2021 Toyota Tacoma review
Toyota Tacoma highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Rugged off-road capability
- Easy-to-use interior controls
- Truck bed has moveable tie-down cleats and a power outlet
- Six-speed manual transmission option
Cons
- Tall step-up height
Mileage (EPA estimate)
17 city, 20 highway, 18 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
Powerful. Capable. Adventure-ready.
If you're looking for a midsize pickup with aggressive styling, off-pavement capability, and big towing capacity, the Toyota Tacoma could be the truck for you. The 2021 model, which is part of the third-generation introduced in 2016, has all the ingredients of an adventure-ready machine with two cab styles, six trims, three TRD variants, and new Nightshade and Trail Edition special releases. It's a great option for work or play!
All Toyota Tacoma years
What is new for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
- Bed Liner features are now available as options on select trims.
- The Limited trim now comes with Front Seat Heaters as standard equipment.
2021 Toyota Tacoma trims
SR
Includes 16-inch steel wheels, five-foot short bed, fabric-trimmed seats, four-way power-adjustable driver seat, seven-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, and more.
SR5
Adds fog lights, six-foot standard bed, air conditioning, leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel, eight-inch touchscreen display, and more.
TRD Sport
Adds wide-angle fog lights, 17-inch machined alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension, dual-zone automatic climate control, ten-way power-adjustable driver seat, and more.
TRD Off-Road
Adds 16-inch machined-contrast alloy wheels, gray grille with smoked finish and chrome surround, electronically controlled locking rear differential, and TRD Off-Road tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks.
Limited
Adds 18-inch polished alloy wheels, black-bezel LED fog lights, power tilt/slide moonroof with sliding sunshade, Panoramic View Monitor with camera, blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
TRD Pro:
Adds 16-inch TRD Pro black alloy wheels, Multi-Terrain Monitor with camera, black TRD Pro leather-trimmed heated front seats, TRD Off-Road tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, TRD-tuned off-road suspension with 2.5-inch FOX Internal Bypass coilovers, and more.
Toyota Tacoma photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Toyota Tacoma
1. Big V6 performance
The 2021 Tacoma starts with a 2.7L four-cylinder engine with 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque (standard in SR and SR5 trims), but the star of the show is its 3.5L V6. Available on the SR and SR5 and standard in TRD Sport and higher trims, this powerhouse generates 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque with lots of attitude to spare. Offered in 2WD and 4WD configurations, the 3.5L V6 can also connect to a six-speed manual transmission, if rowing through the gears is more your style. The 2021 Tacoma's 3.5L V6 offers an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined when equipped with 2WD and automatic transmission.
2. 6,800-lb. towing capacity
Whether you need to tow a boat, camper, or pair of ATVs, the 2021 Tacoma has the power to bring your toys along. The Toyota Tacoma's towing capacity is an estimated 6,800 lbs. with the 3.5L V6 on 2021 models, when properly equipped.
3. Serious off-roading chops
Forge your path and seek out tougher terrain in the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Featuring a TRD Off-Road suspension with Bilstein® shocks and 2.5-inch FOX® Internal Bypass coilovers, this adrenaline-seeking Tacoma provides more ground clearance, plus maximum dampening so you can explore rugged topography beyond the map. Riding on 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels, this Tacoma sports aggressive styling with an iconic heritage grille and Rigid Industries® wide-angle fog lights. A TRD Pro skid plate also comes standard to protect mechanical components under the truck's front end, along with Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and Hill Start Assist Control.
4. Slick special editions
For the 2021 model year, there are two special editions: the Toyota Tacoma Nightshade and Toyota Tacoma Trail Edition. With an emphasis on extra convenience and unique styling, the Trail Edition (available on SR5 Double Cab) adds 16-inch dark gray TRD Off-Road wheels and an upgraded grille, along with a 115-volt power outlet in the bed and lockable bed storage that doubles as a cooler. If you want a truck with a sleek look, the 2021 Tacoma Nightshade features black leather-trim seating, a darkened chrome grille, dark smoke 18-inch alloy wheels, and other shadowy accents. This special edition package is only available on the 2021 Tacoma Limited.
5. Premium technology
Inside every 2021 model, you'll find Tacoma's versatile audio multimedia system, which comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone capabilities, so your music, maps, and messages are close at hand. Using a compatible smartphone and the Toyota+Alexa app, you can also ask Amazon Alexa for the latest news, weather, and playlists without taking your eyes off the road (standard feature). Need help getting in and out of campsites? The 2021 Tacoma Limited's Panoramic View Monitor uses cameras on the front, sides, and rear of the truck to give you a 360-degree view of your surroundings. You'll also enjoy symphony-quality music from the JBL® audio system, which comes standard on Limited and TRD Pro trims.
Similar vehicles
If you're interested in the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, you should also check out these similar vehicles from Previous generation years.
If you're looking for a full-size truck with standard V8 power and roomy rear seating, you'll love the Toyota Tundra's big performance and cabin. 2017–2019 SR and SR5 trims use a 310-hp 4.6L V8 with 327 lb-ft of torque while Limited and higher trims up the ante with a 5.7L V8 that generates 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. Whether hauling toys or equipment, the 5.7L has all the guts you need with an estimated towing capacity of 10,200 lbs. on 2017–2019 models, when properly equipped.
18-inch styled steel wheels
Black heated power outside mirrors
40/20/40 split fold-down front bench seat
Bluetooth wireless connectivity
Entune™ Audio with 6.1-inch touchscreen
The Toyota 4Runner is a tough body-on-frame SUV with a powerful engine and aggressive styling earning it some serious off-road cred. All 2017–2019 4Runners run off a 4.0L V6 that makes 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque and can tow an estimated 5,000 lbs. when properly equipped.
Heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators
SofTex®-trimmed heated front seats
Eight-way power-adjustable driver seat with power lumbar support
6.1-inch touchscreen display
Entune Premium Audio with navigation system
If you're shopping for a comfortable crew cab that can carpool, lug equipment, and tailgate all in the same day, the Honda Ridgeline has your name on it. 2017–2019 models feature a 280-hp 3.5L V6 and a fully independent suspension that gives the Ridgeline an easy-riding feel as it motors around town. With room for five passengers, you'll have space for the whole family or you can flip up the 60/40 rear seat for extra cargo versatility. A standard dual-action tailgate swings to the side or lowers for easy access and there's a Bluetooth-enabled truck bed audio system to listen to the game (2017–2019 models). If you're craving a stylish, top-of-the-line truck, you'll love the Black Edition's standard features, which include the following on 2017–2019 models:
18-inch black-painted alloy wheels
Black Edition badging
Crystal Black Pearl paint
Perforated black leather-trimmed seats with red under-fabric and red stitching
Red ambient LED lighting
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
RepairPal gave the Toyota Tacoma an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota Tacoma 1st out of 8 among Midsize Trucks.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota TacomaToyota Tacoma features and specs
SR 2WD 4D Crew Cab
Standard Features
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Alloy Wheels
- Bed Cover
- Running Boards
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
2.7L
Horsepower
159
Torque (ft-lbs)
180
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
21.1
Wheelbase
127.4"
Overall length
212.3"
Width
74.4"
Height
70.6"
Leg room
F 42.9"/R 32.6"
Head room
F 39.7"/R 38.3"
Front tires
P245/75SR16
Rear tires
P245/75SR16
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Toyota Tacoma FAQ
For the 2021 model year, the Tacoma sees some new standard equipment and available features on models sold as new. This includes a new standard rear spoiler on all trims and additional bed liner options on some trims.
A few trims have also received more standard equipment for 2021. For example, the TRD Off-Road and TRD Sport trim now come with power seats, while the Limited trim is now outfitted with heated front seats. This is also the first year that the Tacoma comes with dual-zone automatic climate control on its V6 models.
Two brand new "special edition" configurations are also available for the 2021 model year: the Trail and Nightshade.
Whether 2021 is a good year for the Toyota Tacoma depends on personal opinion. However, compared to previous model years within the Tacoma's third generation, the 2021 Tacoma has a lot to offer.
The 2021 Tacoma is available in a wide range of trims and special editions. This includes six trims (the SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro) as well as the Nightshade and Trail editions. A base SR model will yield you several standard features, including a composite bed liner, smartphone integration, and a seven-inch touchscreen display.
Every 2021 Tacoma is equipped with driver-assistance features, including forward-collision mitigation, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Under the hood, the 2021 Tacoma comes in two engine configurations: a 2.7L four-cylinder at 159 hp and a 3.5L V6 at 278 hp. The V6 is standard on all but the base SR and SR5 trims, as is rear-wheel drive (though the part-time four-wheel drive was available on all trims when sold as new).
As with many new 2021 vehicles, there does seem to be a shortage of 2021 Tacomas as of July 2022. Much of this is due to an industry-wide shortage of semiconductor chips that are needed to control the truck's onboard computer system.
If you're having trouble finding a new Toyota Tacoma, you're not alone. New vehicles in general are difficult to come by as current demand exceeds the inventory many dealerships have available on their lots. There are many reasons why this is the case.
The main reason for the shortage of 2021 Tacomas on many dealer lots goes back to computer chip shortages and supply chain issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The good news? As of July 2022, there is some hope that there may be a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to computer chip shortages. With many chip manufacturers back to full production and ramping up their efforts, some analysts predict that there could be significant improvements to supply by the end of 2022. Of course, how long the effects will take to trickle down to the automotive industry remains to be seen.
According to CarMax sales data from July 1, 2021, through December 31, 2021, the Ford F-150 is the best pickup truck to buy in 2021. The 2021 Tacoma, on the other hand, ranks at a respectable third place based on the same data. Actual prices may vary based on your selected model year, features, and trim packages. Prices do not include taxes, tags, titles, and any applicable fees.
More about the 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Color options
Exterior colors
Army Green
Barcelona Red Metallic
Cement
Lunar Rock
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Midnight Black Metallic
Silver Sky Metallic
Super White
Voodoo Blue
Wind Chill Pearl (premium color)
Interior details
Infotainment system with touchscreen display, three USB ports, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities, and more
JBL audio system (Limited and TRD Pro trims)
Leather upholstery (Limited trim)
Power tilt/slide moonroof (Limited trim)
Five-passenger seating (Double Cab models)
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