2021 Tundra vs. Silverado Comparison
It's important for a truck to be able to tow, haul, and hoof it when need be, but power and performance aren't the only characteristics that make up an all-around solid truck. With advanced safety options and connectivity available for full-size trucks, there are other factors to consider when we look at the Tundra and Silverado.
To start, the MSRPs for the Tundra SR 4x2 Double Cab and the Silverado 1500 WT 2WD Double Cab are $34,025 and $30,595, respectively. However, as you'll see in this comparison, the Tundra's base model comes stacked with a lot of standard features, like the ToyotaCare planthat the Silverado does not have. With the Tundra, you get more bang for your buck, even at the base level.
All models of the Tundra also come with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). The Silverado has some comparable safety features, but to get the most advanced technologies you'd need to get the expensive High Country model.
Looking ahead, in this Silverado 1500 vs. Tundra head to head, we will compare these full-size trucks in the important categories of safety, performance, and reliability.
Published Date: 06/23/2021
Safety
- Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) comes standard on all Tundra models.
- The Tundra's suite of safety features includes tons of standard active safety features while the Silverado requires an additional package to match it.
- Aside from standard airbag coverage, the Silverado does not come standard with any comparable active safety features.
Let's kick things off with the standard safety features that help keep you safe in the Tundra and Silverado.
Standard Safety Features
The base Tundra comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). The Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite of features includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Automatic High Beams (AHB), and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC).
The Silverado has comparable features, like Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam™, and Adaptive Cruise Control. However, they are not standard on the base model, or any model for that matter. The Silverado 1500 LT and RST don't even have any of these features available. These more advanced features are only available when you get the 2021 Silverado 1500 LTZ or High Country plus add the Safety Package II.
Aside from all of the fancy safety technology, the Tundra comes standard with 8 airbags, while the Silverado 1500 only has 6 standard airbags.
Performance
- While both trucks have V8 engines, the Tundra offers more horsepower.
- The Tundra also has more torque which makes it a true workhorse on and off road.
Trucks are built to be powerful and durable. The Tundra and Silverado both fit that description.
Power Under the Hood
When it comes to engine output, all Tundras have a 5.7L V8 engine that delivers 381 horsepower. In comparison, the Silverado 1500 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine has a horsepower of 355. The Tundra’s 5.7L V8 also has a better torque of 401 lb.-ft. compared to the Silverado 1500 EcoTec3 V8’s 383 lb.-ft. torque. More torque helps with towing and riding over tough terrain.
Where the Silverado 1500 does have a slight edge over the Tundra is fuel economy. The Silverado 1500 4x2 5.3 L, 8 cyl, Automatic 8-spd models have an EPA-estimated 17/23/19 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating. Tundras with a 4x2 configuration have an EPA-estimated13/18/15 (city/highway/combined) MPG rating.
Reliability
- Kelley Blue Book recognized the Tundra two years in a row for its outstanding resale value.
- Toyota and Chevy offer drivers 24/7 roadside assistance.
- Only Toyota gives drivers factory-scheduled maintenance coverage that lasts longer and covers more services.
Trucks get put through a lot. The Tundra can handle whatever you throw its way.
Maintaining Excellence
All new Toyotas come with the ToyotaCare plan. ToyotaCare is a factory-scheduled maintenance plan that lasts for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. It also includes roadside assistance that lasts 2 years and unlimited miles. Chevy has its own maintenance program called Chevy Complete Care. For 2021 models Chevy Complete Care only covers one oil and oil filter change, and DEF tank refills for diesel engines during the first 12 months of ownership. Silverado drivers also get 24-hour Roadside Assistance and Courtesy Transportation that lasts 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
With the help of ToyotaCare, the Tundra retains its value for the long run. Kelley Blue Book awarded it the 2020 and 2021 Best Full-Size Pickup Truck Resale Value distinction, while the 2020 Silverado 1500 came in second to the 2020 Tundra. The Silverado didn't even make the top three for 2021.
Conclusion: Tundra vs. Silverado
- The Tundra has loads of standard active safety technologies while similar features are only available, not standard, on Silverado models.
- When comparing these two truck's V8 engines, the Tundra wins in this category too.
- While both trucks have roadside assistance, Toyota covers more scheduled-maintenance services for longer.
We've laid out a lot of important feature comparisons. Let's break them down.
The Toyota Tundra comes with a lot of standard active safety features packed in Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). The Silverado 1500 has some comparable advanced safety features, but none of them are standard.
Moving on to performance, the 2021 Tundra SR 4x2 Double Cab has 381 horsepower. In comparison, the 2021 Silverado 1500 with a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine has 355 horsepower.
To top it all off, all new Toyotas come with ToyotaCare. ToyotaCare covers services like engine oil and filter changes, tire rotations, multi-point inspections, fluid level adjustments and inspections for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. It also includes roadside assistance that lasts 2 years and unlimited miles. Chevy has its own maintenance program called Chevy Complete Care but it only lasts for a year and doesn't cover nearly as much as ToyotaCare.
When you want a truck that will give you more for less, the 2021 Toyota Tundra is the truck for you.