The 2021 Toyota Tacoma lasts over 300,000 miles with relatively minor transmission software and brake wear issues reported. At $28,499 to $57,944, it’s expensive, but worth it for the best compact truck on the market.
Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma a Good Used Truck?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Toyota Tacoma since it’s very dependable and capable off-road. Owner reviews praise the low maintenance costs, towing capacity, along with the strong V6 engine.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are okay, although they are not very luxurious, the seats are supportive on long drives, two bed lengths are also offered.
- Reliability 10/10 – There are no mechanical problems reported with the 2021 Tacoma. Avoid models from 2016–2017 which have transmission problems while 2018–2022 are more dependable.
- Performance 8/10 – The base four-cylinder engine is relatively weak, while the V6 offers great power for a truck its size with a reasonably high towing capacity.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Tacoma is reasonably safe, earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control along with automatic emergency braking. Optional upgrades include parking sensors.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 21 MPG, giving 444 miles of range out of the 21 gallon tank. Gas costs are similar to other small trucks at $296 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2021 Toyota Tacoma holds its value very well as it ages with slow depreciation rates paired with low ownership costs.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Toyota Tacoma?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Tacoma is a great compact truck which does nearly all the things a full size truck does, with very high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Tacoma at 3.8/5, enjoying the powerful V6 engine for a small truck, but doesn’t like the high step-up to enter the cabin.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Tacoma a 4/5, praising the excellent off-road capabilities, but owners don’t like the outdated interior.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota Tacoma include hesitating while changing gears, premature brake wear, along with some paint problems on the hood. Overall, these problems are relatively minor compared to other trucks on the market, leading to lower repair bills as a Tacoma ages.
Hesitating while changing gears is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, showing up in the first 5,000 miles. There are transmission software updates which improve the performance and reliability of it. Most dealers will install the updates for free, while some charge around $75.
Premature brake wear is another issue reported by some 2021 Tacoma owners at around 20,000 miles. If you use your truck to tow or haul a lot of things then the extra weight will cause the brake pads to wear down quicker. Replacing the brake pads costs around $250, but there are some longer-lasting brake pads available for around $350.
Paint problems on the hood have also been mentioned by some Tacoma owners in the first 15,000 miles. When the truck is parked in direct sunlight, the paint on both the hood and roof tends to wear down quickly, leading to fade. Repainting the affected areas is the only way to fix the problem, at a cost of $1,000 per panel.
There are no recalls on the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, which is better than many other trucks on the market. Since the Tacoma has no recalls, it simply means that Toyota has not had any widespread mechanical or safety issues to warrant a recall.
How Long Will the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Toyota Tacoma can last over 300,000 miles, which is longer than other small trucks including the Chevy Colorado. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than the competition, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $428 per year.
As a used 2021 Toyota Tacoma reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history, owners should be prepared to replace the EGR valve for $285, throttle position sensor costing $200, along with the oil pan gasket which costs $400.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good, offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Optional upgrades include a larger 8-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful JBL stereo.
Standard safety technology is excellent for a truck offering:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Automatic high-beam headlights
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane departure warning
- Adaptive cruise control
Optional advanced driver assistance upgrades include:
- Rear parking sensors
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a very good value since it’s a long-lasting truck with low ownership costs as it ages. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $28,499 to $57,944, making it more than a GMC Canyon or Nissan Frontier. When new, the price range was $26,400 to $47,030. Depreciation is better than other trucks and does not depreciate in current market conditions. In normal times we expect it to lose about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Toyota Tacoma?
There are six main models of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma offered from the base SR all the way through to the more luxurious Limited and off-road focused TRD Pro model. The Tacoma comes standard with rear-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is an optional upgrade.
SR is the entry-level model with:
- 16-Inch Steel Wheels
- Remote Lock and Unlock
- Cloth Upholstery
- Sliding Rear Window
- Power-Adjustable Side Mirrors
- Heated Side Mirrors
- Composite Bed
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Satellite Radio
- Six-Speaker Audio System
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
SR5 is a step up, adding:
- Alloy Wheels
- Chrome Exterior Trim
- Power Sliding Rear Window
- Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Power Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- 8-Inch Touchscreen
TRD Sport offers upgrades such as:
- 17-inch Wheels
- Sport-Tuned Suspension
- Hood Scoop
- Body-Colored Fender Flares
- 120-Volt Outlet In Bed
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
- Wireless Phone Charging Pad
TRD Off-Road has more changes including:
- 16-Inch Off-Road Wheels
- Textured Black Fender Flares
- Lockable Rear Differential
- Bilstein Shock Absorbers
- Off-Road Traction Control System
Limited is the most luxurious model with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- LED Headlights
- Sunroof
- Leather Upholstery
- JBL Audio System
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- 360-Degree Camera System
TRD Pro is the flagship model which has:
- 16-Inch Black TRD Wheels
- All Terrain Tires
- Black Grille
- Hood Scoop
- Thicker Front Skid Plate
- Fox Internal Bypass Shocks
- Upgraded Exhaust
- Multi-Terrain Monitor
- Unique Leather Upholstery
What Engines Come In the Toyota Tacoma?
- The base engine is a 2.7-liter inline-four that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The EPA-estimated combined fuel economy for this engine is 20 mpg for the 2WD configuration and 19 mpg for the 4WD. The 2.7-liter engine can tow up to 3,500 lbs.
- The more powerful option is a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which generates 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. This engine can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission (available only on certain trims) or a six-speed automatic transmission. The V6 has an EPA-estimated combined fuel economy of 21 mpg for the 2WD automatic, 20 mpg for the 4WD automatic, and 18 mpg for the 4WD manual. When properly equipped, the Tacoma with the V6 engine can tow up to 6,800 lbs. The 0-60 mph acceleration for the V6-powered Tacoma is estimated to be in the mid-to-upper 7-second range.
What Colors Does the Toyota Tacoma Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Toyota Tacoma?
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma offers a comfortable and functional interior that caters to the needs of both daily commuters and off-road enthusiasts. The cabin is designed with durable materials that can withstand regular use and features supportive seats that provide a pleasant driving experience. Depending on the trim level, the Tacoma offers cloth or leather upholstery, and higher trims come with heated front seats for added comfort.
The Tacoma is available in two cab configurations: the Access Cab and the Double Cab. The Access Cab has seating for four, with rear-hinged half-doors that provide access to the rear jump seats. These seats are best suited for occasional use or shorter passengers, as the legroom is somewhat limited. The Double Cab offers seating for five, with a more spacious rear seat that can accommodate adults more comfortably.
How Much Storage Space Does the Toyota Tacoma Have?
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a versatile mid-size pickup truck that offers ample storage space for various items. It comes with two different bed lengths, depending on the chosen configuration. The shorter bed measures 5 feet (60.5 inches) in length, while the longer bed extends to 6 feet (73.7 inches). Both options are 19.1 inches deep and 41.5 inches wide between the wheel wells, providing a practical area for cargo storage.
In the 5-foot bed, you can easily fit items like mountain bikes, camping gear, or smaller pieces of furniture. The 6-foot bed offers even more space, allowing you to transport large items such as ATVs, motorcycles, or bulkier furniture like couches and mattresses.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Toyota Tacoma was introduced for the 2016 model year.
2015: TRD Pro package added, two-door model discontinued.
2016: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new technology, exterior, and interior.
2017: TRD Pro model introduced, new power-sliding rear window.
2018: Standard Toyota Safety Sense on all models, manual transmission discontinued from the four-cylinder model.
2019: TRD Pro model upgraded, more USB ports on all models.
2020: More comfortable driver’s seat, surround-view camera adds underbody view, standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2021: New Trail and Nightshade models introduced, stereo system upgraded in the TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road.
How Does the Toyota Tacoma Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is the best compact truck on the market since it combines excellent off-road capabilities with extremely good reliability ratings as it ages.
The Chevy Colorado is another small truck which costs around $2,000 less. Passenger room is slightly better in the rear seats in the Chevy Colorado, while the Toyota Tacoma has lower ownership costs. We recommend the Toyota Tacoma since the reliability ratings are better, making it a winner for long-term ownership.
The Toyota Tundra is a larger truck offered by Toyota which costs about $4,500 more. Towing performance is better in the Toyota Tundra with its V8 engine, while the Toyota Tacoma handles trails better. We recommend the Toyota Tacoma for most shoppers, but if you need the extra capabilities of a large truck then the Tundra is a fantastic choice.
