2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab 4x4: The Midsize Mountain Climber

 

Highlight: The Tacoma is the highest volume selling truck in its segment.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $48,774 (SR Double Cab Model: $28,405)

Seating Capacity: 5

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; vehicle stability control; traction control; trailer sway control (6-cylinder); an automatic slip differential (automatic only); pre collision system with pedestrian detection; a lane departure alert system; automatic high beams; a radar activated cruise control system; and a tire pressure monitoring system; a hill start assist control system (automatic transmission only)

Standard Equipment (SR): 16-inch steel wheels; projector beam headlights; dark gray grille with black surround; fiber reinforced sheet-molded composite bed; deck reck system with four adjustable tie-down cleats and four fixed cargo bed tie-down points; sliding rear glass with privacy; skid plates engine/ front suspension; integrated tailgate spoiler; class IV towing receiver hitch; air condition; USB ports; cloth seats with manual front adjustments; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a coil spring double wishbone suspension; a rear leaf spring suspension system; a gated automatic transmission shifter; and a clutch start cancel (4x4 manual transmission)

Standard Equipment (TRD Pro): 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels; a 3.5-liter, 6-cylinder engine; 278-horsepower; automatic transmission; LED headlights with sequential LED turn signal; heritage inspired Toyota front grille with a camera; a push button ignition system; keyless entry system; privacy glass with power rear sliding window; multi terrain monitor with camera; TRD front pro skid plates; analog instrumentation includes an inclinometer with roll/pitch displays; a dual zone climate control system; wireless charging system; TRD Pro leather trimmed seats; heated front seats; a power adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support; TRD Pro shift knob; TRD Pro floor mats; auto dimming rearview mirror; a JBL 6-speaker premium AM/FM audio system with SiriusXM; a navigation system; an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system; an electronic control locking rear differential; TRD Pro Cat – black exhaust system; and an electronic blindspot monitoring system

Options: bed mat and a TRD Pro graphic package

Other Trims:

SR5

TRD Sport

TRD Off-Road

Limited

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Depending on trim

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.7-liter, 4-cylinder engine/159-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 19-city/22-hwy (4x4)

Standard Towing (Double Cab 4x4): 6,400 lbs

What’s New: For the 2021 model year, a Nightshade edition and a Trail Special edition joins the Tacoma’s portfolio.

Why A Tacoma: 

A variety of cabs: Access & Double Cab

Available in a 4x2 or 4x4 configuration

Short bed or a long bed

Variety of powertrains:  4-cylinder or a 6-cylinder

16-in, 17-in or 18-in wheels available

Leather seats

Heated seats

A 6,400-lb towing capacity

Safety driving aids such as an electronic blind spot monitor system

An autonomous mode driving feature for climbing and descending hills with its crawl feature

TRD Pro is also available with a manual transmission

A nav system depending upon trim

A two-tier loading system, with an integrated deck rail utility system

Four adjustable tie-down hooks

Easier to navigate than many of the fullsize trucks on the road today

But: 

The TRD Pro is not for the faint at heart. The suspension system is not designed for comfort driving or cross county family trips.

No Diesel available like with some competitors

Some competitors offer more horsepower with their gasoline engines

Verdict: While Nissan is the latest entry in the midsize truck segment to totally rework its Frontier, the Tacoma, which has become a durable workhorse, continues to offer a multitude of features that makes this truck a segment leader. The last time we reviewed the Tacoma was in 2019 when the durable truck's TRD Pro package was last updated.

Moreover, while some of the competitors are offering diesel engines and 6-cylinders with more horsepower, the Tacoma continues to be the truck of choice for midsize buyers.

Competition: Chevrolet Colorado ZR2; Ford Ranger FX4; GMC Canyon AT4; Jeep Gladiator Rubicon; and Nissan Frontier PRO-4X