We’ve spent a lot of time on dedicated off-road trucks like the Silverado 1500 Trail Boss and Tundra TRD Pro. After carefully evaluating both options, we found that they have significant advantages over the 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid.
2023 Chevy Silverado 1500 vs. 2023 Toyota Tundra
The 2023 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss and TRD Pro both have features to consider. For example, the Tundra has an attractive interior with a huge panoramic sunroof.
Must provide is accessibility. Comes with running boards to help compensate for Henry’s tall height.
It’s a bit surprising that the Tundra TRD Pro doesn’t have running boards, but maybe they could be added. On that note, the Tundra doesn’t have tow hooks either. So, you’ll have to add it to the ability to get others or yourself out of the ditch.
In addition, the Silverado has integrated corner steps on the rear bumper, making it easier to climb into and out of the truck bed. With the multi-function tailgate provided, you can convert the top of the tailgate into a step and use a handrail to climb onto it. I can carry up to 375 lbs.
With the 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, we had to haul ourselves back like seals. Also, the Tundra has seat organizers that take up space under the back seat.
They can be used to organize your tools, and the back seats can be folded. However, the large bump in the floor prevents things from being folded flat.
The Silverado has an open space under the seat large enough to hide water build-up. Also, the floor is nearly flat, and the rear seats fold flat against a wall. Plus, the Silverado has plenty of storage trays and compartments, including a small compartment above the glove box.
2. The Chevy Silverado’s Duramax diesel engine is more efficient
With bigger trucks comes greater fuel economy, but 2023 could help with that. The turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six makes 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque.
It is enhanced with new steel pistons, fuel injectors, revised turbocharger and improved temperature control features to increase its power. It gets 24 mpg EPA in the city and up to 29 mpg highway.
Driving off-road, we hovered around 16 mpg and got up to 22 mpg around town. It can travel over 550 miles on a single tank.
The 2023 Toyota Tundra i-FORCE MAX Hybrid powertrain pairs a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor to produce 437 horsepower and 538 pound-feet of torque. It gets 20 mpg EPA in the city and up to 24 mpg highway.
We were able to get around 14 to 15 mpg while driving off-road, and it’s not far from the Silverado. But we couldn’t get more than 15 mpg in the city and only got 20 mpg on the highway in Eco mode.
The Tundra can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.7 seconds, while the diesel Duramax gets there in 7.0 seconds. The Tundra could be a little sportier, but it doesn’t have more muscle. The Duramax Silverado can tow up to 13,300 pounds, and the Tundra has a maximum curb weight of 12,000 pounds.
3. The Silverado Trail Boss ride is more comfortable
The 2023 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss and 2023 model may not have the best ride quality due to massive off-road tires, heavier suspension upgrades and a taller ride height. These features may contribute to increased wind and road noise and increased performance stiffness.
However, the Silverado has a quieter, slightly more relaxing interior. In addition, you sometimes get a deep growl from the engine. The Toyota Tundra has a bit louder on the highway and is more intrusive.
The Tundra’s engine noise wafts into the cabin, so you won’t get a break from the loud noises. Additionally, the Silverado has a narrower turning radius, making it easier to park and maneuver in tight spots.
But the Tundra TRD Pro has a 360-degree camera to help navigate obstacles. The Silverado has an excellent rear view camera and parking sensors.
In terms of seat comfort, the Tundra has the advantage of leather upholstery. However, the back seat feels roomier and more comfortable than the Tundra’s.
The Silverado’s climate controls are also more responsive to ambient temperatures. It will heat and cool the cabin at a faster rate. We tweaked the Tundra’s controls more than the Silverado’s.
While the Tundra has advantages in terms of providing more technology and convenience features, it also comes at a higher cost. The Chevrolet Silverado Duramax diesel is more affordable, with more comfort, better fuel economy, and more practicality.
