Brand loyalty tends to play an outsized role in the truck market, which is not a bad thing-unless it prevents you from giving due consideration to all of your options. Both the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and the 2021 Toyota Tundra have their dedicated fan bases. You might be one of those fans, you might prefer another brand altogether, or, you might be new to the truck world. Whichever group you fall into, it's worth looking into the pros and cons of each option. CarGurus experts put both to the test.
2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs 2021 Toyota Tundra: Full-Size Pickup Truck Comparison
Look and Feel
Neither the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 nor the 2021 Toyota Tundra blew CarGurus experts away in terms of their styling or interiors: Both earned 6 points out of 10 for look and feel.
The Silverado impresses with its extensive options. It comes in three cab styles with three different bed lengths and eight different trim levels—each with a distinctive appearance. With a range of six different engines and transmission options, you can tailor it to your needs. Our test truck had a crew cab, short bed, and LTZ trim, which had an outstanding 3.0-liter inline-six turbodiesel engine. The exterior boasts a tall, purposeful, and commanding appearance with chiseled details and chrome trim. However, the cabin feels a bit dated with glossy plastic, large panel joints, and small infotainment screens.
The Tundra's design dates back to the mid-2000s, but it still holds its own. While its exterior might look somewhat awkward with a massive grille and small headlights, it has a modern touch, especially with the available "Cement" paint color and blacked-out wheels. Inside, the cabin is dated but functional, with an easy-to-use layout. Toyota added a standard 7-inch infotainment system with smartphone integration, enhancing its tech appeal. The Tundra offers various trim levels, each with its own set of features, from the basic SR to the luxurious 1794 Edition.
Performance
CarGurus experts gave the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 7 points out of 10 for performance. The 2021 Toyota Tundra was the runner-up on this front with 6 points.
The Silverado offers a range of engine options, including the powerful 6.2-liter V8 and the efficient Duramax turbodiesel. The Duramax is an excellent choice, delivering smooth acceleration and impressive fuel efficiency. It now has a towing capacity of 9,500 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,870 pounds. The Silverado pairs the turbodiesel with a flawless 10-speed automatic transmission and offers an Autotrac four-wheel-drive (4WD) system for added versatility.
The Tundra comes with a standard 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 391 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. It's paired with a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. While the Tundra's towing capacity of 10,200 pounds is decent, it falls behind some competitors like the Ford F-150. However, the V8 engine delivers strong acceleration, making it a reliable workhorse. The Tundra handles well on various road surfaces, offering a comfortable ride.
Form and Function
The 2021 Toyota Tundra won out for form and function, with 8 points to the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500's 7.
The Silverado's interior is spacious and practical, with wide, supportive front seats offering power adjustments, heating, and ventilation. It provides ample storage space, including dual dashboard glove compartments. The rear seats are roomy and comfortable for three adults, and there's even a locking storage compartment underneath. The Silverado's cargo capacity is impressive, with the deepest and roomiest bed among competitors. It also offers useful features like the Multi-Flex tailgate for added versatility.
The Tundra offers flexibility with two cab sizes and three bed sizes. The CrewMax, in particular, provides abundant rear-seat legroom and can seat three adults comfortably in that second row. It also offers optional in-bed storage lockers, though they are smaller than what you might see from a competitor. The Tundra's front seats are roomy and feature a generous center console. The optional power rear window adds convenience and functionality, improving visibility and aiding in loading longer items.
Technology
CarGurus experts preferred the technology offerings of the 2021 Toyota Tundra, awarding it 8 points compared to 6 for the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.
While it may not boast the largest infotainment screen in the segment, the Chevrolet Infotainment System 3 impresses. It offers quick response times, modern graphics (especially with the 8-inch display), and standard Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Even the base WT trim provides access to a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot via Chevrolet Connected Services. Higher trims, like the LTZ, offer features like wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, wireless smartphone charging, and a premium Bose sound system. The available head-up display is useful, but the rear camera mirror option lags behind those of the competition.
Toyota addressed its dated cabin technology, updating the infotainment system for the 2020 and 2021 models. Standard features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, operated through a 7-inch or available 8-inch touchscreen with navigation. The touchscreen is user-friendly, has a logical layout, and is complemented by physical buttons for convenience. Multiple USB ports, Bluetooth, and a Wi-Fi hotspot add to the tech offerings. The Tundra's JBL premium audio system, available on higher trims, features 12 speakers, including a subwoofer and amplifier.
Safety
The 2021 Toyota Tundra earned an impressive 9 points for safety when reviewed by CarGurus experts. It was the clear winner; the 2021 Silverado 1500 earned just 3.
In crash testing with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the 2021 Silverado 1500 received a "Marginal" rating for front passenger protection in small-overlap, frontal-impact collisions. This leaves room for improvement in protecting passengers in certain scenarios. Ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also showed a four-star overall rating, with four-star frontal-impact results for the driver and front passenger. Despite these shortcomings, it's only fair to note that the Silverado does offer a range of safety features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also includes GM's Teen Driver technology as standard.
Toyota made a smart move by equipping all 2021 Tundras with its Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite of advanced driver-assistance tech, including features like forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. These advanced safety features come standard, providing a robust safety net for drivers. Additional safety features like front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are available. The Tundra also boasts a full complement of airbags, a tire-pressure monitoring system, trailer sway control, and an integrated trailer brake controller.
Cost-Effectiveness
CarGurus experts rate the Silverado's cost-effectiveness at 4 out of 10 but give the Tundra 7 out of 10.
While truck-buying decisions often involve personal preferences, CarGurus reviewers found that the 2021 Silverado 1500 falls short compared to its rivals in several areas. Its primary value lies in the cost-effective turbodiesel engine. However, it doesn't lead in towing, hauling, or off-road capabilities. Some competitors offer better quality, safety, technology, and utility. The Silverado shows potential but needs more attention to detail.
Despite its age, the 2021 Tundra manages to strike a balance between old-school ruggedness and modern tech. It provides modern infotainment, high-tech safety features, and a price point that makes it an attractive option. With competitive pricing across trim levels and the added benefit of Toyota's reputation for durability, the Tundra holds its own in the value department.
Verdict
Averaging the six categories of scores from CarGurus experts makes the 2021 Toyota Tundra the clear winner. It earned an overall rating of 7.3 out of 10, while the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 earned 5.5. Both trucks do have their strengths, however.
Choose the 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 if:
- fuel efficiency is important to you.
- brand loyalty factors heavily into your truck-buying decisions.
- you appreciate features like the Multi-Flex tailgate.
Search for a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 on CarGurus
Choose the 2021 Toyota Tundra if:
- safety is a top priority.
- you seek a blend of modern infotainment and rugged truck capabilities.
- Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability matters to you.
Search for a 2021 Toyota Tundra on CarGurus
Ultimately, CarGurus experts deemed the Toyota Tundra a more well-rounded choice, but both of these full-sized trucks have their merits. Your specific needs and preferences should be a strong factor in your decision.
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