Starting at
Starting at
13,300 | Towing (lbs) | 12,000 |
2,270 | Payload (lbs) | 1,940 |
26 | Fuel Economy (mpg) | 22 |
All too frequently, we see things that look very similar on the surface but are, in fact, very different. Such is the case comparing the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2022 Toyota Tundra. They are both serious pickup trucks that are designed to accommodate a variety of work, off-roading, and regular daily driving. Both have a well-deserved legacy of excellence in the areas of dependability and consistent performance as well.
So how do you choose between two well-renowned trucks like the Silverado 1500 and the Tundra? While there are many differences between the two, there is one very clear dividing point: the opportunity to make your truck your own. The Silverado is offered in nine trims with five possible engine options and a whole lot of available packages that help enhance your driving experience. The Tundra comes in seven possible trims, with two similar engine options and only a few packages for those who need to outfit their truck to be more off-road or tow ready.
There are plenty of options when it comes to selecting your next pickup truck, so let's take a look at the 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 and the 2022 Toyota Tundra in a side-by-side comparison to see which best fits your life.
Everyone wants to make sure they have a powerful, dependable engine in their vehicle, but those who drive pickup trucks have a special interest in knowing what's under the hood. That's because many pickup trucks have a job to do, whether that's towing heavy loads, handling large and bulky cargo, or traveling where less vigorous vehicles will simply spin their wheels.
Chevy's approach to powering a pickup truck is to provide drivers with a variety of engines that are custom-tailored to certain jobs. The 2.7L high-output turbocharged engine that comes standard on many Silverado 1500 trims is new and improved for 2022, with a 24% increase in torque over the old 2.7L engine. All told, it's capable of 310 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque, making it ideal for a variety of jobs, including towing up to 9,500 lbs.
Next up are the 5.3L Ecotec3 V8 engines. It's easy to get a little confused here, but the difference is simple––one is equipped with Dynamic Fuel Management, and the other is not. The version with Dynamic Fuel Management comes standard on a few 2WD models, but either can be optioned in on many models. Each provides 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque. So what's the difference on the driver side? Mostly fuel economy. However, the 5.3L engine with Direct Fuel Management can tow up to 11,200 lbs.
The 6.2L Ecotec3 V8 engine is famous for its work with the off-road-ready ZR2 model but is offered as an option on many other trims as well. Bringing 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque to the pavement, this legendary engine allows the Silverado to tow up to 13,300 lbs.
Lastly, there's a diesel option; in this case, a 3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel engine that provides 277 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to pull up to 13,300 lbs as well. This engine also has the distinction of getting up to 31 MPG on the highway when installed on a 2WD Silverado.
When presenting vehicles, we like to try to keep the details even. In this case, it would be difficult to match the amount of detail point for point between the Chevy Silverado 1500 and the Toyota Tundra because the Tundra is offered with one engine option and one hybrid option. While the Chevy Silverado EV is slated to arrive in 2024, it's not here yet, so we'll focus instead on the conventional gas-powered engine offered in the Tundra.
The i-FORCE 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6 that powers the 2022 Tundra is all-new for this model year. It's tuned to provide up to 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, depending on the trim. This gives it a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 lbs when powering the SR5 trim with 2WD and double cab/standard bed configuration.
Payload maximums top out at different weights, depending on the configuration selected, but most models top out at the 1600-1800 pound range. The highest payload capacity in the Tundra lineup belongs to the SR and SR5 models, again in the 2WD, double cab/standard bed configuration.
While the Chevy Silverado 1500 can be equipped with your choice of a variety of engines, the 2022 Toyota Tundra offers just one––albeit very capable––– engine option.
Not everything is about towing and stowing. Some jobs require a truck that can "think" on the move, navigating strange terrain and obstacles. For those who need to be off-road savvy but not full-time mud experts, the Z71 package––which includes a specialized suspension and shocks, Hill Descent Control, and skid plates––comes standard on the Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss trims.
For those who need or desire more off-road prowess, Chevy offers the 2022 Silverado 1500 ZR2. This model includes standard equipment that helps move drivers through mud, snow, sand, and other situations in which getting stuck isn't an option. The 6.2L V8 engine is standard on this model, along with a specialized suspension and chassis calibration for off-road conditions, Multimatic DSSV dampers, skid plates, and an enhanced two-speed transfer case with Terrain mode to help drivers regulate their crawl or climb.
The Toyota Tundra also has an off-road model, known as the TRD PRO. This model includes the hybrid engine option, which gives it 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. It also comes equipped with Toyota's 4WDemand part-time 4WD system. This technology allows drivers to select between 2WD and high and low 4WD settings with the turn of a knob. Other off-road additions and enhancements include Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and Downhill Assist Control modes, an electronically locking rear differential, and a 1.1-inch front suspension lift for extra clearance.
A TRD Off-Road Package is offered for a few of the other models in the Tundra lineup. However, the offerings of the package change depending on the trim selected. If you add this package to the SR5 2WD model, for example, you will not have access to the electronically locking rear differential and drive modes. If you add this package to the Limited trim, you'll enjoy 20-inch wheels as opposed to 18-inch. Skid plates and off-road Bilstein shocks are offered across the board with this package.
Both Chevy and Toyota allow drivers to either devote their ride to off-road life or prepare for wild terrain with optional packages. Just be sure to read the fine print to make sure you're fully equipped with the features you expect when selecting the Toyota.
Some jobs require a softer touch, like carrying the kids to and from school and activities. For these duties, drivers want to know that their truck is safe.
Each 2022 Silverado 1500 comes equipped with Chevy Safety Assist, a suite of driver assistance technology that includes: Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking with Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam automatic high beams.
The 2022 Tundra includes Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 collection of safety technology. This adds a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Lane Tracing Assist and Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist.
But what about the comfort and convenience features? They may not seem as important as safety, but these little creature comforts are often what help us forget about how long and arduous the drive is and just appreciate it for what it is––time well spent behind the wheel.
The 2022 Silverado 1500 includes an impressive array of standard features. Even the base WT trim includes modern necessities such as the mighty Durabed with 12 tie-downs, Rear Vision Camera, CornerStep rear bumper, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Climbing up the trims unlocks an array of features, such as the 13.4-inch color touch-screen display with Google built-in compatibility and 12.3-inch reconfigurable Driver Information Center that come standard on the LT trim and above.
In comparison, standard fare across the 2022 Tundra lineup includes an aluminum-reinforced composite bed––which is joined by adjustable tie-down points in the SR5 trim and above––along with an 8-inch infotainment screen, compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a rear under-seat storage compartment. The Limited trim and above get a 14-inch Multimedia Touchscreen with wireless app connectivity.
While the list of features and options can go on seemingly forever, it's always a good idea to review trim-specific features as well as optional packages to get the most out of your truck budget.