2020 Tundra vs. Sierra Comparison
Trucks offer better ground clearance, towing, and more rugged handling than many other vehicle types. Toyota introduced the Tundra to the U.S. for the 2000 model year. It was the first full-size pickup in North America from a Japanese manufacturer. Assembled in San Antonio, Texas, the Tundra is also the only full-size pickup truck entirely made in Texas. The GMC Sierra was introduced in 1962 as the first pickup truck that was not based on the car design. Along with the Chevrolet Silverado, these two pickups made a huge impact on the pickup truck market.
With Toyota’s long-standing reputation for safety, performance, and reliability, this is a matchup that only you can decide the winner of.
Publish Date: 08/26/2020
Safety
- Both the 2020 Tundra and GMC Sierra received 4-Star Overall Safety ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) comes standard on all Tundras.
- The Sierra offers comparable safety features but requires the separate Driver Alert package.
Both the 2020 Tundra and GMC Sierra received 4-Star Overall Safety ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with 5-Star Side Crash ratings. The Tundra takes the edge, however, in standard safety features.
Standard Safety Features
Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) comes standard on all 2020 Tundra models. Its suite of active safety features includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Automatic High Beams (AHB). The Platinum and 1794 trims also include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA).
GMC offers comparable active safety features, but they require a separate Driver Alert package that is available for purchase depending on the trim level. Only the Denali includes the Driver Alert Package I that includes Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert standard. More advanced features like Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, and IntelliBeam® headlamps are only available with the Driver Alert Package II. This package is offered for the SLT, AT4 4WD, and Denali but does not come standard.
The 2020 Tundra also features eight airbags to the 2020 GMC Sierra’s six airbags. While these two trucks have some similar offerings, the 2020 base Tundra has more standard active safety features with TSS-P than the 2020 GMC Sierra.
Performance
- The Tundra has a standard 5.7L V8 engine while the GMC Sierra comes standard with a 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine.
- The Tundra SR 4x2 Double Cab 5.7L V8 with a 6.5-ft. bed can tow up to 10,200 lbs. The 2020 Sierra 2WD Crew Cab, Short Box with a 5.3L V8 engine can haul up to 9,800 lbs.
- Every Tundra trim delivers an impressive 381 horsepower with 401 lb.-ft. torque.
Trucks need to be able to handle whatever life throws their way. From towing to off-roading, the Tundra is ready for whatever adventure you throw at it.
Towing Capacity
The Tundra has a standard 5.7L V8 engine. In comparison, the GMC Sierra comes standard with a 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine, but some trims have the option of a V8 engine.
The Tundra SR 4x2 Double Cab 5.7L V8 with a 6.5-ft. bed can tow up to 10,200 lbs. The 2020 Sierra 2WD Crew Cab, Short Box with a 5.3L V8 engine can haul up to 9,800 lbs. For increased towing capacity on the Sierra, you can opt for the available Max Trailering Package to haul more on the SLE, Elevation, and SLT.
The 2020 Tundra also wins out when it comes to horsepower. Every Tundra trim delivers an impressive 381 horsepower with 401 lb.-ft. torque. In comparison, the standard V6 engine on the GMC Sierra provides 285 horsepower with 305 lb.-ft. torque. Even the Sierra's 5.3L V8 can only muster 355 horsepower.
The Sierra also has a larger turning radius than the Tundra which might make maneuvering in tighter spaces more difficult. For more advanced off-roading features, the Tundra also offers the TRD Pro. Though the Denali, the Sierra's top trim, offers luxury, the TRD Pro can handle the adventures you want to take.
Reliability
- Toyota and GMC both have roadside assistance plans.
- ToyotaCare lasts for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. GMC's Pro Grade Protection maintenance program provides owners with their first maintenance visit within the first year of lease or purchase.
- Kelley Blue Book® (KBB®) awarded the Tundra both the Best Resale Value: Top 10 and 5-Year Cost to Own Award in 2019.
Trucks need to be able to handle whatever life throws their way. Toyota is known for its long history of “Quality, Durability, and Reliability”.
ToyotaCare
The 2020 Tundra follows suit with the added bonus of ToyotaCare. This factory-scheduled maintenance plan lasts for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. It also includes ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance which lasts for two years and unlimited miles.
In comparison, GMC offers a 5-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance package for drivers with an active OnStar subscription (starting at $24.99/month). Their GMC Pro Grade Protection maintenance program provides owners with their first maintenance visit within the first year of lease or purchase.
Over the years, both trucks have received top marks from trusted sources. Though U.S. News rated the Sierra as the #4 truck in America, the Tundra is not far behind at #6. Kelley Blue Book® (KBB®) awarded the Tundra both the Best Resale Value: Top 10 and 5-Year Cost to Own Award in 2019. Edmunds also named the 2019 Tundra as the winner for Best Retained Value in the Large Trucks category.
Conclusion: Tundra vs. Sierra
- Toyota drivers get a full suite of active safety features, including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), and more.
- The 2020 Tundra also comes standard with ToyotaCare which includes a factory-scheduled maintenance plan and roadside assistance.
- The standard V8 engine of the Tundra SR is also more powerful than the V6 engine of the Sierra.
Trucks need to be able to handle whatever life throws their way. Both the 2020 GMC Sierra and Tundra offer competitive full-size truck options. However, the Tundra has a few features that may make it more appealing to drivers in terms of safety, performance, and reliability.
For a starting MSRP of $33,575, Toyota drivers get a full suite of active safety features, including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), and Automatic High Beams (AHB) standard. The 2020 GMC Sierra 2WD Double Cab starts at a higher base price of $35,095 and does not include these more advanced features.
The standard V8 engine of the Tundra SR is also more powerful than the V6 engine of the Sierra. For more power under the hood, there is the option for a V8 engine on the GMC Sierra; however, it is not standard.
On top of all of that, the 2020 Tundra also comes standard with ToyotaCare which includes a factory-scheduled maintenance plan and roadside assistance. GMC also offers roadside assistance and maintenance options.
It's clear that the 2020 Tundra provides not only a rugged exterior but also great safety and convenience features. Compared to the 2020 Sierra, the Tundra checks the boxes in every category.