History/Overview
Toyota competes in the mid-size pickup category with the Tacoma, which builds on the brand’s surprisingly long history of building trucks in the compact, mid- and full-size segments. Toyota introduced the current generation of Tacoma as a 2016 model.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
For 2021, the Toyota Tacoma gains a Nightshade appearance option, and a Trail trim that serves as an entry point to the truck’s off-road ready variants.
Available Trims
Tacoma trims begin with a choice between Access Cab and Double Cab body styles, the latter of which has four full-size doors. There’s a standard trim, followed by SR5, Trail, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Pro, and Nightshade.
All Tacoma models use a 3.5L V6 engine. Most trims get a six-speed automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual is available, too. Four-wheel drive is standard across the range.
Standard Features
Tacoma’s base spec includes a limited-slip rear differential, automatic high beams, forward collision detection and automatic braking, lane departure alert, radar cruise control, power door locks, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple and Android smartphone integration, a six-speaker stereo, heated front seats with driver lumbar, a 4.2-inch driver info display, power door windows, a manual sliding rear window, air conditioning, 16-inch steel wheels, and auto on/off headlights.
SR5 brings alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, fog lights, leather steering wheel trim, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and an eight-way power driver’s seat.
TRD Off Road gets dual-zone climate control, passive keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring, a leather shifter, navigation, a locking rear differential, upgraded shocks, and multi-terrain select.
TRD Sport adds 17-inch wheels, sport-tuned shocks, and a power sliding rear window. TRD Sport Premium brings a sunroof, wireless smartphone charging, blind spot monitoring, and leather seating. TRD Off Road Premium gains a multi terrain view monitor.
TRD Pro trim gains a front skid plate, LED headlights, a seven-speaker stereo, “heritage” grille, hood scoop, and TRD-tuned suspension with Fox shocks.
Finally, Nightshade adds a bird’s eye view camera, front parking sensors, a power tailgate lock, LED fog lights, black 18-inch wheels, and black exterior trim elements.
Fuel Economy
Toyota’s fuel consumption estimates for the Tacoma are 13.0/10.5 L/100 km (city/highway) with the automatic transmission, and 13.8/11.4 with the stickshift. TRD Off Road and TRD Pro models with the manual are rated 13.8/11.7 L/100 km.
Competition
The Toyota Tacoma’s competitors include the Ford Ranger, Jeep’s Gladiator, the Nissan Frontier, Honda’s Ridgeline, the Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC’s Canyon.
