2022 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD had a design that was often described as polarizing, with a front end and grille reminiscent of a vintage furnace or freight train. It was a vehicle that exuded machismo, appealing to those who sought a rugged and bold appearance. Inside, the cabin was more conventional, prioritizing space over refinement. While the fit and finish might not have been top-notch, the expansive interior, akin to a living room, compensated for it. The Silverado 3500HD offered various trim levels, from the basic Work Truck (W/T) to the luxurious High Country, each adding more features and comfort as you moved up the range.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, despite its long history, began to show signs of aging, especially in its cabin. The exterior maintained a contemporary look with an aggressive grille and headlights, but the interior revealed hard plastics and outdated switchgear. The Tacoma was available in several trims, from the basic SR to the off-road-focused TRD Pro. Each trim added features like larger touchscreens, leather upholstery, and advanced off-road capabilities. The Tacoma's cabin, while functional, was tight on space, particularly in the rear seats, making it less comfortable for adult passengers on longer journeys.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD offered two powerful engine options. The standard 6.6-liter V8 gas engine produced 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The optional Duramax turbodiesel 6.6-liter V8 delivered an impressive 445 horsepower and 910 pound-feet of torque, mated to an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. Both engines could be configured with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and the diesel engine, in particular, provided excellent towing capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of 36,000 pounds when properly equipped. The Silverado 3500HD also boasted a payload capacity of 7,442 pounds, making it a formidable workhorse.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma, on the other hand, came with a base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which was underpowered for its class. The more recommended option was the 3.5-liter V6 engine, offering 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. This engine was available with a six-speed automatic or manual transmission and provided a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds. While the V6 offered better performance than the four-cylinder, it still struggled with highway acceleration due to its transmission gearing. The Tacoma excelled off-road, especially in the TRD Pro trim, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its trail capabilities.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD was available in various configurations, including regular cab, double cab, and crew cab, with options for long or standard beds. The crew cab models offered two rows of spacious seating, providing ample headroom and legroom for passengers. The Silverado also featured practical bed steps integrated into the rear bumper and additional step-ups along the side of the bed, making it easier to access the cargo area.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma offered Access Cab and Double Cab body styles, with bed lengths of five feet or six feet one inch. The Access Cab had clamshell rear half-doors and limited rear-seat space, making it more suitable for storage than passenger comfort. The Double Cab provided seating for up to five, but rear legroom remained tight. The front seats offered good legroom, but the steering wheel's limited adjustment range could be a drawback for taller drivers. The Tacoma's bed included useful features like in-bed lighting and a power outlet, enhancing its practicality.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, with higher trims offering an 8-inch screen and navigation. The system was user-friendly, featuring hard buttons and dials for easy operation. The Silverado also offered advanced trailering features, including multiple camera angles and a trailering app for monitoring trailer functions.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma featured a base 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch screen available on all trims except the SR. The infotainment system was straightforward, with a familiar layout and large icons. While the system lacked some modern features, it was easy to use. The Tacoma also included a wireless device charger, though it required manual activation. Overall, the Tacoma's technology was functional but not cutting-edge.

The 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD came standard with a backup camera and a full array of airbags. However, advanced safety features like forward collision avoidance, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring were optional. The Silverado's size made features like parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system particularly valuable.

The 2022 Toyota Tacoma offered a comprehensive suite of standard driver assistance features, including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA, with high scores in side crash tests.