The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a practical midsize pickup truck placed under its sibling, the Tundra. Priced at an MSRP of $26,150, the Tacoma soldiers into the year 2021 without any significant changes, except for a new limited Tacoma Trail Edition trim, based on the SR5 Crew Cab. With the best rating of 8.1 out of 10, use our Carindigo inventory to find the best local deals for Tacoma. The engines offered include a base 2.7L NA Inline-4 that produces 159 hp while an optional V6 takes the output to 278 hp.
Moreover, backed by Toyota's legendary toughness and reliability, the 2021 Tacoma TRD Pro V6 trim with its 6-Speed manual setup is ready to take on all terrains, or even tow a mini house, courtesy of its segment-best towing capacity of 6400 lbs. The Toyota Tacoma, with its wide array of configurations, has got a number of other players to look out for when it comes to tackling terrains, which include the likes of Ford F-150, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Sierra 1500.
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Ratings
Pricing And Features
8.0
Engine And Performance
8.0
Fuel Economy
7.5
Interior
8.0
Exterior
9.0
Safety
8.5
Competition
8.0
Final Verdict
8.0
8.1
OVERALL RATING
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 prices for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma start at an MSRP of $26,150 for the base SR trim, 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). The Tacoma's body modifications range from TRD Sport that has brought eminent looks on the table to the TRD Pro (MSRP $44,175) that have completely revamped the off-roading character of this pickup.
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.
Where is the Toyota Tacoma made?
Toyota assembles the Tacoma at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Texas and Baja California-Mexico.
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
8.0/10
What are the trims on offer with the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
The prices for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma start 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.
Trim
SR
SR5
SR V6
SR5 V6
TRD Sport
TRD Off-Road
MSRP (RWD)
$26,150
$27,940
$28,410
$31,085
$34,345
N/A
MSRP (4WD)
$29,225
$31,015
$31,875
$34,425
$37,630
$38,660
Key Features
7-inch touchscreen
Adds to SR features
Adds to SR5 features
Adds to SR V6 features
Adds to SR5 V6 Features:
Adds to TRD Sport Features:
Integrated back-up camera
Premium audio system
16-inch steel wheels
Tilt and telescopic steering wheels
Projector-beam headlights with LED DRLs and integrated wide-angle fog lights
LED headlights with LED DRLs and black-bezel LED fog lights
Toyota safety sense
Keyless entry
Projector-beam headlights
4-way adjustable front seats
Gray grille with smoked finish and chrome surround, hood scoop
16-in. machined-contrast alloy wheels
6-speaker sound system
Driver seat with power adjustable lumbar support
Dark gray grille
16-inch alloy wheels
Sport-tuned suspension
TRD Off-Road tuned suspension
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 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.
2021 Toyota Tacoma SR V6 variant
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.
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.
Models
2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Ford F-150
2021 Chevrolet Colorado
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
MSRP
$28,410
$28,940
$35,600
$29,600
Engine
3.5L NA V6
3.3L NA V6
3.6L NA V6
4.3L NA V6
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
4WD
RWD
Transmission
6-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
8-speed automatic
6-speed automatic
Power
278 hp @ 6000 RPM
290 hp @ 6,500 RPM
308 hp @ 6,800 RPM
285 hp @ 5,300 RPM
Torque
265 lb-ft @ 4600 RPM
265 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
275 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM
305 lb-ft @ 3,900 RPM
0-60
7.0 secs
7.9 secs
7.4 secs
6.8 secs
Top Speed
113 MPH
119 MPH
115 MPH
120 MPH
Speaking of the Tacoma's halting prowess, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma comes fitted 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.
Models
2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Ford F-150
2021 Chevrolet Colorado
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Towing Capacity
6800 lbs
5000 lbs
5000 lbs
5900 lbs
Payload Capacity
1685 lbs
1990 lbs
1464 lbs
2280 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.
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, a 2021 Toyota Tacoma 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.
Models
2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Ford F-150
2021 Chevrolet Colorado
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
MPG (City)
19
20
17
16
MPG (Highway)
24
25
24
21
MPG (Combined)
20
22
19
17
Fuel Tank Capacity (Gallons)
21.1
23.0
21.0
28.0
Range (City/Highway/Combined; Miles)
380/464/422
437/575/506
357/504/399
448/588/476
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
8.0/10
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 the 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 Toyota Tacoma's high floor and low roof leave very limited space, making the rear occupants extremely uncomfortable.
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 is expected to 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.
Models
2021 Toyota Tacoma
2021 Ford F-150
2021 Chevrolet Colorado
2021 GMC Sierra 1500
Curb Weight (lbs)
4,205
4049
4,372
4,520
Length (inches)
212.3
209.3
212.7
229.6
Width (inches)
74.4
79.9
74.3
81.2
Height (inches)
70.6
75.5
70.3
75.6
Ground Clearance (inches)
9.4
8.8
8.3
8.1
Wheelbase (inches)
127.4
122.4
128.3
139.6
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:
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
8.0/10
2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Ford F-150
The 2021 Ford F-150 is priced slightly higher than the Toyota Tacoma, although the Ford offers a better return for money when it comes to fuel efficiency. The engine specs of both vehicles are quite similar.
Nevertheless, when both the trucks are equipped with a V6 engine, the 2021 Tacoma is almost 0.2 seconds faster than the Ford. The lighter weighing F-150, with a shorter length, gives a wider and taller frame for a pick-up truck that is appealing in itself.
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 it. Ever since its launch, the 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
8.0/10
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.
What is the bed size of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab?
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma Access Cab comes with a 6-FT. bed size.
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.
What does TRD stand for in Toyota?
TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development, which looks after the performance and racing pedigree interests of Toyota. It improves the overall dynamics of the drive, by making the car more sporty and functional. It is an in-house tuning shop for Toyota.
Pros - Smooth to drive, good fuel economy, capable
Cons - Interior quality, plastic, rear visibility
Tacoma Tacoma has a really good pickup for a mid-size truck and is an all-around performer overall. The 6-speed automatic transmission is quick and precise; handling is better than any truck I have driven and most of the SUVs too. And the motor heats up really fast even on snowy days. Got it under $300 monthly lease payment which was exactly what we were aiming for from the start. They were very cooperative throughout the process and were very polite.
It is a truck you can replace your SUV with. The only thing Tacoma lacks is Power. 30hp more would have been game-changing or even 20hp will do the trick. Sound system/speakers are really bad I like the design of the interior. It is very well designed and laid out keeping the driver the center of attention. Everything is easily accessible. Looks bold and sturdy. Cruise control in a truck is very fascinating to me. The technology really has reached a new height. Everything has been working like it's brand Leased it at $310/month for a period of 36 months. new.
Pros - Lots of storage, fun to drive, good resale value
Cons - Confusing infotainment, a bit uncomfortable
Ignoring my banter about it being uncomfortable and moving on, I have to say it is a good truck. It has everything I needed or wanted. Very happy!! Having fun in a truck can be challenging, especially if that truck lacks the only thing required, Power. And despite that, Tacoma is as fun as you want it to be. Toyota could have made their infotainment a little easier to use. I know trucks are supposed to be uncomfortable but I didn know, this uncomfortable. I might have to buy a pillow and use it as a seat to ease the pain of driving. Very disappointed! I hate the interior but I love the design. It is the best looking truck. And you can make it even better with added options. Go nuts and add options! Make your truck stylish and one of a kind! Toyota safety sense is the real deal. It combines features like lane keep assist, pre-collision system, pedestrian detection, cruise control, and many more. Tacoma is solid and Leased it for 36 months, and I? not going to tell you the rate ;). sturdy!
