Toyota Tundra vs Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD was a massive truck, available in various configurations including regular, double, or crew cabs, and offered with a seven-foot or eight-foot bed. It came in six trims: Work Truck, Custom, LT, LTZ, High Country, and the off-road-specific ZR2. The truck's size was imposing, with a wheelbase reaching up to 4.25 metres and an overall length of 6.7 metres. Each trim had distinct front fascia styling, from the plain yet handsome Work Truck to the chrome-heavy LTZ and High Country. The ZR2 trim featured a blacked-out grille with the Chevrolet “flow tie” badging. For 2024, Chevrolet added standard tow hooks and wheel options up to 22 inches, along with ten colour choices, though many were similar shades. The High Country trim boasted an upscale interior with open-pore wood, leather, and metal trim, while the ZR2 was rugged and ready for off-road adventures.

The 2025 Toyota Tundra had a bold design that was polarizing but unmistakable on the road. The lack of front recovery hooks was a notable omission. The test model, equivalent to the Tundra CrewMax SR, featured the TRD Rally Package, which included vibrant stripes and TRD design elements throughout. Functional enhancements like 18-inch TRD off-road wheels, Bilstein shocks, and skid plates were part of the package. The Magnetic Grey paint complemented the retro rally stripes well. Inside, the TRD Rally Package added a 14-inch touchscreen and dual-zone automatic climate control. Despite some plastic elements, the interior was practical and durable, fitting for off-road use. The Tundra's build quality was commendable, though it lacked some of the Silverado's upscale touches.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD came standard with a 6.6-litre V8 gas engine producing 401 horsepower and 464 pound-feet of torque. An optional 6.6-litre Duramax turbodiesel V8 offered 470 horsepower and an impressive 975 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Allison 10-speed automatic transmission. The Duramax diesel was notably quiet and well-matched to the transmission, providing smooth shifts and quick acceleration. The Silverado 2500HD offered both RWD and 4WD options, with the ZR2 and High Country trims featuring standard 4WD. Fuel efficiency varied, with the truck achieving 11.6 litres per 100 kilometres in 2WD and 13.8 L/100 km in mixed driving. The ZR2 Bison package enhanced off-road capabilities with Multimatic DSSV spool valve shocks, 35-inch tires, and a 3.8-centimetre lift, providing excellent ground clearance and approach angles.

The 2025 Toyota Tundra featured a standard twin-turbo 3.4-litre V6 engine, known as i-Force, delivering 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque in most models. The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain offered 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. Despite the lower power figures compared to some competitors, the Tundra's engine provided sufficient performance for highway merging and city driving. The Tundra's powertrain had a rocky start with recalls but showed improved reliability. It offered RWD as standard, with 4WD available, and a mandatory 10-speed automatic transmission. The Tundra's towing capacity was 5,060 kilograms, less than some rivals. The TRD Rally Package's off-road suspension and Bilstein shocks provided stability on rough roads, though the all-terrain tires generated noise at highway speeds. The Tundra excelled in sandy environments but struggled with tight trails due to its turning radius and visibility.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD excelled in towing and hauling capabilities. While the 3500HD model could tow up to 16,330 kilograms, the 2500HD's maximum was 10,175 kilograms, with our tester capable of 8,600 kilograms. Payload capacity was similarly reduced, with our tester handling 1,360 kilograms. The Silverado's camera technology made towing easier, offering multiple views for hitching and monitoring the trailer. The MultiFlex tailgate added versatility, serving as a desk, bed extender, or step. The High Country trim featured heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel, enhancing comfort on long drives. However, the audio system was basic, with only six speakers.

The 2025 Toyota Tundra offered Double Cab and CrewMax configurations, with various bed lengths, though not all combinations were available. The Tundra's interior provided ample storage, with cubbies, a deep centre console, and hidden storage under the rear seat. A power tailgate with knee lift assist was a new feature for 2025, allowing easy operation even with full hands. Accessing the cabin required a step ladder or flexibility due to the high step-in height, and a factory-installed bumper step was an optional accessory. Seat comfort was lacking, with firm seats causing discomfort on long drives.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD featured a 12.3-inch configurable gauge cluster and a 13.4-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard from the LT trim. The system was user-friendly, with Google maps and Google Assistant built-in, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Charging options were plentiful, with USB ports, wireless charging, and a power outlet. A Wi-Fi hotspot was available, and an optional 15-inch head-up display provided key information. The rear camera mirror was useful when the bed was loaded. However, the Silverado lacked an on-board generator, a feature available on some competitors.

The 2025 Toyota Tundra came standard with an 8-inch touchscreen and Toyota's new infotainment system, which included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TRD Rally Package upgraded the screen to 14 inches. The system was generally good but occasionally glitchy, requiring re-pairing of phones. Connected services were subscription-based, with varying trial periods. The Tundra offered a six-speaker audio system in the Double Cab, with a nine-speaker system in the CrewMax and a 12-speaker JBL system on upper trims. Higher trims also featured advanced tech like a surround-view camera, head-up display, and wireless phone charging.

The 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD included standard safety features like front pedestrian braking, forward-collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a following distance indicator. The GM Safety Seat provided tactile alerts to prevent collisions. Adaptive cruise control was optional and worked while towing. The Silverado had not been rated by NHTSA or IIHS.

The 2025 Toyota Tundra prioritized safety with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 system, including a pre-collision system, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, automated lane centring, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were available. The Tundra had eight airbags, LATCH, child-protector locks, and tire pressure monitoring. It was the only full-size truck to earn a Top Safety Pick+ award from IIHS and received a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA.