came equipped standard with Toyota’s I-Force 5.7-liter V8 engine. This robust engine, which replaced the less efficient 4.6-liter V8, delivered 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. This power was handled by a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual tap-shift function. Rear-wheel drive was standard, but a four-wheel-drive option with a low range was available and equipped on our test truck. While not the most modern, the six-speed transmission was responsive and eager to downshift when needed, providing strong acceleration across different speeds. Comfortable over various surfaces and confidently stable in corners, the Tundra shone best when cruising on the highway at 65 mph. Its towing capacity maxed out at 10,200 pounds with a payload capacity of 1,730 pounds, trailing behind competitors like the Ford F-150.

In stark contrast, the 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD offered an even more robust powertrain. With an optional Duramax diesel engine producing 445 horsepower and a whopping 910 pound-feet of torque, the Sierra HD was a powerhouse. Paired with the excellent Allison 10-speed automatic transmission, this truck delivered strong yet smooth performance. Even unladen, the Sierra 2500HD exhibited quick acceleration for a three-ton truck, although the ride was slightly jittery over uneven surfaces. The truck's off-road capabilities were impressive, thanks to features like an automatic-locking rear differential, twin-tube Rancho shocks, and all-terrain tires. While its maximum towing capacity of 18,500 pounds and payload of 3,597 pounds was formidable, it still lagged behind Ford's and Ram's top light-duty diesel offerings.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra offered practical yet basic configurations, with two cab and three bed sizes. The Double Cab had conventionally-opening rear doors and came with either a 6.5-foot or an 8.1-foot bed. The CrewMax, our test vehicle, featured a full four-door layout with a 5.5-foot bed. The CrewMax prioritized passenger comfort, providing first-class rear legroom and foldable rear seats for additional cargo space. Optional in-bed storage lockers added utility but fell short compared to the RamBox system. Up front, the cabin had ample room, a spacious center console, and multiple storage options.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD, versatile with three cab configurations and two bed lengths, offered similar functionality. Most models could accommodate five passengers, with an option to seat six with a front-row bench seat. Interior space was generous in all seating positions. The elevated ride height required effort to enter, aided by textured assist steps and handles. The truck boasted a deep center console, dual glove boxes, hidden storage in rear seats, and a flip-and-fold rear seat with additional storage beneath.

Our test vehicle featured a 120-volt outlet at the base of the center stack and another in the cargo bed for convenient power access. A standout feature was GMC's MultiPro tailgate with six configurations to enhance loading and unloading efficiency. Combined with ample storage options, the Sierra 2500HD excelled in functionality and convenience.

For a vehicle built on dated underpinnings, the 2021 Toyota Tundra managed to refresh its technology impressively in 2020. It came with a 7-inch or optional 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supported Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The interface was user-friendly, with the inclusion of hard buttons for ease of use. Standard features included multiple USB ports, Bluetooth connectivity, and a WiFi hotspot trial. The base stereo system came with six speakers, while higher trims offered configurations with up to a 12-speaker JBL premium audio system.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD delivered a comprehensive range of infotainment options. Depending on the trim, it featured either a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard on SLT and above. Available navigation, superior camera views, and the innovative “transparent trailer” camera increased its appeal for tech enthusiasts. The Bose premium audio system in our test vehicle produced exceptional sound, although the voice-recognition system had inaccuracies.

In 2018, Toyota made a significant move by including its Safety Sense P suite of driver-assistance features as standard on the 2021 Tundra. This suite comprised forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control, helping the Tundra stay competitive in safety. Additional safety features included front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, eight airbags, trailer sway control, and a trailer brake controller.

The 2022 GMC Sierra 2500HD featured an array of advanced safety systems, although due to its high weight, it was untested by NHTSA and IIHS. The Sierra HD was equipped with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and an array of cameras providing 15 different views for better situational awareness. Standard features included HD Surround Vision, a rear-seat reminder, driver Safety Alert Seat, and a Teen Driver system to monitor young drivers. Despite the benefits of its massive size, the vehicle’s weight also posed potential risks to smaller vehicles, emphasizing the importance of these safety features.