For those in the market for a new truck, there is seemingly an overwhelming amount of options. After all, every major automobile manufacturer has its own version of the pickup truck. Each truck has its pros and cons, and each truck will be perfect for somebody and not perfect for somebody else. So how do you choose between options like the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs 2021 Toyota Tundra?
The Silverado and the Tundra are, undoubtedly, two absolutely amazing vehicles. But the question is which one is better? In a head-to-head comparison, is the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 or the 2021 Toyota Tundra going to come out on top? More specifically, which one is right for you?
Today we’re going to look at a few characteristics that every serious truck shopper should consider. Those characteristics are towing capacity, fuel mileage, and general price point. While these are not the only aspects of a vehicle that makes it better or worse than another, for today’s purposes, this is what we will be taking a closer look at.
Can the 2021 Silverado or the 2021 Tundra Tow More?
One of the biggest reasons people decide to buy a pickup truck is for the towing capabilities, so it only makes sense that truck shoppers will want to compare the towing capabilities of the 2021 Chevy Silverado against those of the 2021 Toyota Tundra. Both of these trucks have long enjoyed a reputation for quality trailering capabilities. But only one can come out on top, so which is it? Can the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 or the 2021 Toyota Tundra tow more?
The answer, my friend, is the Silverado. The Silverado can tow up to 13,300 lbs when properly equipped, while the Tundra can only tow 10,200 lbs. When we say only, we don’t mean to imply the Tundra is bad at towing because it certainly is not. 10,200 lbs of towing capacity is certainly nothing to be ashamed of and, in fact, is a spec worth bragging about. However, the Silverado’s 13,300 lbs is a significant difference, and for the serious truck driver, this difference cannot be ignored.
What can you do with that much difference? If you’re just filling up a trailer with work equipment or yard or home improvement gear, this difference probably won’t be that big of a deal. But if you plan on towing a larger trailer, such as a horse trailer, an RV, or perhaps a boat, this much of a difference in towing capacities is going to be noticed. The trailer options go up quite a bit when you have an extra 3,000 plus lbs to work with.
When taking your family to the lake for the weekend, would you rather have the option of towing the bigger, faster, and more capable boat? When planning an adventure to the National Park and you plan to bring along an RV, would you rather have the ability to bring that larger RV that not only sleeps more but also has more kitchen and seating areas? Or would you rather feel cramped in the smaller trailer? If you want the biggest trailer possible, and you never want to worry about having to sacrifice quality or space, you’re going to want to go with the Silverado.
Does the 2021 Silverado or the 2021 Tundra get Better Fuel Mileage?
Fuel mileage is something that every potential vehicle owner should consider when shopping for a new vehicle. This has always been the case, but as fuel prices climb higher and higher, fuel economy is even more important. This brings us to the question of whether the 2021 Chevy Silverado or the 2021 Toyota Tundra gets better fuel mileage.
The answer is the Silverado. The 2021 Silverado gets significantly better fuel mileage than the 2021 Tundra. Thanks to its diesel engine, the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 gets up to 23 MPG city and 33 MPG highway, while the gasoline-only 2021 Toyota Tundra tops out at 13 MPG city and 17 MPG highway. But even if you opt for the Silverado’s most powerful 6.2L V8 gasoline engine, it will still do better than the Tundra, coming in at 16 MPG city and 21 MPG highway. If you’re not in the mood to spend your entire paycheck at the fuel pumps, you’re going to want to go with the Silverado.
According to fueleconomy.gov, when you compare the Silverado to the Tundra, the Chevy will save you an average of $5,500 on fuel over the course of a five-year period. On a yearly basis, you’ll get to pocket roughly $1,000 by driving a Silverado rather than giving all that money to the local fuel station. That’s a lot of money! Just think about what you could do with that kind of savings. And this is, of course, assuming you only drive as much as the average person. If you drive more than the average person, you’re going to be saving even more with the Silverado vs the Tundra.
The average driver can plan to spend around $77 to fill up their Silverado fuel tank, while the average Tundra driver can be spending upwards of $108 per fillup. The Silverado driver will spend about $2.95 on fuel for every 25 miles they drive, while the Tundra driver will spend about $4.75 per 25 miles driven. I know I wouldn’t mind saving that kind of money every week. What about you?
Money and savings aside, this kind of difference in fuel economy also has a significant impact on the environment. When you’re getting better fuel mileage, you are putting less pollution into the air. You are also requiring less of the oil refineries. This means when you go with the Silverado over the Tundra, you are making a positive impact on the world. Now, who doesn’t want to do that?
Which is Cheaper – The Silverado 1500 or the Tundra?
If you’re like most Americans, you likely don’t have a pot of gold buried in your backyard. Instead, you are carefully watching your budget and being careful not to overspend. No matter your economic standing, this is just an all-around responsible practice. If you are interested in saving money on your new truck purchase, you are going to want to go with the 2021 Chevy Silverado.
The 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 starts at $28,900, and the 2021 Toyota Tundra starts at $33,825, making the Silverado 1500 cheaper than the Tundra. This is over a $5,000 difference, which is quite significant. If you want the most affordable truck without sacrificing quality, the Silverado is the one for you. Chevy has always had a strong focus on quality and safety, so you know you won’t be missing out when you opt to save those extra thousands of dollars.
Will You Go With the Silverado or the Tundra?
There is no question as to the quality of these two magnificent trucks. However, unless you’ve got a pillowcase full of cash hiding in your spare room, you’re only going to want to choose one. Only you can decide which one that will be. Will you go with the 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 or the 2021 Toyota Tundra? When you have decided, make your way down to your local truck dealer and find the truck that is perfect for you. Soon you’ll be sitting pretty in a truck made just for you. So what are you waiting for? Schedule your test drive today!
