The class is in session, but can the 2018 GMC Sierra vs. 2018 Toyota Tundra make the grade? Truck University is no joke, and it’s time to put these two to the test. Will they pass with flying colors, or will they flunk out? So, take a seat and let the lectures begin because it’s time to see how this two stack up when it comes to the common core for trucks.
Style 101
In this course, you will learn what makes a pickup truck appealing in regards to mass standards.
The 2018 GMC Sierra: A
Ferocious on the outside and luxurious on the inside, the 2018 GMC Sierra is the perfect combination of beauty and beast. No matter how intimidating the exterior features of the Sierra are, it always remains unobtrusive and classy. The GMC Sierra overall will never be mistaken for anything but a pure, bold, American pickup truck.
The 2018 Toyota Tundra: C-
The 2018 Toyota Tundra just barely passes on the premise that some people enjoy a unique style. Everything about the front design from the grille to the lights comes off as obtrusive, and kind of goofy, and that just doesn’t strike the right tone for a pickup truck driver. It may have an overall sleeker design than the Sierra, but as a whole, it just doesn’t show off its charm as well as it could.
Freshmen Configurations
This is a course dedicated to the understanding of automotive configurations in pickup trucks in reference to the cabin and bed design.
The 2018 GMC Sierra: A
The 2018 GMC Sierra has every cab and bed option available for your convenience. Choosing between a Regular, Double, and Crew Cab and a short, standard, or long bed will make your driving experience completely customized to your needs. You will not feel anything lacking in the configuration options of the 2018 Sierra.
The 2018 Toyota Tundra: C-
The 2018 Toyota Tundra, unfortunately, will take a big hit on its grade for this class due to the fact that it doesn’t even offer a regular cab option for those who would rather sacrifice the rear seating for more towing power. The bed options are also limited with the CrewMax only coming with a short bed. The Double Cab and CrewMax are just as expected though so this truck will get a barely passing grade.
Intro to Engines
This course will introduce you to engines and how they interact with your pickup truck.
The 2018 GMC Sierra: A-
The 2018 GMC Sierra offers three brilliant engines that are well balanced and ideal choices to allow any driver to obtain the exact power output they require. There is a 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 with 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque, a 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque. The only reason it is getting an A- instead of an A or A+ is the lack of a diesel option.
The 2018 Toyota Tundra: B
The 2018 Toyota Tundra also offers two main engines. As the standard, you will get a 4.6L V8 engine as the standard with 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque. There is also a 5.7L V8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. The 5.7L V8 comes in either 2wd, 4wd, or a Flex Fuel version. Overall it’s not as powerful or even as flexible as the 2018 Sierra, but the standard option is stronger, and the Flex Fuel option is nice, bringing it to a solid B.
Advanced Towing
This course provides an intensive focus on conceptual and practical aspects of towing, hauling, and hitching.
The 2018 GMC Sierra: A+
The 2018 GMC Sierra is nearly at the top of its class in muscle with up to 12,500 pounds of towing capacity. The 2018 Sierra even managed to pass the off-roading portion of the class with flying colors with its excellent trailering technology in the All Terrain and All Terrain X packages. Properly hitch this baby up, and you will be able to haul almost anything with perfect efficiency.
The 2018 Toyota Tundra: B+
The 2018 Toyota Tundra offers a fair 10,200 pounds of towing capacity. It may not be in the top tier of the class, but it is still a respectable amount and will get the job done.
Modern Technology
This course will explore how the future is brighter than ever with the modern technology being implemented in our everyday trucks.
The 2018 GMC Sierra: B+
Highs for the technology of the 2018 GMC Sierra includes a 7 or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that connects you straight to your smartphone so you can use your favorite apps and make hands free calls and texts. You will also get 4G Wi-Fi and the MyGMC model app for even greater connectivity. The level of technology in the Sierra is well integrated, making it one of the more luxurious trucks on the market, but it still hasn’t reached SUV level convenience just yet, especially in safety features.
The 2018 Toyota Tundra: B
The 2018 Toyota Tundra also has its own version of an infotainment system called Etune which gives the same convenience and connectivity as the 2018 Sierra with use of Bluetooth technology to link with your smartphone. The Tundra does offer all the regular safety features, but only received four stars in safety testing compared to the Sierras perfect 5-star rating. Overall, the 2018 Toyota Tundra has all the basic technology you need, but not much more.
GPA Overview
Overall neither of these trucks is a pushover, but the 2018 GMC Sierra clearly made the dean’s list, while the Toyota Tundra could have studied up a bit more and partied less. Luckily, there are still many years to come and classes to take, so we can only be excited for what the future holds for these two scholars of Truck University.
