Toyota and Chevrolet trucks have been a mainstay in the heavy-duty vehicle market for several decades. Here is a comparative study between the two popular models from the auto giants – the 2009 Toyota Tacoma and the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500.

Fuel Efficiency

With gas price hikes looming, the fuel-efficient 2009 Toyota Tacoma is a wise choice for a mid-size pickup – the bigger and heavier 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 won’t save your budget.

Powertrain

Toyota Tacoma is little sluggish with its noisy V6. Chevrolet’s new 6.2L V8 makes Silverado the winner in this section, hands down.

Creature Comfort

The Toyota compact pickup is now more refined in terms of style and efficiency and is roomier than past models. Nevertheless, the powerful Chevy Silverado 1500 is an ideal alternative for bigger families. A quiet ride, excellent finishing and an all inclusive safety system make Silverado 1500 an equally attractive, if not superior, choice.

Latest Additions

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma gets an improved audio system and stability/traction control as standard features, as well as an array of safety features including front and side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.

The 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 adds Bluetooth, XM traffic reporting, a rear view camera and 6-speed automatic transmission control.

Price

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma is considerably cheaper with a price range starting at $15,170 – a basic 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 costs $18,389. We recommend 2009 Toyota Tacoma, it’s a competent choice and a more economical ride.

Image Courtesy: Yahoo Autos

The midsize 2009 Toyota Tacoma has been upgraded – adding traction control, standard stability control, active front head restraints, side curtain airbags, front-seat side airbags, limited-slip differential, and increased fuel efficiency.

Notable for its Star Safety System, Tacoma features Electronic Brake-Force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control and Break Assist. Vehicle Stability Control prevents wheel slip and safeguards in adverse situation. In such situations, the Break Assist increases break pressure helping to stop an accident.

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma comes standard with a 2.7 liter engine producing 159 horsepower and 180 Ib-ft of torque. It boasts a five-speed manual transmission with an optional four-speed automatic transmission.

Starting at a dirt cheap $13,518, the 2009 Toyota Tacoma tops out at $24,347. You’d be hard pressed to find a better performing truck for less. Tacoma is leading the way with its fabulous build quality, impressive body styles and excellent off-road ability, not to mention a comfy interior.