Compared: 2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. 2023 Toyota Tundra

A refresh and a pair of new powertrains, including a powerful hybrid, set the Tundra up to take the fight to the strong-selling Silverado.

Mike Meredith | 

Jul 10, 2023 | 3 min read

Chevrolet | Toyota

Last year, the Chevrolet Silverado full-size pickup was the second-bestselling model in the U.S., trailing only the Ford F-Series. Its rival, the Toyota Tundra, doesn't even make the top 25, garnering about one fifth of the Silverado's sales. Granted, Chevy's total includes the heavy-duty models, which Toyota doesn't offer. But that's still a large gap, considering both lineups offer spartan work trucks, capable off-roaders, and luxury haulers with all the latest technology. Here's a look at some areas where they differ.

Chevrolet

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. 2023 Toyota Tundra: Price

Employing a 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder, the regular-cab, two-wheel-drive base Silverado 1500 demands about $37,000 — nearly $4,000 lower than the Tundra's entry point. Choosing a higher trim level or different body style opens the door to other powertrains, including two gas V8 engines (making 355 or 420 ponies) and a 305-hp 3.0-liter turbo-diesel. There are a few off-road-focused models, but the top one — called the ZR2 — costs about $73,000 and features the most powerful engine, the most ground clearance, and the most rugged suspension of the lot.

Toyota

The base model Tundra, which starts around $41,000, has a 348-hp twin-turbo V6 and a double cab. Other trim levels come standard with a 389-hp version of that engine, while the top models — including the capable $73,000 TRD Pro — boast a hybridized variant making 437 horsepower. The Tundra lineup tops out with the decadently equipped Capstone, which starts at just over $79,000.

Chevrolet

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. 2023 Toyota Tundra: Payload and Towing

The Silverado has the advantage in hauling and towing. Its maximum payload rating — achieved with the standard 2.7-liter engine, two-wheel drive, and either the standard or long bed — weighs 2,260 pounds. Getting the truck's top tow rating of 13,300 pounds requires the turbo-diesel, two-wheel drive, and a towing package. The rolled-steel pickup bed provides 12 tie-downs, plus buyers can spec a six-function tailgate.

Toyota

The Tundra can haul and tow 1,940 and 12,000 pounds, respectively. That's for examples with the double cab, one drive axle, and the 389-hp V6. All models feature an aluminum-reinforced composite bed, and trim levels above base get side rails with adjustable tie-downs.

Chevrolet

2023 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vs. 2023 Toyota Tundra: Features

Trim levels at the bottom of the Silverado lineup come standard with a 7.0-inch infotainment screen and a 3.5-inch display in the gauge cluster, while those at the middle and top receive a customizable 12.3-inch instrument panel combined with a 13.4-inch touchscreen featuring Google functionality built-in and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Many buyers will have to settle for standard cruise control, as only the top Silverados offer an adaptive system. That said, the luxurious High Country trim can be had with General Motors' Super Cruise driver-assistance tech, which allows hands-free motoring under certain conditions. Can't do that with any Tundra.

Toyota

Toyota, however, provides every Tundra with adaptive cruise control as well as some things the base Silverado does without, such as automatic climate control. The basic tech setup consists of an 8.0-inch touchscreen for infotainment and a 4.2-inch screen in front of the driver. You can upgrade those displays to 14.0 and 12.3 inches, respectively, by choosing a mid- or high-level trim.

Mike Meredith

Mike Meredith began his automotive journalism career in 1999 when he joined the editorial team of one of the top automotive websites at the time, and he hasn't slowed down since. He attended Trans-Am races as a child, spurring an interest in racing that lasts to this day.