The fast-selling, mid-size Toyota Tacoma arrived with a host of upgrades for the 2020 model year. The model received an upgraded infotainment system with integrated Android Auto, Apple Car Play and Amazon Alexa. The truck introduced also the power driver’s seat and surround and underbody-view cameras. Toyota made also some adjustments to the transmission logic. The next 2021 Toyota Tacoma comes with fewer upgrades but there will be new special edition versions to keep the focus on the model until the approaching redesign.
The mid-size Tacoma stayed at the top of the sale chart for the 2019 model year with 248, 801 examples sold which are a 1.3 percent improvement compared to the 2018 season. The reintroduced Ford Ranger found 89, 571 owners while Chevy Colorado slipped by 9.3 percent compared to the 2018 model year with 122, 304 units sold for the 2019 season. To keep attention on the model, Toyota brings two new versions for the 2021 model year including Trail and Nightshade Special Editions.
Two new versions come with the unique exterior and interior touches while the model returns with the same mechanics.
2021 Toyota Tacoma: Design
The new-generation Tacoma will hit the market as the 2022 or 2023 version when it should appear with deep structural and notable visual upgrades. In the meantime, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma gets two new uniquely-styled options.
The new Trail Edition model builds over the SR5 Double Cab trim with some styling elements from already available trims combined with several unique details. The model uses the grille from the Limited trim while dark grey 18-inch wheels with Kevlar All-Terrain tires are from the TRD off-road version. This version will be available in Cement, Midnight Black, Super White and Army Green colors.
The Tacoma Nightshade Edition is derived from the Limited trim adding black trim accents for more sinister appearance. This version has a black grille, door handles, mirror caps, 18-inch wheels and exhaust tips. The color palette of this version includes Magnetic Grey Metallic, Midnight Black Metallic, Super White and Windchill Pearl options.
Interior, Equipment:
The cabin of the next Tacoma continues with the same design and equipped with the up-to-date infotainment system and standard active-safety gear.
The new Trail version comes with black seating and tan stitching. There are also all-whether floor liners. The Nightshade Edition model continues with the black theme inside the cabin and comes with the all-black leather treated seats.
The current trim range should continue with minimal changes in the equipment availability. Every Tacoma will come with the responsive infotainment system with Apple Car Playa and Android Auto support and at least a 7-inch touchscreen. Every trim will also include a WiFi hotspot. The part of the standard equipment list will also be advanced driver aids such as forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert and automatic high beams.
2021 Toyota Tacoma: Performance
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma will continue to employ the same engine options. There will be standard rear-wheel drive and available part-time four-wheel-drive system.
The base engine remains a 2.7-liter inline-4 producing 159 hp and torque of 180 lb-ft. This engine will be in the combination with the six-speed automatic transmission.
A more powerful 3.5-liter V-6 will be mixed with either six-speed manual or automatic transmission depending on buyers’ preference. The V-6-powered Tacoma will have 278 hp and torque of 265 lb-ft at disposal.
The TRD-badged versions will enhance the model’s off-road capability with the upgraded suspension, lockable rear differential, advanced off-road traction system. The TRD Off-road version will use Bilstein shocks while the TRD Pro model relies on the Fox internal bypass shocks combined with the all-terrain tires, upgraded underbody protection, an inch taller ride height and upgraded exhaust system.
The V-6 equipped Tacoma can tow up to 6, 800 pounds.
2021 Toyota Tacoma: Availability, Price
Toyota hasn’t yet revealed the pricing of the new Special Edition versions. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma will go on sale this fall.
The Trail Edition version will be available in 7, 000 units while Toyota will offer 5, 000 Nightshade examples.
The base Tacoma should again start at about $26, 000. The refined Limited version should cost around $39, 000. The off-road specialized TRD Pro version should start at about $44,000.