5 Rugged Reasons to Consider the Toyota Tacoma

Blazing its own trail both on and off road, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma keeps setting the pace in an adventure-driven consumer marketplace. This best-selling mid-size pickup for over 15 years in a row is crafted with inspiration from Toyota's legendary desert race trucks and continues to exhibit the intended work hard, play hard ethos with which it was designed. With no signs of slowing down, the rugged Tacoma now offers a number of new enticements to pique your interest including more personal customizability, a 'futuristic' new color enhancement, more standard safety equipment, a versatile Trail Special Edition, and a darkened Nightshade Edition.

It's Personally Customizable

Tacoma now comes in a whopping total of 33 possible configurations which should suit just about any preference. With 2 powertrains + 2 cab styles + 2 wheelbases + 6 model grades, Tacoma is set to meet the specific needs of a wide variety of pickup enthusiasts. Choose either the standard 2.7-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with VVT-i or the available 3.5-liter V6 with VVT-iW technology and Atkinson-cycle combustion. Then decide between six model grades including the capable SR; stylish SR5; athletic TRD Sport; adventure-ready TRD Off-Road; ultimate off-road TRD Pro; and luxurious Limited. Consider the benefits of selecting either the extended Access Cab with under-seat rear storage space or the spacious four-door Double Cab with 60/40 split rear seats with adjustable headrests and under-seat storage. Each version is available as 4x2 or 4x4.

A Contemporary New Color Is Offered

It's no surprise that Taco buffs eagerly anticipate the truck's new special colors that premiere annually. And this year, the Army Green color has been replaced with an exclusive gray-toned Lunar Rock color for the TRD Pro, the ultimate off-road member of the Tacoma family. The choice is naturally in line with current design trends and basic automotive cohesiveness; however, it perhaps seems like more than simple happenstance that Toyota is also simultaneously developing the ultimate off-roader, a hydrogen fuel cell-powered lunar rover for extended exploration of the moon's surface. Alternatively, in the not-too-distant future, watch as a new exclusive Electric Lime Metallic color is set to premiere for TRD Pro in 2022.

Safety Equipment Comes Standard

Along with general enhancements across the entire lineup, like new standard dual zone automatic climate control on all V6-powered models and upgraded audio to allow for premium Remote Services on the TRD Sport and Off-Road, all Tacoma models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P). The collection of modern technologies includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert, and Automatic High Beams. Additionally, the Star Safety System includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), Traction Control (TRAC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), and Smart Stop brake override technology (SST). Active head restraints for the Tacoma's front seats are further designed to move up and slightly forward in the event of a rear-end collision in order to help reduce the risk of whiplash.

Trail Edition Offers Outdoor Versatility

With unique styling and exclusive added content, the Trail Special Edition Tacoma arrives prepped and ready for abounding fresh-air adventures in the great outdoors. Research shows that Toyota buyers are poised at the top of their segment of outdoor aficionados who participate in activities like camping, fishing, and hiking; so as a result, Tacoma now further supplements the ability to carry in, carry out by providing extra storage and convenience. Based on the best-selling SR5 grade and available with 2WD or 4WD, the Trail Special Edition features black exterior badging, black fabric seating with tan stitching, TRD off-road wheels with reinforced all-terrain tires, and standard all-weather floor liners which offer durable protection against those less-than-pristine outdoor elements that have a strong tendency to travel in on occupants' feet. The truck's upgraded bed is further outfitted with a 120-volt power outlet as well as a handy lockable, insulated storage unit on the driver side that can double as a cooler with a drain plug. Available exterior color choices include Army Green, Cement, Midnight Black, and Super White.

Nightshade Edition Adds Sultry Style

Communicating a strong impression wherever it goes, the Tacoma Nightshade Edition encourages prospective buyers to not be afraid of the dark. Based on the luxurious Limited top-of-line grade, the Nightshade version is distinguished by black leather-trim seating and Dark Smoke 18-inch alloy wheels along with a full slate of exterior black trim including fog light bezels, mirror caps, badging, door handles, a black exhaust tip, and a new darkened-chrome grille insert design. Toyota Nightshade trucks offer the choice of 2WD or 4WD along with a slate of three available colors including Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Windchill Pearl.

Designed in the U.S., the Tacoma projects a chiseled face and unmistakably athletic body highlighted by a hexagonal grille and muscular hood which adds to its high-lift appeal. Thus, there's no question that the brand's hard work, hard play intentions have no doubt come to fruition.

For more information, or to test drive a 2021 Toyota Tacoma for yourself, stop by a local dealer or visit:
Toyota | Tacoma

About Toyota

Toyota (NYSE:TM) has been a part of the cultural fabric in the U.S. and North America for more than 60 years, and is committed to advancing sustainable, next-generation mobility through our Toyota and Lexus brands. During that time, Toyota has created a tremendous value chain as our teams have contributed to world-class design, engineering, and assembly of more than 39 million cars and trucks in North America, where we have 14 manufacturing plants, 15 including our joint venture in Alabama (10 in the U.S.), and directly employ more than 47,000 people (over 36,000 in the U.S.). Our 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.) sold 2.8 million cars and trucks (2.4 million in the U.S.) in 2019.