2021 Toyota Tacoma Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to making a smart purchasing decision, you can’t do much better than a Toyota Tacoma, regardless of which of the variety of trims you choose.  Due to their bulletproof reliability, versatility, and Kelley Blue Book 2020 Top Ten Vehicle Resale Value (Including 2020 best resale value in the mid-size truck category), it’s no wonder why the Toyota Tacoma is America’s best-selling mid-size pickup for the past 10 years!  With 6 trim levels and 2 bed lengths, cab configurations, transmission, and engine options, finding the right 2021 Tacoma could prove daunting.  This guide aims to inform you on the differences between each trim level, as well as which lifestyle and purpose they’re tailored for.

The Biggest Decision: Which Engine?

When it comes to selecting your Tacoma, the biggest decision you’ll have to make is which engine to select.   Each engine is designed for different purposes, so make sure to choose the one that suits your needs.  The base option is a 2.7 liter 4-cylinder engine good for 159 horsepower and 180 lb./ft of torque.  It’s more than enough to propel the Tacoma, and is perfectly serviceable if you plan on using your truck to carry light loads, traverse inclement weather, or other basic utilities.  This engine also enjoys the best fuel economy of the Tacoma line, netting 20 mpg city and 23 mpg on the highway (20/23) in 2WD Access Cab guise.  Bottom line, if you just need a reliable work truck, the 4 cylinder will serve you fine.
If you’re willing to pay the roughly $2,500 MSRP premium for the 3.5 liter 6 cylinder engine though, we’d certainly recommend it.  The V6 will give your Tacoma the oomph it needs to pass slow traffic on 695, as well as traverse up a mountain trail.  Fuel economy is also pretty much equitable to the 4 cylinder, and at 19/24 in a similarly configured 2WD Access Cab SR5, it actually gets better fuel economy on the highway!  If you plan on towing a boat or trailer, this is the only way to go.  The V6 SR5 2WD can haul 6400 lbs.: almost twice that of the 4 cylinder’s 3500 lb. capacity.

All Around Work-Horses: The SR and SR5 Trims

The SR and SR5 trims may be the entry level models to the Tacoma line, but they’re more than capable for almost any task.  Starting at $26,150 the SR model comes equipped with a variety of advanced standard features, including a rear-view camera, Apple Carplay & Android Audio, and Toyota Safety Sense Technology (Pre-Collision System w/ Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Automatic High beams, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control).  Those are features that would’ve be reserved for a Lexus LS less than a decade ago.   Now you get them standard on a base model work truck.  Talk about value!
Step up to the SR5 model, and you’ll be greeted with more creature comforts and customization options.   In addition to the standard hues of gray, white, and black on SR trims, SR5 models are available in bold hues such as Voodoo Blue Pearl and Barcelona Red Metallic.  The interior is taken up a notch with contrast fabric and a larger 4.2’’ touch screen display.  Chrome exterior details and a choice of dark satin or alloy wheels are standard.  You can even add a hard tri-fold tonneau cover!
Both SR and SR5 models are available with either engine option, as well as 2- or 4-wheel drivetrains.   Regardless of which specific configuration you choose, you’ll be met with the durability, build quality, and functionality you’d come to expect from a Toyota truck.  Whether you’re looking for a weekend hauler or a professional work truck, both of these models will serve you well for over a decade.

Enthusiast Performance and Outdoor Adventure

When it comes to off-road prowess, few vehicles on the market today can keep up with TRD variants of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma.  Featuring upgraded suspensions, traction control systems, and more aggressive exterior aesthetics; these models are meant for serious off-roading.  All of these variants are only available with the 3.5L V6, and they’re also the only models to offer the optional 6-speed manual transmission.  All TRD variants are also available in access and double cab formats, with the exception of the TRD Pro, which is only available as a double cab.  The three distinct TRD models are the TRD Sport, TRD Offroad, and TRD Pro.
For the customer looking for a fine balance between aggressive appearance and all-terrain performance, we’d recommend the TRD Sport model.  This version features a hood scoop, smoked chrome grille, and 17in. alloy wheels for a sportier appearance, as well as an automatic limited slip differential to retain poise on uneven surfaces.  Step up to the TRD Offroad, and you’ll trade the hood scoop and larger wheels for more serious performance oriented features.   TRD Offroad Tacoma’s come standard with Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and an electronically locking rear differential; allowing it to tackle almost anything you throw at it.
If you’re looking for the ultimate off-roading truck in Toyota’s lineup however, look no further than the TRD Pro.  Everything about this truck means business, from its heritage “Toyota” grille and TRD rims, to its functioning hood scoop and blacked out emblems.  Performance wise, you get TRD Pro front skid plates, FOX internal bypass shocks tuned by TRD, and a cat-back exhaust system.  If you’re main objection is to conquer any terrain Mother Nature throws at you, this is the truck you need.

Daily Driver “Luxe-Truck”

Rounding out the Toyota model line is the Limited trim, and although it doesn’t possess the performance parts of the TRD Offroad or Pro, it does boast the most refined interior of all the Tacoma models.  Leather seating is standard, along with dual-zone climate control, moon roof, GPS navigation, blind spot monitoring, heated seats, and a premium JBL audio system.   Think of it as the “Avalon of Tacoma’s.”   Outside, you have chrome detailed grille and door handles, 18in. polished wheels, and a unique pearlescent smoke gray grille.  If you plan on using your Tacoma as a daily-driver, and want the features you’d be accustomed to in a luxury car, the Limited Tacoma is the model for you!

Conclusion

Regardless of which 2021 Toyota Tacoma model you choose off of our Baltimore, Maryland Toyota lot, you can be certain that it will give you years of reliable performance and durability.  Not to mention, you can look forward to the fact that it depreciates slower than almost any other vehicle on the road today-a testament to its timeless design.   If you’re looking for a mid-size pickup truck in Baltimore, Maryland, you can’t do any better than one of our Toyota Tacoma’s!

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