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2021 Toyota Tacoma review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

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)

6 photos
Price
Year
Mileage

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

Curious how Toyota Tacoma trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

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.

  • View all Toyota Tacoma SRs in stock

SR5

TRD Sport

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.

  • View all Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Roads in stock

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.

  • View all Toyota Tacoma Limiteds in stock

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.

  • View all Toyota Tacoma TRD Pros in stock

Toyota Tacoma photos

5 reasons to buy the 2021 Toyota Tacoma

1. Big V6 performance

Toyota Tacoma Review: Engine | CarMax

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.

 If you carry heavy loads, the Tacoma is not one to wimp out with an estimated 1,440-lb. payload capacity, too. Trailer-Sway Control is also included with the 2021 Tacoma's available Tow Package, which manages engine torque to help maintain control while hauling.

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

Toyota Tacoma Review: Exterior | CarMax

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

Toyota Tacoma Review: Tech | CarMax

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.

Image of Toyota Tundra

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.

 With 42.3 inches of rear-seat legroom in 2017–2019 CrewMax cabs, your passengers will have plenty of stretch-out space. Standard features on the 2017–2019 Tundra SR include:

  • 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

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4
Excellent

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 Tacoma

Toyota Tacoma features and specs

Limited 2WD 4D Crew Cab

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • JBL Sound System
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Bed Cover
  • Running Boards
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

3.5L

Horsepower

278

Torque (ft-lbs)

265

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

21.1

Wheelbase

127.4"

Overall length

212.3"

Width

75.2"

Height

70.6"

Leg room

F 42.9"/R 32.6"

Head room

F 39.7"/R 38.3"

Front tires

P265/60SR18

Rear tires

P265/60SR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

670/6700 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2021 Toyota Tacoma FAQ

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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