Full-size pickup trucks are difficult to shop for. They are endlessly configurable, with different cab and bed sizes and option lists a mile long. The Chevrolet Silverado and Toyota Tundra are often seen as two viable options.
The Tundra is a full-size pickup manufactured in the US by the Japanese brand Toyota. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 blends a comfortable cabin with good towing and payload ratings. It is a great full-size pickup truck.
Below we describe how the Chevrolet Silverado trumps the Toyota Tundra in most ways.
Table of Contents
Utility
- Bed Utility: Both the Chevy Silverado and the Toyota Tundra have three truck beds available, and a ton of freight can be packed in their small boxes. The Chevy, though, wins because it is easier to use its bed. A standard built-in step makes it much easier to climb in and out. In its High Country trim, The Silverado 1500 also offers a segment-exclusive power tailgate.
- Towing Capacity: Comparing the Toyota Tundra and the Chevy Silverado for their towing capacity, it’s evident that only one of these pickup trucks has the towing capacity you’ll need to operate in certain tough areas. The towing capacity of the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is more than 12,000 pounds, while the Toyota Tundra only tops 10,000 pounds. There is also a much greater total payload for the Silverado.
- Performance: The Toyota Tundra has a better base engine than the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado, but while the former only has two engine options, the latter has four. The Silverado starts out with better fuel economy and keeps that edge with its powerful engines. The engine options at the top level are more powerful than the Toyota’s.
Interior and Ride Quality
- Passenger Space: Both the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado and 2019 Toyota Tundra have seating for up to six passengers, and both offer a choice of 1st-row captain chairs and 1st-row bench seat. Only the Silverado, however, offers a standard 3-passenger second row seat.
- Interior Technology: Both the pick-up trucks offer a standard rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity, and an integrated monitor, but the Silverado display screen is bigger. Chevy MyLink ® and Toyota Entune offer similar features, but only Chevy provides protection for teen drivers as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Comfort and Materials: Although both models receive some luxurious finishing touches in their more expensive trim levels, only the interior of Silverado features truly high-end fabrics, and its ergonomic seats offer more comfort.
- Cabin Noise: Whatever cabin style you choose, the Silverado 1500 is more comfortable to drive and travel in. The Tundra interior is much louder than the Silverado cabin when you’re driving at highway speeds.
Exterior
Due to a thorough redesign, the 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 sports a brand new look. This update includes a more upright front end with all-new headlights and a new model of Trail Boss with a lower ride height and a rugged feel. Although the 2019 Silverado 1500 is up to 1.6 inches longer than the previous version, it is up to 450 pounds lighter as well.
Unlike the Silverado, the latest update from the Toyota Tundra was a redesign in 2014. This led to significant changes, but this aging pickup remains structurally the same as it was when its last overhaul was completed in 2007. Despite its age, this older look still exudes a tough pickup truck style that will be appreciated by most truck buyers. However, the Silverado wins in this regard as well.
Pricing and Features
The 2019 Chevy Silverado has 8 trim levels —Custom, Work Truck, Trail Boss, RST, LT, LT Trail Boss, LTZ, and High Country — and prices range from $29,800 to $54,500.
The 2019 Toyota Tundra has six trims — SR, SR5, Platinum, Limited, TRD Pro, and 1794 Edition. The prices start from $31,420 and go up to $50,430.
Safety
When comparing two vehicles, it’s important to look at the safety features they offer. Not just what you get standard, but also what kinds of upgrades and additional features are available at higher trim levels or with the right choice of model. And so, let’s see what Chevy and Toyota have to offer to keep us safe.
The 2019 Chevrolet Silverado features a number of safety features including airbags, front and rear parking assist, an HD rear vision camera available, and hitch guidance to help with truck or camper towing. You can also get a rear traffic warning, a lane change alert with a side blind zone alert, and other options with the Silverado. And Chevy has a safety feature for the Teen Driver that helps teach good habits to new drivers.
In contrast, there are multiple airbags on the 2019 Toyota Tundra, a pre-collision system that includes pedestrian detection and traction and stability control. A lane departure warning with automatic sway alert is available to help you remain in your lane, along with front and rear parking assistance. The Tundra has a blind spot screen, but there is nothing like the Silverado’s Teen Driver feature, and there is no HD option available for the rear camera either.
The Chevrolet Silverado ultimately wins as it has more strengths than the Toyota Tundra. From its quiet and comfortable cabin, its safety features and better towing capacity to its user-friendly infotainment system, the Chevy Silverado simply has more to offer. Although its base transmission is not as smooth as the optimal transmission, the Chevy Silverado has many other features to make up for it.
If you are convinced that the Chevrolet Silverado is better than the Toyota Tundra, head on over to Chevrolet of Naperville and get the pick-up truck now!
Author Bio:
Mark has been involved with the auto industry for nearly 12 years in various capacities. He’s spent time with his in sales as well as management and not to forget his new 2019 Chevy bolt EV, and has a passion for all things automobile.