Starting at
Starting at
277 - 420 | Horsepower (hp) | 381 |
305 - 460 | Torque (lb-ft) | 401 |
13,300 | Max Towing (lbs) | 10,200 |
The battle between pickup trucks is always fierce because so much is expected out of these vehicles. If you are in the market for a full-size, light-duty pickup that has tons of capability and plenty of power, then you need to take a peek at the battle between the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2021 Toyota Tundra to see which one is the truck champion. Both are highly rated vehicles that consumers seem to love. But which one is the best option for you?
Right off the bat, you will notice that the 2021 Chevy Silverado has a lot more options for you to choose from. It is available in three different cab styles and with four unique engines. Meanwhile, the Tundra is only offered in two cab styles, and every model uses the same motor. Both trucks are available in two four-door cab styles. These are commonly known as the Double Cab (extended) and the Crew Cab. However, the 2021 Chevy Silverado is also available as a two-door Regular Cab truck. Not everyone needs the extra seating, and the Regular Cab is a great option for those folks.
As for the bed lengths, both vehicles are available with three options that are very similar. The Silverado can be fitted with beds measuring 5.8-ft, 6.5-ft, or 8-ft. Meanwhile, the Tundra is offered with 5.5-ft, 6.5-ft., and 8.1-ft beds. So, while both of these trucks are similar and geared towards the same audience, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 definitely gives you more.
Since this is a fierce competition between two auto giants, the first aspect we will look at in round one is the performance. While both the Silverado 1500 and the Tundra are strong trucks, one has a lot more options than the other. The Silverado 1500 can be equipped with four different motors, while the Tundra is only fitted with one.
To make things a bit clearer, let’s start by comparing the V8 engines. The 2021 Chevy Silverado may be equipped with a 5.3-liter V8 motor paired with a smooth-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission. Pushing out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, this engine is quite robust. Depending on the trim level and body style, it gets up to 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. It can also haul up to 11,500 lbs.
However, the Silverado also has a second V8 option. The 6.2-liter V8 produces a much more powerful 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The fuel economy for this engine is a little lower, getting up to 16 MPG city and 21 MPG highway, but it is still respectable for a truck with this level of power. You can also tow the max 13,300 lbs with this engine is a fully equipped Silverado 1500.
Comparatively, the 2021 Toyota Tundra uses the same 5.7-liter V8 engine with every trim level. Partnered with a 6-speed automatic transmission, it produces 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. While that is slightly more powerful than Chevy's 5,3-liter V8, it pales in comparison to the 6.2-liter V8. Also, this truck has pretty poor fuel economy, only managing around 13 MPG in the city and 17 MPG on the highway.
Now, let’s move on to the other powertrain options that are available with the 2021 Chevy Silverado. First is the 4.3-liter V6 engine mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Generating 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque, it has an estimated fuel economy of 16 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. It can also tow up to 7,900 lbs.
Next is the turbocharged 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this particular motor pumps out 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. This pushes the fuel economy up to about 20 MPG city and 23 MPG highway, and it changes the maximum towing capacity to 9,300 lbs.
Finally, the diesel option is a turbocharged 3.0-liter 6-cylinder motor coupled with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Delivering 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, this is the most fuel-efficient option of all the engines. With this engine, you can see up to 23 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. That is impressive for a pickup truck that is still able to tow up to 9,500 lbs. When comparing all the options of the Chevy Silverado 1500 to the one option of the Toyota Tundra, it's clear that the Tundra just can't keep up.
When looking at the different components between the 2021 Chevy Silverado vs the 2021 Toyota Tundra, you will quickly realize that both vehicles can handle off-roading to some extent. However, there are specific trim levels that were designed to enhance the overall experience off-road for both models. Let’s take a look at some of the features you’ll get that will make your nature adventures even more thrilling.
For the 2021 Chevy Silverado, there are two available trim levels that are geared for off-roading. The first is known as the Custom Trail Boss. Building off of the Custom trim, this adventure model rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels with all-terrain tires and LED lighting in the bed. Equipped with 4WD and the Z71 Off-Roading Suspension Package, traveling over rough rocks is a breeze.
There is also an automatic locking rear differential for optimized traction. Heated/power-adjustable side mirrors are included as well as a power-locking/release tailgate with assisted lift. Remote engine start enables you to get the truck going before you step outside, and satellite radio ensures that you can listen to static-free stations everywhere you go.
The other off-roading trim for the 2021 Chevy Silverado is the LT Trail Boss. Building off of the LT model, this version includes the 5.3-liter V8 engine along with an auxiliary transmission oil cooler and a heavy-duty battery. Inside the cabin, you will find a heated tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and heated front bucket seats. A center console for extra storage has also been included. Other features that come with this particular model include dual-zone climate control. LED headlights, and a larger 8-inch touchscreen interface.
While you can add specific packages to the 2021 Toyota Tundra SR5 and Limited trims, the only specific model for off-roading is the TRD Pro. Boasting a 2-inch suspension lift and 18-inch aluminum wheels, this model includes fog lamps and a redesigned grille. It also comes with protective skid plates mounted to the underside of the truck and Fox shocks for a more comfortable ride. All-in-all, this is a good truck for off-roading; however, it is one of the more expensive Tundra trims to get.
So, which model is better suited for off-roading? You have more options, and features with the 2021 Chevy Silverado Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss tried than with the 2021 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. The Silverado offers one off-roading trim that is a little more affordable and another that contains a lot more luxury, while you only have the option of one of the pricier trims for the Tundra.
Looking at the top-of-the-line trim levels, you will notice that there are several differences between the 2021 Chevy Silverado and the 2021 Toyota Tundra. While some features like navigation are shared, one is far superior to the other. Let’s find out which one it is!
The 2021 Chevy Silverado High Country is arguably the most luxurious trim in its class. Boasting full leather upholstery, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and numerous other upgrades, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something you don’t love about it. It comes with a spray-in bedliner to prevent scratches. Meanwhile, updated technology inside the cabin includes a navigation system, a wireless charging pad, and a premium Bose stereo with 7 speakers.
As for safety, this truck comes with a Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, a Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Front and Rear Park Assist. Also, we can't forget to mention the added Advanced Trailering System. This keeps track of trailer maintenance, and it will alert you when it is time to check up on things. If you frequently haul a trailer, boat, or RV, this is a great function to take advantage of.
As for the 2021 Toyota Tundra, the Platinum model also includes full leather upholstery and heated/ventilated front seats. The rear seats are not heated, and neither is the leather-wrapped steering wheel. While it does come with a navigation system and a premium JBL stereo, it is also missing the wireless charging pad.
In terms of safety systems, it comes with Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. You also get the Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. Even though the safety features are pretty equal, at the end of the day, you get more bang for your buck with the 2021 Chevy Silverado High Country than with the 2021 Toyota Tundra Platinum.