When it comes to comparing trucks, it can sometimes feel like an interrogation on a murder mystery. You want the truth, you want it now, and nothing is going to stop you from getting it. So although fortunately no one has been murdered, trying to find the right truck is still all about asking the right questions and separating the fact from the fiction. The 2018 Chevy Silverado vs. 2018 Toyota Tundra will be our suspects in this case, and although they both hold a motive as to why they will be the best pickup truck for you, with an eye for detail only one truth can prevail. So, let the questioning begin.
How Much Can They Tow?
Clearly, it is best to start with the important questions considering most drivers interested in a pickup truck are those who wish to tow and tow efficiently. The answer to this question clearly leans in favor of the 2018 Chevy Silverado who can confidently and safely tow a maximum of 12,500 pounds compared to the less impressive 10,200 pounds of the 2018 Toyota Tundra.
A key factor in how well that truck tows all that weight is torque. The 2018 Chevy Silverado has a max of 460 lb-ft of torque while the 2018 Toyota Tundra falls short with 401 lb-ft of torque. They also both offer 2WD or 4WD for your handling pleasure.
How Fast Can They Go?
Even though trucks are made for towing, that doesn’t mean their muscle can’t also be used for acceleration. Again the answer to this question also favors the 2018 Chevy Silverado with a max horsepower of 420, while the 2018 Toyota Tundra can only manage 381 hp.
How Are The Engines?
Engines are the heart of any automotive, especially a pickup; so it is essential to understand the options each truck offers.
Chevy Silverado
- 4.3L EcoTec3 V6 with 285 hp and 305 lb-ft of torque
- 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 with 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque
- 6.2L EcoTec3 V8 with 420 hp and 460 lb-ft of torque
Toyota Tundra
- The 4.6L V8 engine as the standard with 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque
- 5.7L V8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque (comes in either 2wd, 4wd, or a Flex Fuel)
How Would You Describe Their Appearance?
A sketch based on eyewitness reports can be the key element in solving a mystery, but when it comes to trucks, the appearance is more about personal preferences.
The 2018 Chevy Silverado can be best described and the everyday hardworking truck. The appearance of the Silverado is humble and unobtrusive giving it a down-to-earth feel that makes you feel good. That being said it still presents itself as a bold and formidable truck that won’t be beaten down by anyone or anything. Just looking at the 2018 Chevy Silverado will make you feel in touch with the mighty earth and make you appreciate a hard day’s work.
The 2018 Toyota Tundra in a way has an appearance that borders on obnoxious. The front is loud and proud, but the body structure as a whole is smooth and sleek, which gives off some very mixed signals. Honestly, it would have been better if they went with either bold or sleek and truly committed to it, but as it stands now, it is kind of not the most physically appealing truck on the lot.
How Big Are They?
Size is everything for a pickup truck because that is where you will learn about its towing potential as well as the number of passengers it can hold.
The 2018 Chevy Silverado allows you to choose between the typical Regular, Double, and Crew Cab with a short, standard, or long bed. The Regular Cab has two full doors, fits up to three passengers, and is ideal for towing. With this cab, you will get to choose between an 8 ft. long or 6.6 ft. regular bed. The Double Cab has two full and two half doors and will accommodate up to 5 people and can come with a long or short bed. The Crew Cab has four full doors, fits up to 6 people, and is the largest of the three options. The Crew Cab also gives you the option of a 5.6 ft. short bed.
The 2018 Toyota Tundra does not offer a regular cab option which will be a tough blow for those looking to maximize their towing capacity at a lower price point. There is a Double Cab just like in the Silverado, and a CrewMax which is comparable to the Crew Cab. That being said, the bed sizes also have unflattering limitations on them since the CrewMax only coming with a short bed and no regular bed option.
How is the Pricing?
Pricing is one of the top factors people look for when buying a new vehicle so this question is a must have on the interrogation list. Again the 2018 Chevy Silverado makes a more appealing argument with a starting price that is over $3,000 less than the 2018 Toyota Tundra. The Silverado starts at $28,300 while the Tundra starts at $31,320. So if you want a better value than the Silverado is the way to go.
How Safe Are They?
Safety is never up for negotiation considering how dangerous the streets can be at any moment. One must always question the safety of a truck based on how well it tested and the safety features it includes. When it comes to rating the Silverado takes it hands down, but as far as safety features both are fairly well equipped, but the Tundra does have a more impressive list of standards.
The 2018 Chevy Silverado received a glowing 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety testing. In fact, everything was perfect except for the roll overrating which received only 4-stars. The 2018 Toyota Tundra, on the other hand, received just a 4-star NHTSA safety rating.
The 2018 Toyota Tundra comes standard with a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beams, forward-collision warning, front automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. As for the optional features for the Tundra, you can get blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic monitoring. What it does not include is parking assist, lane keeping assist, and rear automated emergency braking.
The 2018 Chevy Silverado comes standard with six airbags placed in ideal locations, a rear vision camera, StabiliTrak electronic stability control system, teen driver technology, and tire pressure monitoring. Optional
features include Forward collision alert, front and rear park assist, lane keep assist, low speed forward automatic braking, and safety belt assurance system.
2018 Chevy Silverado vs. 2018 Toyota Tundra – Name Your Suspect
In the end, the results of the interrogation seem clear. The 2018 Chevy Silverado is a stronger overall option for a pickup truck if you desire something that is flexible and hardworking. Another case solved.
