2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD – Test Drive
Similar to the success story of the Rolex Daytona, the Toyota Tacoma’s legendary status was earned from its featured episode on Top Gear in which no matter the abuse, it survived. Despite its ultimate reliability and proper off-road looks, the mid-sized Tacoma doesn’t have much beyond aesthetics and mechanical simplicity with its dated automatic transmission, and a nostalgic engine configuration. Still, the Tacoma (in particular to the TRD model) does what it does best at ripping through off-road trails with great assurance.
The Tacoma offers plenty of trims (8 trims) to choose from with choice of either a single or dual cab. Standard trims get the basic necessities – an electronic locking rear differential, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, and an automatic transmission and a 5-foot truck bed. Opting for the Double Cab Tacoma is recommended for added versatility, four-wheel drive and enhanced off-road TRD cosmetics. Die-hard off-road enthusiasts can step up to the TRD Pro trim with beefed up TRD-Tuned suspensions and upgraded TRD cosmetic badges and electronic crawl control
Powertrain
The Tacoma offers both a four-cylinder and the more preferred V-6 making 278 horsepower. Choice of transmission is offered in either a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission. All trims come with an electronic locking rear differential and optional 4 wheel drive system that’s activated via a rotary knob located in the cabin’s center console. Configurations with the 6-speed manual transmission costs around $3,000 less and is preferred over the automatic transmission for its uncoordinated behavior.
The highest TRD-Pro trim comes with enhanced off-road performance features including TRD-Tuned front coils with an integrated 2.5” FOX Internal Bypass coil-overs and a rear remote reservoir shocks. Integrated as part of the TRD Pro powertrain is Multi-Terrain Select crawl control for tackling rough and steep terrain and is only available with an automatic transmission.
Towing is rated at up to 6,500 lbs with EPA rated fuel economy at 21 and 23 mpg in the city and highway respectively
Interior and Tech Features
The Tacoma’s cabin remains faithful to its intent or in better terms – looks better in dirt. Its homogenous black, faux leather seating, analog cluster and singular climate control knobs and dials are all nostalgic reminiscence of the 90’s era. Still, the cabin space is purposeful with an authoritative driving position, plenty of room and completed with a passenger-side ceiling handle. In essence, the
A 7” infotainment touchscreen comes with every Tacoma trim with an available larger 8” touchscreen on higher trims. Both Android Auto and Apple Car Play are compatible with Bluetooth connectivity. Other than a basic infotainment touchscreen, there aren’t any other tech features that extends beyond this point.
Test Drive and Final Thoughts
Driving the Tacoma reveals its simple mechanical componentry with an overall “it just works” driving impression. Our tester TRD model comes equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission which doesn’t seem well coordinated with its engine powerband, but the torque delivery doesn’t hesitate to respond from the naturally aspirated V-6.
All said, the Tacoma just doesn’t keep up with the latest tech features and capabilities offered from other pickup truck alternatives, but its grandfathered mechanical blueprint, and classic Toyota looks and feel continue to make the Tacoma a gem within the pickup category.
Specifications
- Vehicle : 2021 Toyota Tacoma
- Model : TRD
- Vehicle Type : Mid-Size Pickup Dual-Cab
- Seating Capacity : 2+3
- Engine : V-6
- Transmission : 6-Speed automatic
- Price as tested: $35,000
Pros
- Great off-road styling
- Retains key mechanical componentry of the ultra-reliable Toyota Tacoma design
- Great off-road capability
Cons
- Boring interior and lack of innovative tech features
- Low-quality infotainment system
- Low performance from dated automatic transmission