Test Drive Gallery: 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

Class: Compact Pickup

Miles driven: 306

Fuel used: 17.5 gallons

Real-world fuel economy: 17.5 mpg

Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway

CG Report Card
Room and Comfort	B
Power and Performance	B+
Fit and Finish	B-
Fuel Economy	B-
Value	B-
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup.
Big & Tall Comfort
Big Guy	C
Tall Guy	B-
Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs	278-hp 3.5-liter
Engine Type	V6
Transmission	6-speed automatic
Drive Wheels	4WD

EPA-estimated fuel economy: 18/22/20 (city/highway/combined)

Fuel type: Regular gas

Base price: $37,380 (not including $1175 destination charge)

Options on test vehicle: Advanced Technology Package ($1700), TRD Premium Off-Road Package ($3815), door-edge guard ($140), door sill protector ($79), mudguards ($129), mini tie-down loop ($45), 5′ oval tube step–black ($469), TRD front skid plate ($499), D-rings ($55), TRD air filter ($90), black emblem overlay ($160), TRD performance exhaust ($799), TRD shift knob ($140), bed step ($300), bed light ($149), soft tonneau cover ($739)

Price as tested: $47,863

 

Quick Hits

The great: Peppy acceleration; off-road capability

The good: Decent ride for a serious off-road truck; straightforward control layout

The not so good: So-so interior materials; noise; limited interior space; some drivers complain of awkward seating position

More Tacoma price and availability information

 

CG Says:

The Toyota Tacoma enjoys something of a cult following that is akin to the Jeep Wrangler’s—its no-nonsense, purpose-built nature and off-road ruggedness are more than enough for its fans to overlook some of its shortcomings in driver ergonomics, passenger comfort, and overall refinement. Plus, the Tacoma benefits from Toyota’s sterling reputation for build quality and long-term reliability.

The current, third-generation Tacoma debuted for the 2016 model year, and has seen no major updates since then. For 2021, the revisions include minor alterations in standard equipment, as well as specially trimmed Trail Edition and Nightshade models. The 2022 model year brings trim updates for some models (including an eye-grabbing Electric Lime paint color that’s exclusive to the TRD Pro model) and an increase in ride height for the TRD Pro and Trail Edition models, for improved approach and departure angles when traversing off-road obstacles.

The TRD Off-Road trim level we tested this time around sits in the middle of the Tacoma lineup. It’s the most affordable way to get some serious off-road upgrades, such as an electronic locking rear differential, off-road-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, and an off-road traction-control system with multiple terrain settings and a crawl-control mode.

Plus, the TRD Off-Road can be upgraded with some of the equipment that comes standard in the top-line Tacoma TRD Pro. Our test vehicle was equipped with the TRD Premium Off-Road Package (which adds a sunroof, automatic headlights, leather upholstery, heated front seats, premium JBL-brand audio system, and navigation/remote-connectivity upgrades) and the Advanced Technology Package (which adds color-keyed power outside rearview mirrors, rear parking sensors, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor off-road camera system). The Multi-Terrain Monitor offers multiple view modes, including a 360-degree surround view and specific front and side views, as well as an “under the vehicle” view (created by previously recorded footage from the forward-facing camera) that’s especially helpful in off-road driving.

We’ve previously tested TRD Pro models for 2019 and 2020, so we’ll refer you to those reviews for more information. If you’re interested in nabbing a third-generation Tacoma, the 2022 model year could be your last chance to do so—an all-new fourth-generation Tacoma is in the works, and it might arrive as a 2023 model. Substantial changes are expected for the next-generation Tacoma, such as new body-on-frame architecture with a coil-spring rear suspension instead of the current leaf-spring setup, styling similar to the redesigned-for-2022 Tundra full-size pickup, and possibly a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that might offer a hybrid version as well.

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