“Great vehicle. Durable and feels like it is made from quality material. Transmission is a bit rough but isn't a complete deal breaker.”
2021 Toyota Tacoma: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is standard dual-zone automatic climate control on V6-powered models. Otherwise, this is a light update rather than a redesign, with the same basic lineup, engines, platform, and safety features as 2020.
About the 2021 Toyota Tacoma
3rd gen (2016-2023), second year after the 2020 update.
Toyota positions the Tacoma as a midsize pickup that works hard during the week and still feels ready for weekends outdoors. Its big advantage is breadth: multiple cab and bed combinations, rear-wheel drive or 4WD, basic work-truck trims, sporty trims, off-road trims, and a more upscale Limited. Compared with many rivals, Tacoma leans heavily on durability, strong resale value, broad trail credibility, and easy-to-understand controls rather than chasing full-size-truck bulk.
The 2021 Tacoma lineup stretches from the work-focused SR and more comfortable SR5 to the road-oriented TRD Sport and trail-focused TRD Off-Road. TRD Pro adds FOX shocks, a skid plate, and a camera system for off-road driving, while Limited emphasizes comfort with leather-trimmed heated front seats, premium JBL audio, and a surround-view camera.
What changed, by category
Tech
Dual-zone automatic climate control became standard on V6-powered Tacoma models. On TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road, it changed from optional to standard equipment.
2021 Toyota Tacoma specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.7 Liter / V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter | V6, 3.5 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd | Automatic, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 18–20 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 18–19 mpg | 17 mpg | 19 mpg | 18–19 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 22–24 mpg | 22–24 mpg | 22–24 mpg | 20 mpg | 24 mpg | 22–24 mpg |
| Horsepower | 159–278 hp | 159–278 hp | 278 hp | 278 hp | 278 hp | 278 hp |
| Torque | 180–265 lb-ft | 180–265 lb-ft | 265 lb-ft | 265 lb-ft | 265 lb-ft | 265 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 3500–6400 lb | 3500–6400 lb | 6400 lb | 6400 lb | 6400–6500 lb | 6400–6500 lb |
| Rear Legroom | 24.6–32.6 in | 24.6–32.6 in | 32.6 in | 32.6 in | 24.6–32.6 in | 24.6–32.6 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| LCD Instrument Cluster | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
The biggest change is that dual-zone automatic climate control became standard on V6-powered 2021 Tacoma models. The rest of the truck received only minor equipment adjustments.
Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma a redesign?
No, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is not a redesign. It continues on the third-generation platform introduced for 2016 and follows the more substantial update made for 2020.
Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma meaningfully different from the 2020 model?
No, the 2021 Tacoma is largely similar to the 2020 model. Its main equipment improvement is standard dual-zone automatic climate control on V6 models, while the core engines, six-trim structure, platform, and safety suite carry over.
Did the 2021 Toyota Tacoma get a new engine or transmission?
No, the 2021 Tacoma did not receive a new engine or transmission. It retained the existing 2.7-liter four-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 powertrains, with the TRD Pro continuing to offer six-speed automatic and manual transmissions.
Did the 2021 Toyota Tacoma get new safety features?
No major lineup-wide safety change was made for 2021. The Tacoma continued with forward collision warning and automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Toyota Tacoma.
4.1
2021 Toyota Tacoma
(451 reviews)
“My Tacoma has the reliability and hauling capacity I was looking for, the technology and styling I wanted, all for a very good price.”
“Will have the time of their lives driving with the convenience of knowing they are in a safe vehicle.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2020 Toyota Tacoma Positioned To Continue Segment Leadership With Host Of New Upgrades
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2021 Toyota Tacoma Poised To Keep Leadership Role While Rolling Out New Special Editions
- engage.toyota.com — Static / Sourcebooks / 2021 tacoma en SourceBook
- pressroom.toyota.com — Whats New For 2022
- pressroom.toyota.com — Next Generation Tacoma Trd Pro Takes Off Road Performance Up A Notch