2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD vs 2021 Toyota Tacoma

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD had a polarizing design that sparked significant debate upon its release. Critics often compared its aesthetics unfavorably to other Chevrolet models like the Camaro and Blazer, which also faced backlash. Despite initial resistance, the Silverado's design began to grow on some reviewers over time. However, the truck's primary appeal lay in its functionality rather than its form. The interior remained largely unchanged from previous models, featuring a practical layout with all controls easily accessible. The Silverado HD offered various trims, from the basic Work Truck to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and comfort.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma presented a more traditional truck appearance, with boxy fender flares, a tall hood, and a shield-like grille. The Tacoma's design was less polarizing and more in line with what one might expect from a midsize pickup. Unique styling features were available on specific models, such as the Trail Edition and Nightshade Edition, which added distinctive elements like TRD Off-Road alloy wheels and blacked-out trim. The TRD Pro model further enhanced the rugged look with exclusive features like a model-specific grille and Lunar Rock color. The Tacoma's interior mirrored its exterior's ruggedness, though it lacked the spaciousness and comfort found in some competitors.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered two powerful V8 engine options, both displacing 6.6 liters. The standard gas V8 produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, while the optional Duramax turbodiesel V8 delivered 445 horsepower and a massive 910 pound-feet of torque. Both engines were paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, providing power to either the rear wheels or an available 4WD system. The diesel engine, while not as responsive as the gas V8, built up to a powerful swell, making it one of the punchiest diesel engines available. The Silverado 2500HD could tow up to 18,500 pounds, with the 3500HD model capable of towing up to 35,500 pounds with a gooseneck hitch. Fuel economy was not officially rated, but the truck managed an impressive 17 mpg during testing.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma came with two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, and an optional 3.5-liter V6 engine generating 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. The V6 engine featured Toyota's D4S fuel-injection system for better fuel economy. The four-cylinder engine was paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 offered both automatic and manual transmission options. The Tacoma's part-time 4WD system included a standard electronic rear limited-slip differential, with a fully locking rear differential available. The TRD models, particularly the TRD Pro, were equipped with off-road enhancements like upgraded suspension, Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, and Crawl Control. The Tacoma's maximum towing capacity was 6,800 pounds, and its maximum payload capacity was 1,685 pounds, though these figures varied depending on the configuration.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD offered various bed and cab configurations, including a Regular Cab with a long bed, an extended Double Cab with either a standard or long bed, and a full 4-door Crew Cab with the same bed options. The Crew Cab model provided ample interior space, with massive cubbies and trays for storage. The rear seats folded up to reveal a flat load floor and additional storage trays, while hidden cubbies were integrated into the rear seatbacks. The Silverado also featured Chevrolet's CornerSteps and BedSteps, designed to accommodate work boots, and an available power lift-and-lower tailgate for added convenience.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma, while offering a four-door cab, struggled with interior space. The Double Cab model had the worst rear headroom and legroom in its segment, and front headroom and legroom were also below average. The tall hood and short windshield created a bunker-like feel, impairing forward visibility. The rear seats folded up to reveal storage cubbies, but overall in-cab storage was limited. The Tacoma did include a wireless charging pad and a concentration of cupholders around the center console. The bed featured a standard rail system with tie-down cleats and an available 120-volt outlet, but lacked the clever storage solutions found in some competitors.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in its restraint with technology. The Work Truck and Custom trims came with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, while the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims featured a larger 8-inch touchscreen. Both systems included Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with a straightforward layout and large icons. The truck also offered multiple USB ports and power outlets, with a wireless charging pad available on higher trims. A 4G LTE WiFi hotspot was standard on the LT, LTZ, and High Country trims, and optional on the Custom and Work Truck trims.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the base SR trim, with all other models getting an 8-inch touchscreen. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered a six-speaker JBL audio system with a subwoofer. The infotainment system was functional and easy to navigate, with helpful shortcut buttons and chunky steering wheel controls. The TRD Pro model included the optional Multi-Terrain Monitor surround-view camera system, useful for both off-road and parking maneuvers.

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came equipped with a reversing camera, traction control, and a full array of airbags. The LTZ trim added a surround-view camera with trailer views, and the available Safety Package II included forward-collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Safety Alert Seat, which vibrated to alert the driver to safety messages, was also part of this package. The Safety Package I, included on the test truck, featured front and rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring, essential for maneuvering in tight spaces.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma received top "Good" scores in most IIHS crash tests, with an "Acceptable" score in the passenger-side small overlap front test. Headlight ratings varied by trim, but the Tacoma earned a "Superior" rating for front-crash prevention. The NHTSA gave the Tacoma a four-star overall rating, with five stars in side crash tests. Standard driver-assist features included forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. However, the Ford Ranger offered additional features like lane-keep assist and a blind-spot monitoring system that covered both the truck and a trailer.