If you’re in the market for a new truck, you may be considering the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 vs. 2018 Toyota Tundra. Both of these pickup trucks are incredibly capable and well-designed and offer advanced safety and entertainment technologies. However, only one of these trucks can come out as the top contender in this close comparison.
If you’re prioritizing space and safety during your pickup truck search, then the 2018 Toyota Tundra may be the right vehicle for you. But if you’re seeking premium capability and performance, look no further than the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500.
Below we’ll compare the 2018 GMC Sierra vs the 2018 Toyota Tundra across some of the most important categories to potential buyers. In the end, choosing the right truck will come down to your personal needs, lifestyle, and budget. So, let’s take a closer look.
Key Specs
Before we get started comparing these two light-duty trucks across a few of the most important categories, it’ll help to take a look at some key specs. Here is how the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2018 Toyota Tundra stack up on paper.
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
- MSRP: $29,000
- Fuel Efficiency: 18 City/24 Highway
- Towing Capacity: up to 12,500 LBS
- Horsepower: 420 HP
- Torque: up to 460 lb-ft
2018 Toyota Tundra
- MSRP: $31,320
- Fuel Efficiency: 15 City/19 Highway
- Towing Capacity: up to 10,200 LBS
- Horsepower: up to 381 HP
- Torque: up to 401 lb-ft
As you can already see from the specs, with a lower starting MSRP the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 has the 2018 Toyota Tundra beat in fuel efficiency, towing capacity, horsepower, and torque. While for some this may already crown the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 the clear winner, it is still important to look more deeply into how these two vehicles compare in a few more categories.
Capability
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
We’ve seen from the key specs section above that the 2018 GMC Sierra has the 2018 Toyota Tundra beat in several factors of performance. As expected, this also means that the Sierra pulls forward in its maximum payload capacity at 2,018 LBS compared to the Toyota’s 1,730 LBS.
2018 Toyota Tundra
Although the 2018 Toyota Tundra isn’t the winner of the “Capability” category when compared with the 2018 GMC Sierra, it is by no means incapable. With a max towing capacity of 10,200 LBS, it has the ability to get the majority of work and play projects done with ease. The Toyota Tundra also matches the GMC Sierra in its gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) at a maximum of 7,200 LBS.
While both of these pickup trucks offer impressive performance, drivers looking for the ultimate in capability will be more than pleased with the 2018 GMC Sierra.
Trim Levels
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
The 2018 GMC Sierra comes with four trim levels to allow drivers the ultimate in available upgrades and customization. These trim levels are:
- Base
- SLE
- SLT
- Denali
Upgrading to higher trim levels will get you varying exterior color options, additional seating, and a 5.3-Liter V8 engine or 6.2-Liter V8 engine (depending on the cab configuration chosen within the trim). Other impressive features become standard upon upgrading to higher trim levels including the 8-inch GMC Infotainment System with Navigation, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, Bose Audio System, leather appointed seating, and heated and ventilated driver and passenger seats.
2018 Toyota Tundra
The 2018 Toyota Tundra has an incredible 12 trim options, totaling 33 different configurations. While some may find this convenient, others may feel overwhelmed when trying to choose which trim best suits your needs. Below is a list of the trim levels available to you with the 2018 Toyota Tundra:
- SR 4.6L V8
- SR 5.7L V8
- SR5 4.6L V8
- SR5 5.7L V8
- SR 5.7L V8 w/FFV
- SR5 5.7L V8 w/FFV
- Limited 5.7L V8
- Limited 5.7L V8 w/FFV
- 1794 5.7L V8
- 1794 5.7L V8 w/FFV
- Platinum 5.7L V8
- Platinum 5.7L V8 w/FFV
As you can see, these trim levels are broken up by the desired engine. Drivers can choose between the 4.6L V8 and 5.7L V8 engines, with the flex-fuel vehicle (FFV) option on the higher trims. Other major differences between these trim levels include varying exterior color options, cab configurations, and seating.
Entertainment and Safety Technology
2018 GMC Sierra 1500
For 2018, the 7-inch touchscreen display has become standard on the base trim level. This means that drivers can enjoy the advanced and user-friendly infotainment system with Bluetooth capability, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and a 6-speaker sound system for no additional cost. For your convenience, USB ports are also included as standard to ensure that you stay connected on the road at all times. Of course if you’d like to upgrade these already premium features, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 also comes available with an 8-inch touchscreen display, OnStar 4G LTE with built-in WIFI, and an 8-speaker sound system.
When it comes to safety, the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 now comes standard with a rearview camera, as well as the GMC Teen Driver System. Other available safety features include forward collision alert, forward automatic braking, and front/rear parking sensors.
2018 Toyota Tundra
The 2018 Toyota Tundra comes with a variety of standard entertainment features including a 6-speaker sound system, wireless connectivity, and the Entune 6.1-inch touchscreen display. The Entune Infotainment system comes with a variety of popular apps including Pandora and Yelp to further enhance your entertainment on the road.
For safety, the 2018 Toyota Tundra comes standard with an impressive suite of advanced features including pedestrian detection technology with automatic emergency braking, automatic headlights, and lane departure warning. Adaptive cruise control is also included as standard among the features in the Toyota Safety Sense P suite. For drivers looking for premium safety features available without an additional cost, the 2018 Toyota Tundra is a solid option.
The 2018 GMC Sierra or 2018 Toyota Tundra
While both the 2018 GMC Sierra and the 2018 Toyota Tundra have a lot to offer, a decision must be made between the two when it comes time to purchase your next truck. In the categories of capability and entertainment, the 2018 GMC Sierra comes out the clear winner. While the 2018 Toyota Tundra excels in standard safety features and has more trim levels to offer potential drivers. However, with a much lower MSRP for the impressive amount of power and entertainment features it offers, the overall winner is the 2018 GMC Sierra.
But if you’re still not sold, be sure to head to over to your local GMC dealer and see this powerful truck in person! After a test drive of this incredibly convenient, powerful, and advanced pick truck, you’re probably going to want to take it home.
