The starting price of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is $26,150. For the past 15 years, the Toyota Tacoma has been the best-selling midsize truck on the market.
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Does purchasing a 2021 Tacoma make sense?
Drivers who desire a medium pickup truck have to give the brand-new 2021 Toyota Tacoma serious consideration. It is durable, trustworthy, and more technologically advanced than ever. This truck appeals to outdoor enthusiasts even more thanks to its adventurous style. Is the new Tacoma an improvement above its rivals?
The launch of a new Trail Edition model, which gets unique inside and exterior decorations, is the largest update for 2021. There were only 7,000 of these versions made, thus they might be more difficult to locate. For 2021, dual-zone automated climate control will come as standard on vehicles with V6 engines.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2021 Toyota TacomaThe Pros
1. Long-Lasting
The Tacoma has earned praise for having outstanding long-term dependability over the years. The highest rating for dependability is held by no other truck in the sector. Owners hardly ever report any significant mechanical issues. Drivers are unlikely to experience many unforeseen issues as long as the truck is serviced at the recommended intervals. Because of the Tacoma’s robust construction, its resale value is frequently very high. Owners can anticipate receiving a fantastic return on their investment as a result.
2. The V6 Engine is Highly Recommended
A four-cylinder engine is offered as standard in the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. However, those with additional funds should upgrade to the V6 engine. It produces a powerful 278 horsepower. Drivers of the V6-powered Tacoma will benefit from substantially more powerful acceleration. The truck can haul a heavier load thanks to its greater tow rating of 6,800 pounds. The V6 engine, in contrast to the standard engine, can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
3. Significantly Better Comfort
The Toyota Tacoma has historically drawn flak for its uncomfortable driving posture. By equipping the vehicle with a new 10-way power driver’s seat, Toyota has found a solution to this issue. Now, even tall drivers may travel more comfortably every day. There are also some other lovely amenities offered. Passengers will appreciate the comfort of the heated front seats on chilly days even though ventilated seats are not available. Additionally, dual-zone automatic climate control is offered on higher model levels.
4. Extremely Powerful Off-Road Models
Few trucks can match the 2021 Toyota Tacoma when going off the beaten road. It is designed for active lives. While a 4WD system is available on every trim level, the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro versions are particularly tough. The Tacoma TRD Off-Road has a front skid plate and an electronic locking rear differential. Toyota’s Crawl Control technology aids in securely navigating rocky terrain. While additional undercarriage protection and unique FOX racing shocks help the TRD Pro model handle difficult trails, they also enhance that ability.
5. TRD Sport Model Is More Appropriate for the Street
Not every truck owner will be driving off-road. Check out the 2017 Tacoma TRD Sport if you want a fun vehicle to drive on the road. It has a sports-tuned suspension that helps it handle better over curves. The Tacoma TRD Sport’s performance on the road is further improved by street tires. The stylish external appearance of this truck is extremely popular with drivers. It looks more aggressive thanks to the vented hood.
6. Numerous fashionable options
The Toyota Tacoma of 2021 won’t be confused for its rivals. The distinctive front-end style truly makes it stand out. The Tacoma’s available smoked headlamp and taillight housings give it a unique look. Along with some striking paint options, Toyota also offers the Tacoma in Barcelona Red Metallic and Voodoo Blue. For 2021, a brand-new Nightshade special edition will be released, featuring distinctive alloy wheels and blacked-out exterior detailing. Expect the Tacoma Trail Edition to garner similar interest.
Entune Infotainment System, Standard
Toyota’s Entune infotainment system is available to customers of any Tacoma trim level. Entune isn’t a difficult system to use, in contrast to some of the other interfaces of today. Everyone’s operation is made simple by strategically placed controls and knobs. The touchscreen measures 7.0 inches. Drivers can connect in their phone to access mobile apps thanks to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Amazon Alexa, meanwhile, enables users to speak orders to play music and check the weather.
8. Normative Safety Programs
A group of proactive safety measures known as Toyota Safety Sense P are standard on all 2021 Toyota Tacoma models. The Pre-Collision system can automatically apply the brakes when a vehicle or pedestrian is spotted in the truck’s path. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control guarantees that the Tacoma maintains a safe following distance after setting a predetermined speed. Toyota Safety Sense P also comes with automatic high lights and lane departure warning.
9. A Monitor with a Panoramic View Improves Visibility
On the Tacoma, a conventional backup camera is standard. Toyota does, however, provide a Panoramic View Monitor as an option. It has four cameras in all, allowing the driver to quickly and easily get a 360-degree vision. Drivers will be able to see clearly from all directions when maneuvering the vehicle in congested parking spaces. Adventurers can avoid off-road obstacles with the assistance of this enhanced camera system.
10. Music Fans Are Satisfied by JBL Sound System
The enhanced JBL audio system in the Tacoma will be appealing to many of music lovers. It has a 440-watt amplifier that supplies power to a total of six high-end speakers. Enjoy a sound that is particularly crisp and powerful. A subwoofer aids in enhancing a robust bass response.
buying advice
Compare prices online before buying a new car to avoid paying too much. Find out the price in advance before entering a dealership. The following free services are suggested by us: Car Clearance Deals, NADAguides, CarsDirect, and Motortrend.
These free sites will provide you the best deals and provide you with numerous price quotations from rival businesses. Before visiting the dealer, you will be aware of the best pricing.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2021 Toyota TacomaThe Cons
1. Base Engine Lacks a Powerful Kick
For some truck fans, the Tacoma’s base four-cylinder engine may not have enough power. The rate of acceleration will be lower than usual. It is capable of producing 159 horsepower. The standard four-cylinder engine of the Chevrolet Colorado, in contrast, generates a more potent 200 horsepower. Driving performance will fluctuate when accelerating and towing a load. While switching to the Tacoma’s V6 engine may solve this issue, owners will have to fork over more cash.
2. Less Roomy Than Some Competitors
Tacoma crew cab models are available from Toyota. Despite the truck’s four full-size doors, some families will still require extra room to decompress. Some passengers may feel crowded in the Tacoma’s rear seat due to its constrained space. The full-size Toyota Tundra will be more comfortable for tall families.
3. Some range-topping trims are really expensive.
The Toyota Tacoma from 2021 is a top-notch pickup vehicle. Its higher trim levels are, however, a little on the pricey side. The new Tacoma Nightshade Edition has a starting price of more than $41,000. The exceptionally tough TRD Pro model is listed by Toyota at more than $45,000. Budget-conscious drivers will have to make do with a lower trim level.
4. Fuel Economy May Be Improved
Other midsize pickup trucks on the market now may provide higher overall fuel efficiency. Even with its smaller four-cylinder engine, the Tacoma only achieves 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the interstate. The Chevrolet Colorado, on the other hand, can achieve up to 30 mpg when powered by diesel.
5. Potentially Require a More Powerful Towing and Hauling Machine
With a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds, the Tacoma can handle most jobs. But eventually, certain drivers will require a more powerful workhorse. There are some jobs that the truck’s bed is a little too tiny for.
One of the Tacoma’s toughest rivals is the 2021 Chevrolet Colorado. The Colorado receives high honors from reviewers for its superb driving characteristics and exceptional towing capacity. Additionally, Chevrolet offers various Colorado trims that are very tough. Although the Colorado is a good option, the Tacoma has a minor advantage in terms of long-term dependability due to Toyota’s track record for producing dependable cars. The new Tacoma also includes more safety technologies as standard equipment.
There are certain advantages between the larger Tundra and the smaller Tacoma. The passenger space varies greatly. The big apartments at the Tundra are ideal for families. The Tundra can pull bigger weights because to its regular V8 engine. However, the Tacoma is a more effective everyday driver thanks to higher fuel economy. Truck customers have greater justification to choose the Tacoma because of its cheap pricing.
The 2021 Ford Ranger comes with a substantially stronger engine as standard equipment. Additionally, this pickup truck has a greater hauling capability. Even while the Ranger has an off-road package, it isn’t quite as tough as the Tacoma, which is intended for off-road driving. In addition, the sole vehicle with a manual transmission is the Tacoma.
The new 2021 Toyota Tacoma is perfect for motorists looking for a dependable pickup truck with exceptional off-road ability. Automatic emergency braking and Toyota’s Entune touchscreen are popular features that are included as standard. Despite not being a standard feature, the Tacoma’s 10-way power driver’s seat is unquestionably a worthwhile addition. The truck’s lack of rear passenger space is one of its main flaws.
What issues does the Toyota Tacoma have for 2021?
Among the most frequent complaints made by car owners to the NHTSA are those involving the powertrain, steering, and engines. Even though it may not be as well-liked as the Big Three pickups, buyers continue to swarm to the 2021 Toyota Tacoma.
What truck should you buy in 2021?
The Ram 2500/3500 is the top-of-the-line big, heavy-duty pickup truck for 2021. It is available in three different cab types: normal, crew, and Mega Cab, the latter of which has a large backseat. Up to six trim levels are available to buyers, including the 2500 Power Wagon, a variant specifically designed for off-road use. The Ram 3500 is a dual-rear-wheel (DRW) configuration truck with a maximum payload capacity of 6,570 pounds and a maximum trailering capacity of 37,100 pounds.
What issues are there with Toyota Tacoma?
High-Mileage Toyota Tacomas with a Defective Automatic Transmission There are reported transmission issues with the Toyota Tacoma, which affect vehicles with anywhere between 125,000 and 150,000 miles on the odometer. These problems, which hinder the car from shifting properly, have been documented in Tacoma models made between 1995 and 2015.
What year should I not buy a Tacoma?
The Toyota Tacoma models from the years 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2016, and 2017 have a lot of faults, therefore we advise staying away from them. The body, paint, and engine issues on the 2006, 2007, and 2008 models are major difficulties.
Along with several light, body, and engine flaws, the interior accessories of the 2009 model have a tendency to be defective and frequently malfunction.
There are several issues with the 2011 Toyota Tacoma, and complaints have been made concerning almost every part. The drivetrain and engine are primarily flawed in the 2012 model, whereas unreliable transmissions are also present in the 2016 and 2017 vehicles.
These two Toyota Tacomas are among the worst you can buy because their transmissions have so many flaws that driving them might be dangerous. However, the 2007 is as unwise to purchase due to its extraordinarily high repair expenses.
The average automobile spends 1-2 weeks on the lot, but the greatest offers are typically scooped up in less than 48 hours. Get notified right away when the price of a saved car reduces or when a great new Tacoma listing appears by downloading the CoPilot app.
Is purchasing a Tacoma new or used preferable?
The general guideline for purchasing a car is that a used car will offer larger savings and better value than a new one. However, not every car can benefit from improved value, especially at the moment.
The COVID-19 has had two effects on the automotive sector. One reason is that buyers want to save money on a vehicle, frequently by purchasing old. Additionally, because of industrial slowdowns, there is less new car inventory, which increases demand for secondhand cars.
As a result, used car costs have gone up. According to Edmunds data, the average list price for all used cars increased by $708 from June to reach $21,558 in July.
Due to these trends, purchasing a new car may wind up being more cost-effective than purchasing a used one or two years old.
There are several reasons to spend that little bit extra and choose the new model:
For a new car, interest rates will always be a few percentage points lower.
On a new vehicle, incentives like manufacturer cash-back offers will also be increasingly common.
Instead of receiving the remaining portion of a used model’s warranty, you will receive the entire balance for a new vehicle.
An updated new model will often retain its worth better than a pre-owned one from a prior generation.
Six vehicles have been chosen by Edmunds’ experts to highlight how it may be advantageous to purchase a new vehicle rather than a used one. We have discussed the price difference between purchasing a brand-new model and a slightly used one. Finally, we’ve included some remarks on each model to give you background and aid in your decision-making.
Purchasing information: There is only one used model year for the modern Chevrolet Blazer. Despite not receiving the highest ratings from Edmunds’ editors, this midsize SUV is nevertheless retaining its value well. As a result, choosing a used 2019 Blazerwhich costs only around $1,100 less than a new modeldoesn’t offer much value.
Purchasing advice: Used car costs are still high for this 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 pickup, which is the latest generation. The 2018 and older models provide more savings due to sharp price drops. For a 2018 Silverado 1500 or a 2017, the average savings from new is $10,230 or $8,942.
Purchase advice: The Dodge Charger is a little unique. Due to a large flood of vehicles leaving rental fleets, 2019s are now available at great savings. But suppose you were looking at a Charger that was between 2 and 3 years old. In this scenario, the average cost of a new car would be saved by only $3,000 for you. The Charger is a popular sedan with generous seats that is also available in performance-oriented variants with strong V8 engines.
Notes for buyers: Honda Civics have consistently maintained a high value. According to Edmunds data, it takes at least three years for a used car to start saving you significantly more money than a comparable new model. But by that time, the car would have traveled further, and the warranty would very certainly no longer be valid.
Notes on purchasing: The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid SUV’s latest model made its debut in 2019. For the used model, the discounts are not significant. However, costs for the RAV4 Hybrid from the prior generation are significantly lower, similar to the Silverado described before. A new RAV4 Hybrid costs, on average, $8,542 less than a 2018 model and $10,922 less than a 2017 model.
Purchase advice: Because of the Toyota Tacoma’s high resale value, there aren’t much savings to be obtained on 1- to 2-year-old versions. The average savings for a model even three years old is less than $4,000. Your experience owning a Tacoma can be enhanced by purchasing a brand-new one.
It’s a seller’s market right now, so buying a used car might not necessarily be the best option for you. To give yourself the most options while purchasing, keep an eye on new car prices to see how they compare.