There are more pickup truck options on the market than many drivers might realize, with the Sierra 1500 and Toyota Tundra being two options worth considering. Trying to figure out which model to choose, however, can be time consuming and tedious. Because we want to make the research and buying process simple for all drivers, we’re here to compare the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 and 2018 Toyota Tundra side by side.
Performance Comparison of the Sierra 1500 and Tundra
Let’s start with what’s under the hood. With the Sierra 1500, you’re able to get the best option available, whether you prefer maximum horsepower, maximum torque or superior fuel efficiency. After all, fuel economy is still important in a pickup… you just bought a new truck, you drive from location to location for this project or that project, and you’ll want to save a bit on gas if you can. With the Sierra 1500’s superior 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway, you can do just that.
But, like we said, the Sierra is also the way to go regardless of whether you want top horsepower output or top torque output. For example, the Tundra has a maximum horsepower output of 381 hp. If you care more about torque than horsepower, your max torque output on the Tundra will be 401 lb-ft. Though the Sierra 1500 has a variety of engines to suit the diverse needs of drivers, one of those engine options is a 6.2-liter EcoTec3 V8 engine that can deliver 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, knocking out the Tundra’s maximum power output with one engine.
[Read more: Match up the 2019 GMC Sierra against the 2019 Ram 1500 to find out which truck has the edge.]
Sierra 1500 vs Tundra Capacity and Payload
So what about hauling stuff, which is what pickup trucks are best at, after all? When it comes to trailering, this is where the Tundra has one of the only advantages over the Sierra 1500, with a slightly better maximum towing capacity. But unless you do some real serious towing, the extra few hundred pounds of towing capacity from the Tundra aren’t going to benefit you much. Plus, the Sierra has HD models that can more sufficiently meet the needs of anyone who does some of the heaviest duty towing out there.
What you’re likely to care more about on a regular basis is payload capacity. The Sierra 1500 impresses here with 2,018 pounds, which is quite a bit better than the Tundra’s payload capacity. This means you’ll be able to worry less about loading heavy equipment into your truck bed and gives you some versatility in all those situations where a trailer won’t be used.
There is much more we could compare between the 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 and the 2018 Toyota Tundra, but it’s already clear that the Sierra has an edge in some key areas. To learn more or to get behind the wheel, contact us at Craig Dunn Motor City.
New Changes for 2020 GMC Models!
