2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2023 Toyota Tacoma

The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 underwent a notable refresh in its appearance and functionality. Its range of configurations, from the practical Work Truck to the opulent High Country and the rugged Silverado ZR2, allowed buyers to find a suitable match for various needs and tastes. The updated design did not win everyone over, but the improvements inside aimed to entice buyers with enhanced digital instrumentation and a revamped infotainment system, signaling a substantial leap in interior quality.

Conversely, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma maintained its stature in the midsize truck segment with a strong, assertive design, avoiding the bulkiness of larger trucks. Available in multiple trim levels and configurations, the Tacoma offered style variations from the stealthy Blackout Package to the flashy Chrome Package. Its smaller size did not hinder its substantial feel, making it a practical choice for those wary of full-size truck dimensions. The Tacoma's distinct style, especially in the TRD Pro trim, combined functionality with visual appeal, striking an excellent balance for everyday use and leisure activities.

In performance, the 2022 Silverado ZR2 focused on rugged terrain capabilities, with a 420 horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 engine and advanced off-road hardware like Multimatic DSSV dampers. Despite its formidable off-road gear, the truck's towing capacity was relatively modest at 8,900 pounds, hinting at a trade-off between heavy-duty work tasks and adventure-focused features.

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma, while less powerful with a maximum of 278 horsepower from its 3.5-liter V6, offered a balance between daily driving and off-road capability, particularly in the TRD Pro variant. Its performance on paved roads was less commanding due to the steering setup and all-terrain tires, which introduced noticeable road noise. Yet, it managed to blend everyday utility with competent off-road attributes, making it versatile though not exceptionally powerful.

Both trucks provided distinctive benefits regarding interior and cargo space. The Silverado 1500 had a more spacious crew cab with ample legroom and a user-friendly interior filled with premium materials in higher trims. Its bed utility was enhanced with a MultiFlex tailgate and a robust payload capacity, catering to both work-related and lifestyle needs.

The Tacoma, while offering less spacious rear seating in the access cab models, still managed practicality with sufficient front space and a choice between bed lengths. Its interior felt more compact, which could be a downside for buyers needing more passenger space but a bonus for those seeking a smaller footprint for easier maneuverability.

Technologically, the Silverado 1500 impressed with its 13.4-inch infotainment display and an array of connected features, including a Google assistant and wireless Apple CarPlay. The system's learning curve and lack of physical controls were noted pitfalls.

In contrast, the Tacoma's tech setup seemed behind the curve but functional, with standard features sufficient for most users, though lacking the advanced amenities and refinement seen in its competitor.

The Silverado boasted a comprehensive suite of safety features, from standard safety assists across all trims to optional upgrades like Super Cruise in the High Country trim for semi-autonomous driving.

Toyota's Safety Sense equipped in the Tacoma offered good basic safety but lacked more advanced features, common in other contemporary Toyota models, somewhat limiting its competitiveness in the advanced safety tech arena.