Interior of 2021 Tundra

Safety

  • The Tundra and the Sierra both received 4-Star Overall Safety ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with 5-Star Overall Side Crash ratings
  • All models of the Tundra come with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P).
  • GMC's comparable active safety features are available for purchase, but what you get depends on the model you buy.

Safety is important, especially for trucks that give drivers the opportunity to go exploring. You never know what might happen, but the Tundra and Sierra can help keep you safe on your adventure.

Standard Active Safety Features

Don't just take our word for it. Both the 2021 Tundra and 2021 Sierra received 4-Star Overall Safety ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with 5-Star Overall Side Crash ratings.

Although the safety ratings may be similar, the Tundra comes with a whole suite of active safety features standard. Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) includes a 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 an added safety package that’s available for purchase depending on the trim level. To get Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Cruise Control, and Front Pedestrian Braking on the base model Sierra 2WD Regular Cab, Long Box you'd have to add the 1SA Safety Confidence Package for an additional $615.

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 SLE, SLT, AT4 4WD, and Denali but does not come standard. The Denali does come standard with the Driver Alert Package I, which includes Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
2021 Tundra parked on a dirt road overlooking a rugged mountain trail

Performance

  • The base model Tundra has more horsepower than the base model Sierra.
  • The Tundra base model can tow more than the base model Sierra.
  • If you're looking for features for the optimal off-roading experience, the Tundra TRD Pro has what you need.

Performance features aren't lacking in either of these trucks. The Sierra and Tundra have different configurations depending on whether you're looking to tow more or go off road.

Power for Off-Roading and Towing

The Tundra can take on challenges with its standard 5.7L V8 engine, 355 horsepower, and 401 lb.-ft. torque. In comparison, the GMC Sierra comes standard with a 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine with only 285 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. torque. The Sierra's more powerful 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine, with comparable 355 horsepower, is available on the base model, but it will cost you roughly $2,000 more.

More power under the hood makes it easier to tow things like boats and trailers. The Tundra SR 4x2 Double Cab 5.7L V8 with a 6.5-ft. bed can tow up to 10,200 lbs. On the other hand, the 2021 Sierra 2WD Double Cab, Short Box with a 5.3L V8 engine can only tow up to 9,700 lbs. For increased towing capacity on the Sierra SLE, Elevation, or SLT, you can opt for the available Max Trailering Package.

If you're looking to get down and dirty, the Tundra offers the TRD Pro, which can handle your adventures. Thanks to its 10.6 inches of ground clearance, you can traverse easily over rough terrain. Plus, its Independent TRD coil-spring high-mounted double-wishbone front suspension adds a 2-in. lift and features a stabilizer bar for more support. Even the TRD FOX® shock absorbers with piggyback reservoirs were designed to provide a smoother ride. Bundled all into one truck, the Tundra is equipped for more rugged terrain.

On the other hand, the Sierra can't compete. Only the Denali 4WD comes close with its 8.09 in. of ground clearance and Denali Premium Suspension with Adaptive Ride Control. All other Sierra trims only have 7.89 in. of ground clearance. The Sierra also has a larger turning radius than the Tundra which might make maneuvering in tighter spaces more difficult.
Tundra driving through the mud

Reliability

  • All models of the Tundra come with a ToyotaCare maintenance plan for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. The GMC Pro Grade Protection maintenance plan only covers drivers for their first year of ownership.
  • The Tundra received the Best Resale Value: Full-Size Pickup Truck award in 2020.

Built on the basis of quality, durability, and reliability, the Tundra offers drivers a ride that will last.

Award Winning Reliability

To help keep things running smoothly, all new 2021 Tundra models come with ToyotaCare. This factory-scheduled maintenance plan lasts for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. It also includes 24/7 ToyotaCare Roadside Assistance, which lasts for two years and unlimited miles.

In comparison, GMC offers a five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance package for drivers with an active OnStar subscription starting at $24.99/month. The GMC Pro Grade Protection maintenance program covers the first maintenance visit within the first year of lease or purchase.

Looking past the numbers, both trucks have received top reviews from trusted sources. Kelley Blue Book® (KBB®) awarded the 2020 Tundra the Best Resale Value: Top 10 and the 2019 Tundra the 5-Year Cost to Own Award. The 2020 Toyota Tundra also received the Best Resale Value: Full-Size Pickup Truck.

Conclusion: Tundra vs Sierra

The 2021 Tundra and Sierra full-size trucks offer functionality for hauling cargo, towing, and off-roading. Both vehicles are powerful contenders in this comparison, but the Tundra wins for several reasons, including its standard active safety features, its off-roading and towing power, and award-winning reliability.

  • The Tundra earned the KBB® award for Best Resale Value: Full-Size Pickup Truck in 2020.
  • All Tundra models come standard with a ToyotaCare maintenance plan for two years or 25,000 miles, but the GMC Pro Grade Protection maintenance plan only covers the first year of ownership.
  • The base model Tundra has more towing power than the Sierra.
  • The standard Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8 engine delivers 355 horsepower and an impressive 401 lb.-ft. of torque for off-roading and towing.
  • Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) comes standard with all Tundra models.
  • The active safety features that come standard with the Tundra cost extra to get on the Sierra.