Hi, all! This will be my first post, as I found this forum in researching a new truck. I first saw the Tundra last week at the NYC Auto Show and really liked it at first glance, and it's the truck that got me thinking of going with a pickup in the first place. My next truck will replace a '92 Ford Bronco w/ 100k miles I've had since new, and I haven't decided between an extended cab or a crew just yet.
I've been comparing the Tundra and the Chevy Silverado for most of the week on paper (haven't driven either, yet). Now, to be fair, I'm using the Chevy 6.0L engine as my comparison to the Tundra (close enough power wise), and I'm even comparing the Chevy 2500 in some cases (more on that later). I'm looking for a fairly loaded truck, with an off-road package, which will be a daily driver and occasional tow vehicle for a track car and maybe a boat down the line (~6000lbs of towing either way). The truck will also be a people hauler for the occasions where I need to carry more than 2 comfortably for a significant distance (otherwise I have my car, which is a little cramped in the back), or where there may be rough weather like a ski trip or a jaunt to Canada. Since I'm shopping new trucks, I want something that has some real cargo capacity (ie, plywood/drywall), though I don't really need to carry tons of stuff weight-wise, so I won't get into details on that since I never felt the need to do a direct comparison - either truck seems to fit my needs. Towing-wise, though, I'd choose the Chevy Max Towing option, bringing both trucks to within a hundred pounds of each other's tow rating. Both trucks, I believe, have an engine-braking mode when towing, which is nice. In the bed, I think that the cargo rail system / tie-downs on the Chevy are also rated for 500lbs, while I think the Tundra's are 250, though personally, I don't think that would be a problem for me, personally.
The Tundra is the hands-down winner in styling, outside as well as in. I love the beefy styling and rear fender flares. Chevy seems to have done away with the step (flare) side styles in recent years, and though the current look is 'classic', it also is somewhat plain. I'm comparing the Tundra Limited to the Chevy LT2 model, btw, which does away with the woodgrain dash on the top-of the line LTZs (as well as eliminting the heated seats as an option, unfortunately). The one styling cue I don't like on the Tundra is the radio in the dash. Since it's not a standard DIN size(?), it limits you to the factory options (or expensive custom installation work).
Ergonomically, the Tundra also has the advantage (so far, I'm still evaluating...). Chevy's lack of rear grab handles (at least on the Ext. Cab)in the rear is somewhat annoying, making it difficult to climb into the truck. I also like the big, beefy controls on the dash of the Tundra, but the Chevy isn't bad in that regard, and also has steering-wheel mounted controls.
As for conveniance items, both trucks seem to have enough in-cab storage (bins, console, glove boxes, etc...), but the Tundra does seem to have more. I can't see myself using it all in either truck. The full slide-down window (CrewMax only?) is a nice option, too (Chevy only has a small square that slides sideways, though it can be powered). I'm also partial to the JBL name on the stereo of the Tundra, vs. the Bose in the Chevy. The floor shifter is also cool on the Tundra.
I do have some concerns with the drivetrains in both trucks. The Tundra's Traction Control seems like it may be a nuisance, while the fully locking rear diff on the Chevy works well. The Chevy, though, has a programmed annoying 4-second limit before giving you full-power from the engine (something about increasing fuel economy...). Also, the current 1500s are not available with the 6-speed tranny.
You'll notice that I haven't mentioned pricing, yet. I'm looking at bottom line prices for a fully loaded truck, so I haven't pointed out that any one item or another was optional. As long at it could be on the truck, I didn't really care. Now, based on truck that is as fully-loaded as possible (w/o rear entertainment), here are the numbers I came up with (MSRP):
- Tundra CrewMax Limited w/ Option Pkg. G - $46,600
- Silverado CrewCab 1500 LT2 - $43,900 (w 5 1/2' bed & 4spd Auto)
- Silverado CrewCab 2500 LT2 - $43,245 (w/ 6 1/2' bed & 6spd Auto)
* the 2500 also incl. daul batteries, 160amp alternator, and 12,500 lb towing cpacity.
I added $2,500 to the price of both Chevys since I didn't configure them with any optional audio, but the Tundra incl. the JBL w/ Nav. in the package I selected.
MSRPs are from the respective manufacturer's website configuration tools.
Now, I'm not familiar with Toyota's current incentives, but I'm fairly certain I can get the Chevy's for the following using a GM Supplier certificate (
www.gmfamilyfirst.com) and current incentives, no haggle:
1500 - $33,000 + $2500 Audio / Nav system = $35,500
2500 - $31,400 + $2500 Audio / Nav system = $33,900
(Yes, the 2500 works out cheaper since there's an extra $1,000 in current incentives on it).
Assuming ~7% off MSRP for the Tundra that I read in another thread here would be considered a good deal, the Tundra would be about $43,300 if my math is right?
In my opinion, which is what the title of this thread called for, either of the Chevy's is a much better deal. That being said, I still really like the Tundra, and will have a tough choice to make in the coming weeks.