Expert Review, Pricing Analysis and Buying Guide
8.1
Overall Rating
The Toyota Tacoma-lovingly called the taco by its legion of fans- is a practical mid-size pickup truck first and an off-road toy second - CAR AND DRIVER
The base 2021 Tacoma SR trim starts at an MSRP of $26,150, whereas the Limited trim with a V6 sets you back by an MSRP of $42,080. The 2021 Tacoma has received several extensive updates from TRD (Toyota Racing Development). Tacoma's body modifications range from TRD Sport that has brought eminent looks to the table to the TRD Pro (MSRP $44,175) that has completely revamped the off-roading character of this pickup.
| 2021 Toyota Tacoma |
Model Specs |
|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$26,150 - $38,660 |
|
Engine |
2.7L Naturally Aspirated Inline-4 |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
|
Drivetrain |
RWD |
|
Peak Horsepower |
159 hp |
|
Towing Capacity |
6800 lbs |
| Payload Capacity | 1685 lbs |
| MPG |
23/20 Hwy/City |
|
Dimensions |
212.3 inches long x 74.4 inches wide x 70.6 inches high |
Coming back to the standard Tacoma, Toyota has launched two new limited edition models, namely - Trail Edition and Nightshade Edition. The Trail Edition amongst other feature updates brings in 16-inch TRD style wheels, black upholstery, black exterior badges, and much more.
8.0/10
Pricing and Features
8.0/10
Engine and Performance
7.5/10
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
Interior
9.0/10
Exterior
8.5/10
Safety
8.0/10
Competition
8.0/10
Final Verdict
2021 Toyota Tacoma Pricing and Features
What are the trims on offer with the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
The Toyota Tacoma retains its trim lineup for the model year 2021. This implies that the 2021 Tacoma Access Cab can be procured in 4 well-equipped trims, namely - SR, SR5, SR V6, and SR5 V6, and 2 other variants- TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road.
The prices for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma starts at an MSRP of $26,150 for the base SR trim and can range up to $34,425 for the fully loaded SR5 V6 trim. This lineup includes two basic Inline-4 and two V6-powered versions of the basic trims.
Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma 4WD?
All the trims of the Tacoma come with a standard Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), while Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) is optional.
Difference between the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road trims?
The TRD Sport comes at a price of $34,345, and the TRD Off-Road comes at a price of $38,600. While these trims get enhanced off-road capabilities and a nicer presentation, what's a major point of difference between the TRD and the non-TRD trims is the availability of 6-speed manual transmission in the former.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Specs and Features>>
2021 Toyota Tacoma Buying Advice
Which 2021 Toyota Tacoma trim should I buy?
The base 2021 Toyota Tacoma SR V6 stands as the most practical choice as you can enjoy power, comfort as well as all of the features in this trim at a price of MSRP $28,410. The power figures that the SR and SR5 lack with the base Inline-4, come along with the SR V6 and that too for $2000 lesser than the SR5 V6.
You can even avail of the additional packages available for customization. Although having recommended the SR trim, it still comes with the AT unit. For the 2021 Tacoma to be equipped with the 6-Speed MT unit, the TRD Sport is the ideal offering.
Check out the Warranty, Maintenace Costs, and Reliability Ratings of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma>>
2021 Toyota Tacoma Engine and Performance
Ride quality on standard trims is rough and brittle, although the fancy off-road suspension on the TRD Pro model smooths things out somewhat - MOTORTREND
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma offers two engine options same as the 2020 Toyota Tacoma. The base engine of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma comes in the form of a 2.7L NA Inline-4, capable of belting out 159 hp and 180 lb. ft. of the twisties. The other engine option comes in the form of a 3.5L V6 engine, which is definitely more potent and absolutely much more delightful than the base power mill. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's 3.5L V6 engine amplifies the power figures up to 278 hp and 265 lb.-ft. of torque.
Both the engines of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma can be either mated to a 6-speed Electronically Controlled AT or a 6-Speed Manual setup. By default, all the grunt is routed to the rear wheels of the Tacoma, until you decide upon paying the $3000+ premium and opting for the optional 4WD drivetrain. Coming to Tacoma's halting prowess, Toyota equips the pickup with 10.8-inch rotors at the front and 10.0-inches towards the rear. The vehicle has ABS with EBD for a safer ride.
How fast is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma from 0-60 MPH?
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab, with its 3.5L V6 engine and 6-Speed AT, can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 7.0 seconds, while crossing the quarter-mile mark in a tad more than 15 seconds.
How does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma fare on the Towing Capacity front?
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma, in its base avatar, has a payload capacity of 1525 lbs. and a towing capacity of 3500 lbs. With more power, comes more capabilities, as the V6 powered Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6800 lbs and has a payload capacity of 1685 lbs.
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma holds the benchmark on the towing capacity front in the light-duty pickup truck segment. Whereas for hauling items on its back, the 2021 GMC Sierra takes the pole with 2280 lbs.
Also Read:
- 2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 GMC Canyon Extended Cab: Specs Comparison
- Check out the Exterior Images and videos of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Toyota Tacoma Fuel Economy
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma with its base 2.7L Inline-4 engine delivers up to 20 MPG in the city or can cruise through 23 miles on the highway for every gallon of gasoline. Add the optional 4WD drivetrain to the mix and the city/highway/combined MPG figures drop to 19/22/20. Speaking of the more powerful 3.5L V6 engine, Tacoma when fitted with the RWD setup and the AT unit delivers city/highway/combined MPG of 19/24/20.
Once again, bring in the 4x4 factor to the recipe and the figures drop to 18 MPG in the city and 22 on the highway. The 6-Speed MT further drops it down to 17 and 20 MPG in the city and highway respectively. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma's fuel efficiency is at par with the segment standards. However, with a fuel tank capacity of 21.1 gallons, the range offered is 380 miles in the city and 464 miles on the highway providing a rather satisfactory experience, if not the best.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Interior
While its interior is plasticky and even the crew-cab model has a diminutive back seat, the 2021 Tacoma is popular for reasons related to the heart rather than the head - CAR AND DRIVER
There is nothing pleasing or delightful about Tacoma's cabin, as most of the surfaces emit a cheap plastic feel. The quality of materials used inside the Tacoma lacks the charm, which might be in tune with a pickup’s ruggedness but is in no way admirable. Speaking of space on offer, while most of the pickup trucks offer a seating capacity of 3, Tacoma ups the game and offers a passenger capacity of up to 4 occupants.
However, driving away from these specs, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma's interior feels rather claustrophobic to be in. What comes as a real downside is the sheer lack of space in the second row. The cabin offers satisfactory small pockets as well as holders for daily use. The capacity of the bed box offered is sufficient, as it's 60.5-inches long, 19/1-inches deep, and 41.5-inches wide. The standard 7-inch and optional 8-inch infotainment system offered in the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is extremely responsive.
Some of the most prominent infotainment features of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma are:
- Apple CarPlay
- Android Auto
- Amazon Alexa
- Bluetooth
- SiriusXM 3-month access
- Safety Connect
- 2-inch multi-information display
Also Read:
- How good is the 2021 Ford F-150's cabin?
- Greetings to the 2021 Toyota Tundra Trail & Nightshade Editions.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Exterior
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma wears its age like a badge of honor - The Car Connection
The Toyota Tacoma Access Cab is regarded as a beast with a massive stance and extremely well-defined design. While it is a strong contender for being the most impressionable truck, the Tacoma is not just a pretty face, even from the rear.
The 2021 model will reportedly include similar features and further modifications, in the form of the latest Trail Edition, which brings in 16-inch TRD wheels, black exterior badges, and a completely different grille. With a wide stance and big front, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab commands a powerful presence on the road and carries itself with a certain flair. The pickup-like exterior features of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab that give this truck its own character are:
- Projector-beam headlights with DRLs
- Dark gray grille with black surrounds
- Color-keyed power outside mirrors
- Color-keyed door handles
- Color-keyed rear bumper
- 16-inch styled steel wheels
- Skid plates
- Color-keyed tailgate spoiler
Also Read:
- How does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma fare on the Reliability front?
- Check out Toyota Tacoma's concept unveiled at the SEMA 2020
2021 Toyota Tacoma Safety
The Tacoma has always had commendable crash test ratings, as it has the most standard driver-assistance features in its group. The 2020 Tacoma did receive decent figures, whereas having been recently put through a crash test, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma received a 4-star rating from the NHTSA. Having said that, the average-sized Toyota does also carry an above-average warranty plan, which aces the ones offered by the other opponents.
Some of the most prominent safety features of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma are:
- Toyota Safety Sense
- Pre-collision system w/Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert
- Automatic high beams
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Vehicle Stability Control
- Traction Control
- ABS w/EBD
- Advanced Airbag system
2021 Toyota Tacoma Competition
2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Chevrolet Colorado
The Tacoma and Colorado are both accessible in various diverse trim levels, all of which offer great utility no matter how you look at them. Ever since its launch, Tacoma's primary selling points have been its uncommon resale value, incredible unwavering quality, and standard safety features.
The 2021 Colorado doesn't convey the impenetrable design layout of the Tacoma, yet it offers a marginally bigger cabin and a readily accessible diesel motor. All things considered, the Tacoma outwits the Colorado in this comparison because of its boss cabin quality and notoriety for solidness.
2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Heavy, wide, long, tall. These are some words used to define the 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 but not so apt for the Toyota Tacoma. While the GMC has the disadvantage of seating capacity in comparison to the Tacoma but it makes up for it by providing a larger fuel capacity and greater travel range.
Such aspects make the Sierra ideal for travel on long routes as it offers a lesser number of fuel stops. The Sierra is quicker than the Tacoma with a 0-60 MPH acceleration difference of 0.2 sec and higher top speed. A bigger engine just adds to the multitude of positives that the Sierra carries over the Tacoma.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Final Verdict
For a moderate size truck, the Toyota Tacoma provides the functionality of an all-out truck, which makes it an ideal choice for utilitarian needs. The 2021 Tacoma performs well in all the typical pickup truck aspects, be it the payload capacity, or the towing capacity, while the fact that it's a wizard of the unpaved way just earns the Tacoma some quick brownie points. In a nutshell, for a starting price-tag of $26,150, and with impressive off-road capabilities, the 2021 Tacoma is the perfect truck for adventurers and commuters alike.
Also Read:
2021 Toyota Tacoma FAQs:
Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab being redesigned?
The 2021 Tacoma will follow the same recipe as its previous iterations, as Toyota will reportedly bring out a completely redesigned Tacoma for the year 2022. So for now, a couple of Special Editions in the form of Nightshade and Trail Editions are the only change being brought.
Is the Toyota Tacoma good for snowy conditions?
Yes, the Toyota Tacoma can fare pretty well in snowy conditions. All you need to do is equip your Tacoma with snow tires and you are good to go.
How many miles can a Toyota Tacoma last?
With proper and timely maintenance, a Toyota Tacoma can last for up to 400,000 miles.
Where is the Toyota Tacoma made?
Toyota assembles the Tacoma at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Texas and Baja California-Mexico.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Consumer Reviews and Ratings
based on 92 ratings
POPULAR TAGS
2021 Toyota Tacoma Overall Reviews
User Overall Rating
Posted On: June 2, 2021
Tacoma has all the basics down
Pros - Practical, spacious, outstanding performance
Cons - MPG, tech, GPS
Pros and cons To keep this short I will just break it into the pros and cons. Pros: very comfortable, love the dual power front seats, the touch screen works pretty well, perfect size, can fit in parking garage spots but still has a decent sized bed, 4WD works like a beast in the snow. Driven in over 12inches no problem. Cons: gas mileage is below average, the GPS is useless, the bed of the truck isn't wide enough to fit a sheet of drywall.
User Overall Rating
Posted On: May 5, 2021
Love my Tacoma
Pros - Good handling, more off road ability, sturdy built
Cons - Nothing yet
Tacoma has everything The main reason I choose Tacoma over any of its competitors is that it is very easy for me to drive in heavy traffic. Feels more agile than how a regular truck is supposed to be. Not only that but the interior is pretty nicely done too. It has a good amount of space in the cabin and on the bed. And the styling is great too. It is a nice-looking pickup truck that has an aggressive body. Rodney was great and helped us way more than normal salespersons
User Overall Rating
Posted On: April 29, 2021
2021 Toyota Tacoma
Pros - Safety check, performance, off-roading abilities
Cons - Flat seats, dashboard plastics, speakers quality
Truck Lovers Choice 2018 Ford N/A
