2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma and the 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 represented two distinct approaches to pickup truck aesthetics. The Tacoma, a longstanding stalwart in the truck market since 1995, carried a rugged yet aged charm. Its exterior, highlighted by an aggressive grille and sharp headlights, appeared modern, but the interior told another story. Inside, the Tacoma displayed signs of aging with hard plastics and outdated switchgear juxtaposed against newer elements like push-button start. Trim levels ranged from the utilitarian SR to the off-road-focused TRD Pro, each incrementally adding features like touchscreens, sport suspension, and premium audio systems.

Conversely, the Silverado 1500 had a more polarizing design. The overly aggressive front end raised some eyebrows, with headlights seemingly designed by a Transformers enthusiast. Despite the controversial exterior, the Silverado's cabin was thoughtfully laid out with controls within easy reach. Like the Tacoma, its interior comfort and technology improved with higher trims, ranging from the work-oriented WT to the luxurious High Country. Notably, higher trims boasted a vast 13.4-inch touchscreen and fully digital instrument panels, offering a high-tech feel that contrasted with the Tacoma's simplicity.

The Tacoma's base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, was widely regarded as underpowered. The recommended 3.5-liter V6, by contrast, delivered 278 hp and 265 lb-ft, although it still lagged in terms of acceleration and highway merging. A six-speed automatic transmission mated to both engines, with TRD trims optionally offering a six-speed manual. The Tacoma's max towing capacity reached 6,800 pounds, and its payload capacity hit 1,685 pounds. Despite its off-road prowess, the V6 struggled with highway confidence, and navigating tight urban environments proved a chore.

The Silverado 1500 offered a broader engine lineup, beginning with a turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder making a hefty 310 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. For V8 enthusiasts, there was a 5.3-liter engine with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft and a robust 6.2-liter V8 delivering 420 hp and 460 lb-ft. Additionally, a six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel engine offered 305 hp and 495 lb-ft. Lesser engines employed an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the more powerful ones used a 10-speed automatic. Silverado's towing capacity peaked at 13,300 pounds with the largest V8, and its maximum payload capacity was 2,260 pounds. Such impressive performance, coupled with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission, made the Silverado versatile both on and off the road.

The Tacoma offered Access Cab and Double Cab options, featuring bed lengths of five feet and six feet one inch. Front seating provided ample space, but rear seating in both configurations remained cramped. Taller drivers found the tilt/telescoping steering wheel inadequate, leading to a compromise between legroom and arm reach. However, the Tacoma offered practical interior storage and handy bed features like in-bed lighting and a power outlet.

The Silverado 1500 flaunted diverse body styles: regular cab with standard or long bed, double cab with standard bed, and crew cab with short or standard bed. Providing flexibility for different needs, from work-focused to family-friendly configurations, it excelled in balancing function and comfort. The regular cab offered a functional three-passenger bench seat, while the double cab presented easy rear seat access with full car doors. The crew cab stood out as incredibly spacious, accommodating passengers and cargo effortlessly. This adaptability made the Silverado more practical for a wider range of uses compared to the Tacoma.

The Tacoma's tech suite started with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base SR trim, stepping up to an 8-inch display on higher trims. Though simplistic, its older Toyota infotainment system was user-friendly, featuring large icons and easy navigation between CarPlay functions. Test models included wireless charging that required manual activation—functional but not cutting-edge by modern standards.

Silverado's basic infotainment in WT and Custom trims used an efficient 7-inch screen, while advanced trims enjoyed a 13.4-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. The high-trim models also featured a digital instrument panel and additional tech like Wi-Fi hotspots and wireless charging, making it a frontrunner in the tech department compared to the more straightforward Tacoma system.

Both trucks came equipped with a suite of safety features. The Tacoma boasted forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning as standard. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Safety ratings showed a four-star NHTSA overall rating for the Tacoma, with mixed scores across different crash test categories.

The Silverado's safety arsenal included automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and the Teen Driver system as standard. Higher trims added advanced features like blind-spot monitoring, surround-view cameras, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA rated the Silverado with an impressive five stars overall, complemented by high scores from the IIHS in crash tests, underscoring its superior safety profile.