Are you looking for a reliable pickup that can function as a work vehicle, still handle commutes well, and is affordable? If so, then checking out the 2020 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2020 Toyota Tundra could be perfect for you. These are two well-known and thoroughly vetted full-size pickups that we’ll be pitting against each other to see where each one shines. They may compete in the same category, but there are always plenty of differences to find when you compare them.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2020 Chevy Silverado is available in eight different trims. Each trim level will come with a different set of standard features, and as you move up the levels, the number of features (and the price) will generally increase. The eight models, with their starting MSRPs, are the WT ($28,300), Custom ($34,600), Custom Trail Boss ($39,500), LT ($36,900), RST ($38,800), LT Trail Boss ($48,500), LTZ ($43,000), and High Country ($53,300).
As you can tell, the Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss don’t seem to fit in the order they’ve been places because their prices don’t naturally ascend as the others do. That’s because these are off-road-focused trims that can function as a normal pickup, but there are also special features included that will make life on the trail a lot more manageable. For example, the Custom Trail Boss comes standard with the Z71 Off-Road Package, a 2-inch factory suspension lift, a 2-speed transfer case, and 18-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires. The LT Trail Boss will have those same features plus some additional convenience features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote start, and keyless open.
The 2020 Toyota Tundra is available in six different models. They are, with starting MSRPs included, the SR ($33,575), SR5 ($35,245), Limited ($42,270), Platinum ($48,775), 1794 Edition ($48,775), and TRD Pro ($48,655). Comparing these options to the Silverado trims and prices, you can see that the Tundra will start at a higher MSRP on its SR compared to the Silverado WT. However, the Platinum/1794 Edition is a lower price than the Silverado High Country. You can also see the TRD Pro is close to being the top-priced Tundra model, but it is actually slightly cheaper than the top two, yet it’s still shown at the top. As it was with the Silverado Trail Boss models, the TRD Pro is the Tundra’s off-road-focused trim. It comes with a TRD front skid plate and a TRD-tuned suspension with heavy-duty FOX shocks.
Performance and Capabilities
While it’s always a good thing to see the prices of all the different trim levels, it’s better to put those prices along with the numbers pertaining to the performance and capabilities of each truck. Here, we’re going to fill you in on what kinds of engines you’ll find in the new Silverados and Tundras, as well as the maximum amount (in pounds) that each of these pickups can handle for towing and payload.
The 2020 Chevy Silverado can come in configurations with six different engines. You have the 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 engine with up to 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque. The 2.7L Turbo engine with up to 310 hp and 348 lb-ft of torque. The 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine with up to 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. There is also the same 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 engine, but with Dynamic Fuel Management technology, which will increase fuel efficiency. The most powerful option will be the 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 engine with up to 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The most interesting option, though, is the 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel I6 engine with up to 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque.
All 2020 Toyota Tundra models will come with a 5.7L V8 engine with up to 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. After seeing how many engine options there are on the Silverado, it’s a bit surprising to only see the one option on the Tundra. Still, it’s a competitive option, especially when you consider this is the same engine your lowest model Tundra is getting. Overall, the Silverado top engine option is more powerful, and the Tundra has no diesel variant.
The 2020 Silverado has a maximum towing capacity of 13,400 lbs and a maximum available payload of 2,250 lbs compared to the 2020 Tundra’s maximum towing capacity of 10,200 lbs and a maximum available payload of 1,730 lbs. Clearly, the Silverado wins in both of these regards, most likely due in huge part to the different available engine options.
Features
Apart from being rugged and hard-working machines, pickups also need to have the features that people want. In particular, it’s important that all vehicles, trucks included, have the most modern safety features as part of the package to make sure you and your passengers are riding with the protections you need.
Chevy has the advanced safety technology available as a company, but unfortunately, its implementation across the board and across trim levels is sorely lacking. If you look at some of the lowest trim levels on the 2020 Silverado, like the WT and Custom, you’ll see that they come with a Rear Vision Camera and a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. In this day and age, these are features that are quite standard across all manufacturers. Hitch Guidance becomes standard at the Custom Traill Boss level, and then Hitch Guidance with Hitch View is standard at the LTZ level.
However, you will not find any advanced safety features like Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Front and Rear Park Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as standard features until you get to the very highest trim level, the High Country. Some of them will be available as options on other trims, though.
Toyota really shines with its Toyota Safety Sense suite of safety features. TSS-P, or Toyota Safety Sense P, is standard on all models of the 2020 Toyota Tundra. The suite includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. In addition, starting at only the second-lowest trim (SR5), you can add on other safety features like front and rear parking assist sonar and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. These features are standard on the Platinum model, but not available on the TRD Pro. Trailer-Sway Control and Integrated Trailer Brake Controller with Multi-Information Display is also standard across all models except the TRD Pro.
Taking One Home
As was mentioned in the beginning, each of these pickups really shines in different areas. Overall, they’re both great vehicles, but if you’re looking for something that can handle a bit more grit, then in the competition between the 2020 Chevy Silverado vs 2020 Toyota Tundra, the Silverado will win there. It has more engine options so you can customize exactly what you need it for, plus the option for a diesel engine is a really nice touch. To test drive a new Silverado today, just head on down to your local Chevy dealership.
