Silverado vs Tundra
It’s Chevrolet against Toyota in the full-size pickup class, and the Silverado and the Tundra are the models carrying each flag. Count the areas and a pattern appears. The Tundra is ahead in 1 of 4, led by a clear margin in fuel economy & range.
At a glance
- Engine & Performance Trade-off
- Fuel Economy & Range Tundra wins
- Off-road & Towing Tie
- Safety & Tech Tie
- Price Silverado wins
- Engine & Performance1.4
- Fuel Economy & Range0.0
- Engine & Performance1.9
- Fuel Economy & Range4.2
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Key Differences
-
The Tundra has 38 hp more power
The Tundra nudges ahead with 348 hp, while the Silverado lists 310 hp. The Tundra’s extra output gives it more in reserve when you need to get up to speed.
-
The Tundra has better fuel economy
This one is close enough that other factors could outweigh it, but on paper the Tundra leads with 20 mpg to 19 mpg. Better combined fuel economy lowers your running costs every week, and the savings add up over years of ownership.
-
The Silverado has 25 lb-ft more torque
Only a little separates them: 430 lb-ft on the Silverado, 405 lb-ft on the Tundra. The Silverado’s extra torque makes it more relaxed when fully loaded or towing.
-
The Tundra has better highway fuel economy
It’s a fine margin, and it favors the Tundra (23 mpg versus 21 mpg). Highway fuel economy matters if you cover long distances at steady speeds.
Design & Size
Dimensions
| Spec | Silverado | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 233.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 80.2 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 78 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 145.7 in |
Engine & Performance
Trade-off
What you gain in one place you lose in another: 25 lb-ft more torque with the Silverado, 38 hp more power with the Tundra. Think about how you’ll use the car; that’s what settles engine & performance.
Total system output
Silverado: 310 hp Tundra: 348 hp Power is only part of the story; weight, gearing and torque delivery shape how quick a car feels.
Torque
Silverado: 430 lb-ft Tundra: 405 lb-ft More torque means stronger pulling from low speeds, which you feel when accelerating from a stop or climbing grades.
Fuel Economy & Range
Tundra leads
In this area the Tundra has a lead the Silverado can’t close. The Tundra brings better fuel economy. Official figures rarely match real-world driving exactly, but the ranking between two cars tends to hold. The takeaway: on fuel economy & range, the Tundra is the stronger car.
Fuel economy (combined)
Silverado: 19 mpg Tundra: 20 mpg The Tundra uses less fuel on the standard combined cycle, which matters most if you drive a lot.
Fuel economy (highway)
Silverado: 21 mpg Tundra: 23 mpg The Tundra uses less fuel on the highway, a real saving on road trips and long commutes.
Off-road & Towing
Too close to call
Swap one for the other and you’d lose nothing on off-road & towing. Either car will serve you equally well on off-road & towing.
Safety & Tech
Too close to call
There’s no meaningful winner in the safety & tech section; the two are too close to separate. On safety & tech alone, you can’t go far wrong with either.
Full Specifications
Engine & Performance
| Spec | Silverado | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | Gas | Gas |
| Engine | 2.7L turbo I4 (TurboMax) | 3.4L twin-turbo V6 (i-FORCE) |
| Total system output | 310 hp | 348 hp (winner) |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft (winner) | 405 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 10-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (4WD available) | RWD (4WD available) |
Fuel Economy & Range
| Spec | Silverado | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy (combined)EPA estimate where available | 19 mpg | 20 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel economy (city) | 18 mpg | 18 mpg |
| Fuel economy (highway) | 21 mpg | 23 mpg (winner) |
| Fuel tank | N/A (not specified) | 32.2 gal |
Space & Practicality
| Spec | Silverado | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Seats | N/A (not specified) | 5 seats |
Off-road & Towing
| Spec | Silverado | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Max towing | N/A (not specified) | 12,000 lb Best towing in class |
| AWD / 4WD available | Yes | Yes |
Safety & Tech
| Spec | Silverado | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Largest touchscreen | 13.4 in | 14 in |
| Driver-assist suite | Chevy Safety Assist | N/A (not specified) |
| Basic warranty | 3 yr / 36,000 mi | 3 yr / 36,000 mi |
Dimensions
| Spec | Silverado | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | N/A (not specified) | 233.6 in |
| Width (no mirrors) | N/A (not specified) | 80.2 in |
| Height | N/A (not specified) | 78 in |
| Wheelbase | N/A (not specified) | 145.7 in |
Price
| Spec | Silverado | Tundra |
|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $37,000 (winner) Lowest price in class | $41,260 |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
Price barely moves the needle here: the Tundra launched $4,260 higher. Paying $4,260 extra for the Tundra means getting 38 hp more power and better fuel economy.
Launch prices (US) as of launch. Discounts and bundles come and go, so compare current prices before buying.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the Silverado if…
- you want more pulling power from low speeds (430 lb-ft vs 405 lb-ft of torque)
- you want the lower price and can live with the trade-offs ($4,260 less)
- you already use other Chevrolet products
Choose the Tundra if…
- you merge, overtake or climb hills with a full load (348 hp vs 310 hp)
- you want better combined fuel economy (20 mpg vs 19 mpg)
- you want better highway fuel economy (23 mpg vs 21 mpg)
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I buy the Silverado or the Tundra?
The Tundra wins more of the areas we compared, so it’s the safer pick unless you’d trade the rest for 25 lb-ft more torque.
Is the Silverado cheaper than the Tundra?
Going by launch prices, the Silverado costs $4,260 less than the Tundra. Prices as of launch; current offers may differ.
Executive Summary
Here’s my honest read on a classic rivalry: Chevrolet’s Silverado against Toyota’s Tundra. In daily life, I think the first difference you’d notice is 38 hp more power, and that goes to the Tundra. The Tundra also scores with better fuel economy. The Silverado has a trump card of its own in 25 lb-ft more torque.
Fit matters more than scores here. The Silverado suits buyers focused on pulling power; the Tundra suits those focused on fuel economy & range.
My pick: the Tundra, unless your top priority is 25 lb-ft more torque.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.