2021 Toyota Tacoma Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

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. However, its legend is largely influenced by the latter, especially when combined with Toyota's storied reliability. Although most of its competitors are more refined, and the Jeep Gladiator is even more capable, the Tacoma has earned a cult following the hard way: over time, delivering what customers wanted. Its four-cylinder and V-6 engines aren't all that impressive, and its automatic transmission is as coordinated as a newborn baby bird, but the truck's TRD models are particularly proficient at tackling trails and playing in the mud. 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.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, Toyota will offer a limited-run Tacoma Trail Edition model, but only 7000 copies will be available. This version is based on the SR5 crew cab and offers rear- or four-wheel drive. It comes with unique 16-inch TRD-style wheels with all-terrain tires. In addition to black exterior badges and a different grille, the Trail Edition has a lockable storage unit and a 120-volt outlet in the cargo bed. Inside, the cabin features all-weather floor mats and black upholstery with tan contrast stitching.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The TRD Off-Road crew cab (a.k.a. Double Cab) is the Tacoma to get. It comes standard with an electronic locking rear differential, and we'd take ours with the optional four-wheel drive. We’d pass on the wheezy four-cylinder base engine and upgrade to the more powerful V-6 option. While not selecting the automatic transmission means missing out on certain options, we prefer to shift gears ourselves and avoid the auto's clumsy behavior. This decision limits us to the shorter 5.0-foot cargo box, because—for whatever reason—the manual isn't compatible with Tacos fitted with the 6.0-foot bed. Likewise, the Premium packages are not offered with our transmission choice. Still, every model has 16-inch wheels, black over-fenders, copious driver assists, and an infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. We'd also choose the Technology package with options, which brings upgraded front lighting with LED elements as well as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking sensors.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Tacoma's optional V-6 engine provides decent performance and towing muscle, but the base four-cylinder is underpowered and best avoided. We also advise steering clear of the persnickety six-speed automatic transmission with either engine—stick with the six-speed manual and the V-6. Anchored by the automatic, the bigger engine struggles at times. The TRD Sport and the Limited models are oriented toward city driving, whereas the TRD Off-Road and the TRD Pro versions seek rougher paths. Still, none of these choices are particularly quick. Far from the first choice for ride quality and handling, the Tacoma can tackle the trails or rough back roads with ease. It can be outfitted to take advantage of dirt-treading opportunities or pavement cruising. The Limited delivers a satisfying ride that is smoother and quieter than the off-road versions. We've driven the Tacoma TRD Pro out west and found its lifted suspension, beefy shock absorbers, and gnarly tires made it one of the best trucks for off-roading but less enjoyable for everyday driving.

Towing and Payload Capacity

At its brawniest, the Tacoma can tow up to 6800 pounds with rear-wheel drive; four-wheel-drive versions can pull 6500 pounds. The Tacoma's 1685-pound maximum payload capacity is only available on two-wheel drive models with the four-cylinder engine; going with four-wheel drive and the V-6 engine results in much lower capabilities.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The V-6 Tacoma's EPA-rated fuel economy ranks in the middle of the pack, but in our real-world highway testing, it falls short of more efficient competitors. Although the manual transmission with the V-6 has the worst fuel economy, it's way more fun to drive. In our real-world fuel-economy test, the Tacoma matched its EPA highway estimate of 23 mpg. Still, this was 5 mpg less than the Honda Ridgeline and the diesel GMC Canyon.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Sticking to your roots is commendable, but it doesn't work in the favor of the Tacoma's cabin. The utilitarian layout and materials are of a different era. The higher trim levels rely heavily on hard plastics and minimalistic materials. However, the Tacoma finally offers a power-adjustable driver's seat. Still, cramped quarters are a staple of the Tacoma. The crew cab's rear seat is where passengers in the Tacoma will have to squeeze, as legroom is abysmal. The Tacoma has more than enough volume in its five-foot or six-foot bed, but it disappoints with few storage cubbies and limited carry-on space inside. Storage capacity is restricted inside the Tacoma, and the crew cab we tested was only able to hold nine carry-ons in the back seat. Aside from the center-console bin, there aren't many usable storage bins or cubbies.

Infotainment and Connectivity

We'll give Toyota a nod for incorporating touchscreen infotainment in every Tacoma. The base model features a 7.0-inch display and all other trim levels have an 8.0-inch screen. The company also has finally added Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which should improve the user experience versus the previous infotainment system. While several USB ports and a wireless charging are available, the Tacoma still doesn't offer a mobile hotspot as do some of its rivals.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The Tacoma might have average crash-test ratings, but it has the most standard driver-assistance technology in its class. While the Ridgeline maintains its class-leading status here (thanks to excellent crash-test scores), the mid-size Toyota has more impressive tech than its other rivals. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The Tacoma's warranty coverage aligns with most rivals, and Toyota offers the best complimentary scheduled maintenance plan in its class.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles

More Features and Specs