The Toyota Tacoma has reigned supreme as America’s best-selling mid-size pickup truck for an impressive 16 consecutive years. In 2020, it outsold its two closest competitors combined by a significant margin, proving its unwavering popularity and dominance in the market. The secret to the Tacoma’s success lies in its ability to forge its own path, both on and off the road, rather than following the trends set by others. For the 2021 model year, Toyota is reinforcing Tacoma’s winning formula by introducing two exciting new special editions and expanding the configuration options to a remarkable 33 variations.
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma lineup welcomes the stylish Nightshade Edition, based on the top-tier Limited grade, and the adventure-ready Trail Special Edition, built upon the value-packed SR5 grade. For off-road enthusiasts, the TRD Pro model receives a striking new exclusive color, Lunar Rock, replacing the previous Army Green. These enhancements, building upon the substantial updates from the 2020 model year, ensure the 2021 Toyota Tacoma continues to lead the pack.
Further refining the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, all V6-powered models now come standard with dual-zone automatic climate control. TRD Sport and Off-Road trims also gain upgraded audio systems that unlock premium Remote Connect services, including a complimentary 1-year trial (when equipped with the automatic transmission). With six distinct grades – from the workhorse SR to the luxurious Limited and the off-road focused TRD Pro – the 2021 Toyota Tacoma offers a model to cater to virtually every pickup buyer’s needs. And importantly, every 2021 Toyota Tacoma model comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), a suite of active safety technologies including Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams.
2021 Tacoma Trail Special Edition: Your Gateway to Outdoor Adventures
Recognizing the deep connection between Tacoma owners and outdoor pursuits like camping, fishing, and hiking, Toyota has created the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Trail Special Edition. This model is designed to amplify the “carry in, carry out” ethos, offering enhanced storage, convenience, distinctive styling, and exceptional value.
Alt text: 2021 Toyota Tacoma Trail Special Edition conquers a rocky trail, showcasing its off-road capability and rugged design.
Built upon the popular SR5 grade, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Trail Special Edition is available in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. Its unique aesthetic starts with a choice of four exterior colors: Army Green, Cement, Midnight Black, and Super White, all complemented by black exterior badging. The interior features black fabric seating with eye-catching tan stitching, adding a touch of refinement to the rugged design.
Rolling on dark gray 16-inch TRD Off-Road wheels wrapped in Goodyear Kevlar-reinforced All-Terrain tires, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Trail Special Edition exudes a ready-for-anything attitude. The grille, borrowed from the Tacoma Limited, adds a custom flair to the front fascia. To maximize utility, Toyota has equipped the bed with a 120-volt power outlet and lockable, insulated bed storage. The driver’s side storage box cleverly doubles as a cooler and includes a convenient drain plug, perfect for keeping refreshments chilled on outdoor excursions. Standard all-weather floor liners are included to protect the interior from mud and dirt tracked in from your adventures.
2021 Tacoma Nightshade Edition: Embrace Sophisticated Style
For drivers seeking a pickup with a commanding presence and refined style, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade Edition delivers. Based on the luxurious Limited grade, this special edition amplifies the Tacoma’s sophisticated side with darkened accents and premium features.
Alt text: The 2021 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade Edition makes a bold statement with its dark chrome grille and blacked-out accents, parked in an urban setting.
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade Edition boasts black leather-trimmed seating, further enhancing the Limited grade’s premium interior. Dark Smoke 18-inch alloy wheels and a darkened-chrome grille insert design contribute to its distinctive and assertive look. A comprehensive black trim package encompasses fog light bezels, mirror caps, badging, door handles, and even the exhaust tailpipe tip. Available in 2WD or 4WD and offered in Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Windchill Pearl, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade Edition makes a striking impression wherever it goes.
American Design Inspired by Racing Heritage
The third-generation 2021 Toyota Tacoma draws design inspiration from Toyota’s legendary desert race trucks, which established their winning legacy in the early 1980s. This racing heritage informs the “work hard, play hard” ethos that defines today’s Toyota trucks and SUVs.
Designed in the United States, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma presents a robust and sculpted appearance, highlighted by a bold, hexagonal grille and a tall, muscular hood. Slim, projection-beam headlights, optionally available with LED daytime running lights, contribute to the Tacoma’s modern and aggressive face. Overfenders accentuate the truck’s strong, high-stance image while accommodating the suspension’s generous wheel travel, essential for off-road performance.
Built on a Foundation of Strength and Durability
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is engineered for hard work, adventurous play, and long-lasting durability. Its robust structure is constructed with extensive use of high-strength steel in the frame and hot-stamped, ultra-high strength steel in the body. All models feature a double wishbone, coil-spring front suspension for refined on-road handling, while the rugged leaf-spring rear suspension with staggered outboard-mounted gas shocks provides a balance of ride comfort and off-road capability.
Powering the 2021 Toyota Tacoma are two engine options: a standard 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and an available 3.5-liter V6 engine. The V6 utilizes Toyota’s VVT-iW technology and Atkinson-cycle combustion for enhanced efficiency, along with the D-4S fuel injection system, which combines direct injection and port injectors. This advanced V6 delivers an impressive 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Both engines can be paired with a six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission, while the V6 is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission for driving enthusiasts.
Tacoma 4×4 models employ a part-time four-wheel drive system with an electronically controlled transfer case and either an Automatic Limited Slip Differential (Auto LSD) or an available electronically controlled locking rear differential. Auto LSD provides enhanced traction at low speeds, functioning like a mechanical limited slip differential.
When equipped with the Tow Package (standard on V6 models, available for 4-cylinder models), the 2021 Toyota Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds (following SAE J2807 tow standards), depending on the specific model grade. The Tow Package includes essential towing equipment such as a Class IV towing receiver hitch, engine oil cooler, transmission fluid cooler (automatic transmission only), power steering cooler, 130-amp alternator, 4- and 7-pin connector with converter, and Trailer-Sway Control (TSC) for confident towing.
33 Configurations to Suit Every Need
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma offers an extensive range of 33 model configurations based on two cab types: the extended Access Cab and the four-door Double Cab. Each cab style is available in 4×2 or 4×4 configurations and across a wide spectrum of grades. Access Cab models provide convenient under-seat rear storage, while Double Cab models feature 60/40 split rear seats with adjustable headrests and under-seat storage for enhanced passenger comfort and cargo versatility.
Access Cab models ride on a 127.4-inch wheelbase and feature a 73.7-inch-long bed. Double Cab models are offered in two versions: a 127.4-inch wheelbase with a 60.5-inch bed or a 140.6-inch wheelbase with the 73.7-inch bed. The Tacoma’s bed is constructed for strength and versatility, featuring a sheet-molded composite (SMC) deck and durable walls that are lighter than steel. The tailgate’s easy-lowering feature prevents slamming, and an available factory-installed tri-fold hard tonneau cover provides secure and out-of-sight cargo storage. The bed’s utility is further enhanced by two-tier loading capability and an integrated deck rail utility system with adjustable tie-down cleats. A wide array of Genuine Toyota Accessories are available to further customize the bed for specific needs.
Comfort and Refinement Inside
Despite its rugged capability, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma prioritizes passenger comfort. Enhanced door seals, a multi-layer acoustic windshield, a sound-absorbing headliner, and a floor silencer pad contribute to a quiet and refined cabin experience. The interior design emphasizes quality, with soft-wrapped trim and metallic accents.
Alt text: The interior of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma features a modern dashboard, comfortable seats, and user-friendly controls.
Tacoma SR and SR5 models feature fabric-trimmed seats, while TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road grades offer uniquely embossed fabric with a rugged feel (leather-trimmed seating is also available). The TRD Pro model boasts leather-trimmed heated front seats for added comfort in demanding conditions.
The SX package transforms the SR Access Cab into a stylish sport truck with blacked-out accents. When equipped with the optional V6 engine, the SR5 grade includes a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with 2-way power lumbar support. Dual-zone automatic climate control is now standard on all V6 2021 Toyota Tacoma models.
The Tacoma Limited elevates the work-and-play truck with 18-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, chrome accents, and leather-trimmed upholstery. It also includes a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, an 8-inch touchscreen Premium Audio system, and Smart Key operation. The Panoramic View Monitor (available on Limited Double Cab and TRD Sport) provides a nearly 360-degree view around the truck for enhanced maneuverability.
TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road: Tailored for Performance
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road models, developed by Toyota Racing Development, offer a blend of enhanced capability and distinctive style. TRD styling cues include 17-inch wheels, LED fog lamps, available LED headlights/DRL, and chrome-insert taillamps. Both models feature a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and front passenger door Smart Key. Double Cab models add the Panoramic View Monitor, while TRD Off-Road Double Cab models further include Multi Terrain Monitor for enhanced off-road visibility.
The TRD Off-Road model is purpose-built for challenging terrain, equipped with an electronically controlled Locking Rear Differential, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), Active Traction Control, and Crawl Control. Crawl Control provides five low-speed settings to assist drivers in navigating difficult trails. TRD Sport models feature sport-tuned shocks for optimized on-road handling, while TRD Off-Road models utilize an off-road tuned suspension with Bilstein shock absorbers. The TRD Off-Road model also includes Multi-Terrain Select (automatic transmission only), allowing drivers to choose drive modes optimized for various terrains.
TRD Pro: The Ultimate Off-Road Tacoma
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, based on the TRD Off-Road 4×4 Double Cab short-bed model, is engineered for serious off-road enthusiasts. It features a heritage-inspired front grille with “TOYOTA” lettering, blacked-out accents, a TRD Pro hood scoop, and unique badging. The exclusive Lunar Rock color joins Midnight Black Metallic, Super White, and Magnetic Gray Metallic in the TRD Pro color palette for 2021.
Alt text: The 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro in Lunar Rock color, showcasing its aggressive stance and off-road focused features.
In addition to TRD Off-Road equipment, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro receives a comprehensive list of performance upgrades:
- FOX 2.5-inch internal bypass shocks tuned by TRD
- TRD-tuned front springs with a 1-inch front lift
- TRD-tuned rear suspension with progressive-rate off-road leaf springs
- TRD Pro aluminum front skid plate with red TRD lettering
- LED headlights with sequential turn signals and TRD Pro inserts
- Rigid Industries LED fog lights
- Projector-beam headlights with black bezels, LED daytime running lights
- Taillights with black bezels
- 16-inch TRD high-strength black alloy wheels (wider track width)
- Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar-reinforced tires
- TRD Pro hood scoop
- TRD Pro badging
- TRD-tuned cat-back exhaust
TRD Pro models also feature Multi Terrain Monitor and a 4.2-inch color Multi-Information Display with inclinometer and tilt gauge. Inside, black leather-trimmed heated front seats with TRD Pro logos, a TRD shift knob, and TRD Pro floor mats provide a comfortable and sporty environment. A power moonroof and JBL Premium Audio (automatic transmission models) are also standard.
Advanced Multimedia and Connectivity
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma offers user-friendly multimedia systems across the lineup. SR models feature a 7-inch touchscreen, while all other grades boast an 8-inch touchscreen display. SR and SR5 models include a six-speaker sound system, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and a backup camera display. All 2021 Toyota Tacoma multimedia systems are equipped with Android Auto™, Apple CarPlay®, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and SiriusXM capability with a trial subscription. Premium Audio with dynamic navigation and JBL speakers is available on TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road and standard on Limited and TRD Pro models.
Uncompromising Safety Features
Beyond TSS-P, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with the Star Safety System, including Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop brake override technology (SST). It also features a comprehensive airbag system, active head restraints, and a Tire Pressure Monitor System.
A Proud North American Story
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a product of North American design and engineering, with design contributions from CALTY Design Research studios in California and Michigan, and engineering led by Toyota Technical Center in Michigan. The Tacoma is assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing plants in Texas and Baja California, Mexico.
Toyota dealers offer a wide range of accessories, including TRD performance parts, to further enhance the 2021 Toyota Tacoma‘s utility, comfort, and driving experience. Backed by Toyota’s comprehensive warranty and ToyotaCare maintenance plan, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma continues to solidify its position as the leading mid-size pickup truck in America.
