2020 Toyota Tundra vs 2020 GMC Sierra 1500

GMC had completely redesigned the Sierra 1500 in 2019, and the 2020 version remained largely unchanged, carrying forward its timeless stoicism. The straight lines and crisp angles of the Sierra resonated well with those who admired its understated yet durable design. The resemblance to the “GMT 400” trucks from the late '80s and '90s invoked a sense of nostalgia, almost as if Bob Seger’s “Like a Rock” was playing every time one looked at this truck.

Inside, the 2020 Sierra bore a striking resemblance to its 2018 predecessor, with a nearly identical layout, though the dashboard had a flatter, somewhat “jukebox” appearance. The controls were intuitively placed, which underscored their importance. The Sierra came in six trims: Base, SLE, Elevation, SLT, Denali, and the rugged AT4. The Base trim featured a V6 engine, a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, LED “light blade” headlights, and more.

The Elevation trim, available in double-cab and crew-cab configurations, offered a unique aesthetic with body-color elements and black accents. The SLT trim mirrored many features of the Elevation but embraced a more classic, chrome-heavy look. The AT4 trim, which we tested, provided a rugged off-road experience with black leather seats accented in brown, enhancing the truck's upscale yet rugged feel. The Denali set a high bar for luxury with exterior chrome accents, large 22-inch wheels, and a host of high-end features.

The Toyota Tundra 2020 came in several trims: SR, SR5, Limited, TRD Pro, Platinum, and 1794 Edition. This range allowed the Tundra to scale up in luxury and features as one moved up the trim levels. The cab styles included Double Cab and CrewMax, with three different bed lengths available based on the configuration.

Our test model was the tough-looking TRD Pro CrewMax with 4WD, painted Army Green with black 18-inch forged aluminum wheels. This trim exuded a tough, military-grade appearance which might become less appealing over time. Inside, the TRD Pro featured black leather seats with red stitching and embroidery, but the interior, mostly covered in industrial-grade plastic, felt dated. Despite its utilitarian look, the cabin had aged relatively well design-wise.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 offered five engine choices. The base 4.3-liter V6 produced 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft of torque. A notable addition was the 2.7-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, generating 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. The 3.0-liter Duramax turbodiesel offered 277 hp and a hefty 460 lb-ft of torque. Popular among customers was the 5.3-liter V8, providing 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. Our AT4 test model came with a powerful 6.2-liter V8, which churned out an impressive 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.

All engines came paired with an automatic transmission, with available 4WD coupled with a column shifter. The 4WD system included a low range and offered settings for 4-high, 4-low, 2WD, and auto mode, enhancing traction control. The 6.2-liter V8 delivered dynamic acceleration and immense power, achieving a towing capacity of up to 12,100 pounds. Fuel economy varied among the engines, with the AT4 averaging 15 mpg city and 19 mpg highway.

The 2020 Toyota Tundra standardized its performance with a 5.7-liter V8 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission, producing 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. The maximum towing capacity was 10,200 pounds, with a payload capacity of up to 1,730 pounds in the SR Double Cab with RWD. The TRD Pro trim featured 4WD as standard, along with BBS forged aluminum wheels, heavy-duty Fox off-road shocks, a stainless steel dual exhaust system, and an aluminum skid plate.

The TRD Pro’s exhaust system rendered a robust V8 sound, albeit too loud for some. The powerful engine performed admirably, and the transmission operated flawlessly. The Tundra’s turning radius was tight, making U-turns easier. Its gas mileage was less impressive, with an EPA rating of 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway, averaging 14 mpg in combined driving.

The GMC Sierra 1500 offered flexible configurations: a single cab with a long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, and a full 4-door crew cab available with either a standard or short bed. Our test model featured a carbon-fiber bed and the innovative MultiPro tailgate, which provided six configurations including a bed-extender and a step into the truck bed.

The Sierra's cabin was equipped with various storage solutions, numerous cupholders, and spaces for essentials. The rear seats could fold up to create additional storage space, making it ideal for safeguarding valuables.

The Toyota Tundra, built in Texas, boasted a significantly spacious interior. The CrewMax’s rear seating area was particularly pronounced, drawing admiration for its ample space. The front seats were large, supportive, and well-suited for long drives.

However, the Tundra's glove compartment was surprisingly small, with the rear seat providing limited storage solutions. The bed, while functional, did not include advanced features seen in other trucks like the Sierra’s MultiPro tailgate. The Tundra emphasized simplicity over advanced features.

The GMC Sierra’s infotainment system stood out for its simplicity, with clear graphics and large icons. Complemented by tactile controls for radio and climate systems, it was user-friendly and practical. The AT4 trim featured an HUD, wireless charging, and multiple USB ports, maintaining straightforward controls across the board.

In contrast, the Toyota Tundra’s infotainment system, despite appearing outdated, was equipped with modern software. Higher trims featured an 8-inch screen that included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, satellite radio, and more. The TRD Pro trim included advanced features such as dynamic navigation, voice recognition, and a premium JBL sound system. While handy, the Tundra’s system relied on virtual buttons, which could be challenging to use while driving a truck.

The 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 came standard with essential safety features such as a reversing camera, traction control, and multiple airbags. The AT4 model included advanced safety features like a surround-view camera, parking sensors, forward-collision warning, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also featured GM’s rear camera mirror, providing a digital image from a rear-facing camera.

On the other hand, the 2020 Toyota Tundra included standard Toyota Safety Sense, which offered advanced features like a blind-spot monitoring system with rear cross-traffic alert and Safety Connect services. However, the Tundra’s crash-test performance was less impressive, with marginal ratings in small-overlap, frontal-impact tests. The NHTSA awarded the Tundra better ratings, with 5 stars for side-impact protection and 4 stars for frontal-impact protection and rollover resistance with 4WD.