DecodedCars2021 Toyota Tacoma
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
- Body styles
- Access Cab L/Box 4WD, Double Cab L/Box 4WD, Double Cab S/Box 4WD
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl, 2.7L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 278 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 20 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 212.2–225.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,295–4,480 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 278 hp, versus about 395 hp for similar 2021 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a small pickup truck offered with 2 engines (3.5L 6-cyl and 2.7L 4-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 212 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 128-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,295 lb (Access Cab L/Box 4WD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (20 city / 24 highway), 4% worse than the 2021 small pickup truck average of 21.8 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 81 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Tacoma — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Tacoma →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Tijuana, Baja California · San Antonio, Texas
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2021 Tacoma configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access Cab L/Box 4WD | 212.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 127.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,295 lb | 58/42 |
| Double Cab L/Box 4WD | 225.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 140.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,480 lb | 58/42 |
| Double Cab S/Box 4WD | 212.2 in | 74.8 in | 70.5 in | 127.6 in | 63 / 63.4 in | 4,425 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma 2WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -4% | $3,200 | 431 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 23 / 21 | -4% | $3,200 | 423 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 22 / 20 | +2% | $3,350 | 448 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 22 / 20 | +2% | $3,350 | 441 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 18 | -8% | $3,700 | 481 |
| Tacoma 4WD D-CAB MT TRD-ORP/PRO | 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 20 / 18 | -8% | $3,700 | 483 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota TACOMA PU/CC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.1% |
| 2021 Toyota TACOMA PU/EC 4WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 19.1% |
| 2021 Toyota TACOMA PU/CC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
| 2021 Toyota TACOMA PU/EC 2WD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 14.7% |
Similar 2021 small pickup trucks
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Toyota Tacoma (this car) | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Ford F-150 | 25 MPG | Not rated | 29 |
| 2021 Ford Ranger | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2021 Nissan Frontier | 20 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2021 Honda Ridgeline | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 7 |
| 2021 Jeep Gladiator | 24 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Toyota Tacoma is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Toyota Tacoma buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 14 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Service Brakes — 12 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Engine — 12 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 10,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Tacoma years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Tacoma | 23 | 213 in | Not rated | 0 | 12 |
| 2025 Tacoma | 23 | 213 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 114 |
| 2024 Tacoma | 24 | 226.4 in | Not rated | 6 | 154 |
| 2023 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 54 |
| 2022 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 59 |
| 2020 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 90 |
| 2019 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 219 |
| 2018 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 209 |
| 2017 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 243 |
| 2016 Tacoma | 21 | 212.2 in | Not rated | 4 | 324 |
| 2015 Tacoma | 22 | 208.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 100 |
| 2014 Tacoma | 22 | 221.3 in | Not rated | 4 | 79 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →