Toyota Tacoma vs Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was available in nine trims, offering a variety of configurations to suit different needs. Buyers could choose from a two-door regular cab with either a standard or long bed, a double cab with a standard bed, or the popular crew cab with options for a standard or short bed. The off-road-focused ZR2 model was exclusively available in the crew cab, short bed configuration. The Silverado's exterior, refreshed in 2022, retained its appealing design with squinty headlamps, angular daytime running lights, and a large grille that varied in style depending on the trim. Wheel sizes ranged from 17-inch steelies on the base model to 22-inch chrome wheels on the High Country trim. Inside, the Silverado boasted a modern cabin with improved materials, leather upholstery on higher trims, and open-pore wood trim, along with a mix of digital screens and physical controls for essential functions.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma, though all-new, maintained a familiar look with a hexagonal grille and a blockier, more angular design. Standard 17-inch alloy wheels were available, with off-road alloys on the TRD Off Road packages. Inside, the Tacoma's aesthetic shifted significantly, drawing influence from the Ford F-Series. The dashboard featured squared-off areas, and the gear shift knob was a geometric design. MOLLE panels emphasized a functional approach, even in the Premium packages with SofTex-trimmed seats. The Tacoma's interior updates included more storage capacity beneath the rear seats and a choice of 5-foot or 6-foot beds. The bed depth increased, enhancing total volume and accommodating accessories like camp fridges, rooftop tents, and wireless trailer cameras.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered four engine choices, starting with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Two V8 options were available: a 5.3-litre and a 6.2-litre, the latter delivering 420 horsepower. Both V8s were mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The standout was the 3.0-litre six-cylinder Duramax turbodiesel, generating 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, providing strong off-the-line performance. The Silverado ZR2, designed for off-road adventures, featured a 5-centimetre lift, front and rear differential lockers, and Multimatic shocks for a versatile ride. The ZR2 Bison package added steel bumpers, skid plates, rock rails, and smaller wheels for enhanced off-road capability.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma went all-turbo with a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, 4WD was standard. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous six-speed, offering smooth shifts and minimal turbo lag. A six-speed manual transmission was also available, though it had a high bite point. Toyota focused on differentiating packages, with various suspensions tailored to each option. The Tacoma TRD Sport featured sport-tuned shocks, while the TRD Off-Road had monotube Bilstein shocks. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain promised maximum capability, though details were limited. Updates included standard disc brakes and electric power steering, enhancing driver-assistance features and addressing previous steering vagueness.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 offered a range of interior options, from basic vinyl seats and a small infotainment screen in the WT trim to luxurious features like 10-way power seats, a Bose stereo system, and heated seats in the High Country trim. The ZR2 trim was similar to the High Country but lacked some premium features. The crew cab configuration provided ample rear legroom at 1,102 mm, while the double cab was more suitable for children or cargo. The Silverado's towing capacity varied, with the diesel engine capable of towing up to 6,032 kilograms, though the ZR2 model was limited to 4,082 kilograms due to its suspension. Payload capacity also varied, with the four-cylinder engine offering the best rating at 1,025 kilograms. The Silverado featured 12 tie-downs in the bed and an optional Multi-Flex tailgate for added versatility.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma eliminated the Access Cab, standardizing the four-door Double Cab configuration in Canada. The updated seat shape provided improved comfort, with nearly identical head- and legroom figures for 2024. The Double Cab offered 1,061 mm of front legroom and 856 mm in the back. Gas-powered models had increased storage capacity beneath the rear seats. The Tacoma offered a choice of 5-foot or 6-foot beds, with a 440-watt outlet available on gas models and a 2400-watt version expected for hybrids. The bed depth increased, raising total volume by seven percent and accommodating accessories like camp fridges. Toyota dealers offered a range of Tacoma accessories, including rooftop tents and wireless trailer cameras.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 featured a seven-inch touchscreen and mostly analog gauge cluster on the lower trims, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. Higher trims, starting with the LT, offered a 13.4-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with quick response times and clear graphics. Google integration provided access to maps and voice recognition. The Silverado excelled in trailering technology, offering up to 14 camera views, an automatic trailer light test, and a towing checklist. An available rear camera mirror and a 15-inch head-up display enhanced visibility and convenience.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma saw significant improvements in technology, with an 8-inch touchscreen standard and a 14-inch display available in Premium packages. Both screens ran Toyota's Audio Multimedia system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A Qi wireless charging pad and USB-C ports were available. The optional JBL sound system included a removable portable speaker. Pre-wired auxiliary switches allowed for accessory operation. The Tacoma's towing capabilities were enhanced with a trailer brake controller and a Panoramic View Monitor, integrating with the blind-spot monitoring system. A wireless trailer camera accessory was also available.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 came standard with automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-departure warning. Chevy's Teen Driver program allowed parents to set parameters and access a driving report card. Optional safety features included a vibrating safety alert driver's seat, a 360-degree camera, and parking sensors. Adaptive cruise control and Super Cruise were available, with the latter offering hands-free driving on pre-mapped roads. The NHTSA gave the Silverado a five-star overall safety rating, but the IIHS rated it lower in some crash tests and headlamp performance.

The 2024 Toyota Tacoma introduced new safety technology with electric power steering and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including Lane Tracing Assist, lane-departure alert, and oncoming vehicle collision avoidance assist. Road-sign assist and an emergency stop system were new additions. The adaptive cruise control system offered four following distance options. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert was standard. Official safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS were not yet available, but Toyota aimed to improve its safety standing with the new features.