Recent Articles
Popular Makes
Body Types
2022 Toyota Tundra vs. 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
2022 Toyota Tundra Limited ・ Photo by Toyota
The 2022 Toyota Tundra is all-new marking the third generation of this popular full-size truck. It has two new powertrains that include an optional hybrid along with updated styling and an improved interior. There are lots of choices with three bed sizes, two cabs, and rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. The Tundra is also the first vehicle in its lineup to get the new Toyota infotainment system.
The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a range of eight trims with three cabs, three bed lengths, and five engines. There’s also a choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive with improved smartphone connectivity this year and expanded trailering options. Let’s take a closer look at these two trucks to see which is best.
An Extensive Trim Lineup
Toyota won’t be releasing pricing for the Tundra until closer to its on-sale date, but we do know the lineup will feature six trims. The base SR has the fewest standard features, but Toyota quickly adds amenities as you move up the trim ladder. The hybrid engine becomes available starting with the Limited trim while the TRD Pro gets numerous off-road performance upgrades.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 comes in with eight trims. Base trims have fewer features while top trims come more well-equipped. It also offers an off-road trim in the LT Trail Boss. The wider range of trims along with more cab and engines options give this one to Chevrolet.
: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Photo by General Motors
Infotainment With Larger Available Touchscreens
Infotainment gets a major upgrade in the Tundra with the debut of a whole new system from Toyota. It has a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 3 USB ports, and Wi-Fi connectivity. Available features include a 14.0-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker JBL audio. It also utilizes natural language voice commands that make the system easy to use.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto An 8.0-inch touchscreen is optional along with a 7-speaker Bose audio system, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Those small screen sizes put the Silverado 1500 at a disadvantage.
Photo by Toyota
A Multitude of Powertrain Choices
The Toyota Tundra has two new powertrains this year that are both paired to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. A 3.5-liter V6 with 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque is standard. Optional on select trims is a 3.5-liter hybrid V6 with 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid engine is your only choice on the TRD Pro.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has five engines. They include a V6, a turbocharged 4-cylinder, two powerful V8 engines, and a diesel. These are paired to a variety of automatic transmissions. Despite the lack of a hybrid, the wide range of choices offered by the Silverado give it the win.
: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Photo by Chevrolet
A Big Difference in Towing and Payload Ratings
The maximum tow rating for the Toyota Tundra is 12,000 pounds when properly equipped. It has a maximum payload rating of 1,940 pounds. There are also several features that help make towing easier including multiple camera views and two tow/haul modes for light or heavy loads.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 beats those numbers. It has a maximum tow rating of 13,300 pounds with a maximum payload of 2,280 pounds. That’s a pretty big difference. If you plan to tow a large trailer or expect to put the bed to good use, then there’s a clear winner.
: Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Photo by Chevrolet
Standard Safety Is Key
The Toyota Tundra has a solid suite of standard safety features as a part of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5). The list includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, and automatic high beams. The Tundra also has standard parking brake support with rear cross-traffic alert.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offers automatic emergency braking, forward collision alert, front pedestrian braking, front and rear park assist, lane change alert with side blind zone alert, and lane keeping assist with lane departure warning. However, they’re not standard and require either moving up from the base trim or adding a package.
: Toyota Tundra
Photo by Toyota
A Better Ride Quality for Passenger Comfort
The Toyota Tundra has a revised suspension system this year. It delivers a smoother ride that passengers will apperciate and is a marked improvement from the prior generation. In addition, the cab of the Tundra is quiet, even at highway speeds with road and wind noise well-muted rather than intrusive.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 doesn’t match up to the Tundra when it comes to ride quality. There’s more noise and more vibration. It’s also rougher, so imperfections in the road surface are easily felt, especially potholes and seamed pavement.
: Toyota Tundra
Photo by Toyota
Handling That Makes Driving More Relaxing
The upgrades to the suspension system in the Tundra not only improve its ride quality, but also improve its handling. They make this truck more composed over rough roads surfaces and during high-speed highway maneuvers. This also helps when it comes time to tow, making it less wearying on the driver, especially over the course of longer trips.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 again falls behind the Tundra when it comes to handling. It’s not as well-mannered with far more bounce and sway, especially at highway speeds. It also requires greater focus from the driver when towing.
: Toyota Tundra
Photo by Toyota
Serious Off-Road Capability
The Toyota Tundra offers genuine off-road capability in its TRD Pro trim. It has a standard 1.1-inch lift, 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass coil-over shocks, rear remote reservoir shocks, a front stabilizer bar, electronic-locking rear differential, and an aluminum front skid plate. Whether you’re driving through the forest, tackling sandy trails, or crawling over rocks and mud, the TRD Pro is ready for the challenge.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 counters with the LT Trail Boss trim. It gets a 2.0-inch suspension lift, Rancho monotube shocks, 18-inch wheels, and improved approach and departure angles. While that gives the Silverado off-road capability, the TRD Pro has more extensive features.
: Toyota Tundra
Photo by Toyota
Luxury Interiors That Surround Passengers in Comfort
The interior of the Toyota Tundra is greatly improved with quality trims and a judicious use of plastics. The Platinum and 1794 Edition are particularly striking, creating a unique space for passengers to relax. There are a wide range of colors and amenities including wood interior accent, leather seat and dashboard trims, and heated and ventilated seats.
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 falls short on interior quality. There’s a heavy use of plastics, especially on lower trim levels. Things improve as your move through the trim lineup with available leather trims and heated and cooled front seats, but even top trims don’t equal what’s found in the Tundra.
: Toyota Tundra
Photo by Toyota
And the Winner Is…
The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has a wide range of trims, powerful engines, and good capability. It also offers an off-road trim for those who are looking to have a little fun on the weekends. That’s not enough to come out ahead.
The Toyota Tundra has a far better interior, smoother ride, and superior handling. It has a more capable off-road trim, better standard safety, and a more advanced infotainment system. This puts the Tundra on top.
: Toyota Tundra
Photo by Toyota