GMC Sierra vs. Toyota Tundra: Which Pickup is Better?
Introduction:
In the competitive world of full-size pickups, two heavyweights that continuously vie for domination are the GMC Sierra and the Toyota Tundra. Both vehicles boast impressive features, capabilities, and reputations, making it challenging for buyers to determine the best choice for their needs. In this article, we’ll delve into the details and compare these two popular trucks, putting them through several key considerations to help you make an informed decision.
Table of Contents:
1. Design and Exterior
2. Interior Comfort and Features
3. Performance and Capability
4. Safety and Technology
5. Fuel Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Options
6. Pricing and Value for Money
7. FAQs
1. Design and Exterior:
The GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra both exemplify bold and commanding design characteristics that distinguish them on the road. The Sierra boasts a rugged and refined appearance, with its bold grille and distinctive lighting elements lending it a sense of modern sophistication. On the other hand, the Toyota Tundra exudes a robust and muscular form, featuring an imposing grille and flared wheel arches that add to its aggressive stance. Ultimately, personal preference will determine which design resonates with individual buyers.
2. Interior Comfort and Features:
Both the GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra offer generously spacious and comfortable cabins, though the Sierra takes a step further in terms of luxurious refinement. The Sierra’s interior exhibits premium materials and well-crafted surfaces, providing an upscale environment that rivals luxury vehicles. The Tundra, while not as premium in its offerings, still provides comfort and functionality. Features such as intuitive infotainment systems, ample storage, and seating options are relatively matched between the two, although the Sierra takes the slight upper hand.
3. Performance and Capability:
When it comes to performance and capability, the GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra deliver on their trucking promises. The Sierra offers a range of powerful engine options, including the mighty available V8, aptly complementing its exceptional towing and hauling capacities. Similarly, the Tundra features robust V8 engines, ensuring ample power is at the driver’s disposal. However, some tests notoriously reveal that the Sierra edges ahead in terms of towing prowess, making it an ideal choice for those who require heavy-duty capabilities.
4. Safety and Technology:
Safety is paramount, and both the GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra prioritize this aspect. With advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring, both trucks provide commendable safety packages. In terms of technology, the Sierra offers the GMC Infotainment System, which integrates seamlessly with smartphones, while the Tundra provides the Toyota Entune system. The choice between the two may hinge on personal preference or the familiarity of a specific technology ecosystem.
5. Fuel Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Options:
While fuel efficiency might not be the primary concern for most full-size truck buyers, it is still a pertinent consideration. The GMC Sierra offers fuel-efficient powertrain options like the Duramax diesel engine, providing better mileage with impressive towing capacities. In comparison, the Toyota Tundra lags behind in this aspect, particularly when compared to its rivals. However, it’s important to note that the Tundra is not currently available with a hybrid or electric powertrain, which might be a drawback for eco-conscious buyers.
6. Pricing and Value for Money:
Pricing is often a crucial factor for buyers, and it’s no different in the GMC Sierra vs. Toyota Tundra debate. The starting price for the Sierra is marginally higher than the Tundra; however, it offers a wider range of trims and options, allowing for more customization. Additionally, the Sierra tends to hold its value better over time, which adds to its overall value for money proposition. Comparatively, the Tundra provides a more straightforward pricing structure, simplifying the decision-making process.
7. FAQs:
Q1. Which truck has better resale value, GMC Sierra, or Toyota Tundra?
A1. The GMC Sierra generally has a better resale value compared to the Toyota Tundra.
Q2. Can the GMC Sierra tow more than the Toyota Tundra?
A2. In general, the GMC Sierra outperforms the Toyota Tundra in terms of towing capacity across various trims and engine options.
Q3. Are there any eco-friendly options available for the GMC Sierra or Toyota Tundra?
A3. The GMC Sierra offers the option of a fuel-efficient Duramax diesel engine. However, the Toyota Tundra does not yet have any hybrid or electric powertrain options.
Q4. Is the interior of the GMC Sierra more luxurious than the Toyota Tundra?
A4. Yes, the GMC Sierra provides a more luxurious and refined interior compared to the Toyota Tundra.
Q5. Which truck offers more technology features, GMC Sierra, or Toyota Tundra?
A5. Both the GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra offer comparable technology features, although the choice may depend on personal preference.
Conclusion:
Choosing between the GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra requires careful consideration of personal preferences, specific needs, and budget. Both trucks are excellent choices, delivering power, capability, and refinement. Ultimately, test driving and assessing individual requirements will provide the clarity needed to determine which pickup is the better fit. Whichever truck you choose, both the GMC Sierra and Toyota Tundra come with impressive legacies and will undoubtedly serve you well on and off the road.
2021 Toyota Tundra vs GMC Sierra Comparison
Whether you need to trek over land or haul your workload, the Tundra and Sierra have the space and capability to do it all.
With a powerful standard V8 engine, the 2021 Tundra is a force to be reckoned with.
This brute force is paired with the sensitive safety technology of Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) . You’ll notice that the Sierra doesn’t come with quite as many standard safety features on the base model.
Throughout this review, we’ll take a look at the Tundra vs. Sierra and their reputation for not only safety and performance, but reliability too.
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.
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 4×2 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.
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.