How much does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma cost?

Prices have softened 2.30% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,798 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing trims and conditions.

If you find a listing below $31,018.61, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma a good car?

Yes — the 4.88/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 6.5/10. The standout strength is Look and feel at 8/10.

Drivers consistently praise its value, reliability, resale potential, durability, and off-road capability. The Tacoma also earns credit for its features and rugged build, especially in TRD Off-Road-oriented versions.

The trade-offs are familiar: some buyers want more advanced technology, and others find the truck underpowered compared with rivals. The overview frames it as a truck for towing, hauling, and off-roading rather than a comfort-first daily driver.

With 32.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have room to shop selectively without rushing.

Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

Owners rate it 4.88/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers describe it as reliable, durable, and a truck they can count on over the long term. The expert notes also point to Toyota’s excellent reputation for reliability and dependable ownership, along with ToyotaCare, which includes two years or 25,000 miles of free factory-scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance.

That combination makes the Tacoma a reassuring used buy if you want a truck built for long-term use, though you should still watch for wear tied to hard use and off-road mileage.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Toyota Tacoma?

At 74.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the truck has been used for towing, hauling, or off-road driving. Pay close attention to body condition, suspension wear, tire condition, and signs of uneven use across the cabin and bed.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base SR trim gets a 7-inch touchscreen, while other trims get an 8-inch screen. Higher trims add more distinctive styling, and the TRD Pro brings off-road-focused hardware and unique exterior details.
• Powertrain: You can choose a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft. The V6 uses Toyota’s D4S fuel-injection system and Atkinson-cycle tuning for better fuel economy.
• Safety package: Standard driver-assistance features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. That’s a solid standard set, though some rivals offer more advanced extras.
• Infotainment: The Tacoma gets Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM standard. The base truck has a 7-inch touchscreen, while other trims get an 8-inch screen.
• Fuel efficiency: The base four-cylinder returns 21 mpg combined with RWD and 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The V6 automatic matches that at 21 mpg combined with RWD and 20 mpg combined with 4WD, while the manual V6 drops to 18 mpg combined. The TRD Pro is rated at 18 mpg combined, and real-world testing came in lower.

Which 2021 Toyota Tacoma trim should I buy?

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is offered in 6 trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The SR is the most stripped-down choice, with the smaller 7-inch touchscreen and fewer upscale touches than the rest of the lineup.
• Sweet-spot trim: The SR5 is the best value for many shoppers because it adds the broader standard equipment set without pushing you into the pricier specialty trims.
• Premium/top trim: The Limited is the better pick if you want a more comfort-oriented Tacoma, while the TRD Pro is the most off-road-focused and most expensive choice.
• Off-road trim: The TRD Off Road is the trim to target if you want serious trail hardware without going all the way to TRD Pro pricing.

The safety package is standard across the lineup, but headlight ratings vary by trim level.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Toyota Tacoma?

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop patiently and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,798 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.30% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 74.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $31,018.61, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma's resale value?

The current average of $32,531 sits slightly below last year's $33,297.

That price movement suggests the Tacoma has softened a bit, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. For a future seller, the current dip may also mean there is still room for the truck to hold value well if you buy carefully and keep mileage and condition in check.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.88/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma safe?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tacoma Double Cab top Good scores in all crash tests except the passenger-side small overlap front test, where it received an Acceptable score. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave both cab configurations four-star overall ratings, with four stars in frontal and rollover crash testing and five stars in side crash tests.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

Standard driver-assistance features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. That is a solid standard safety package for a midsize truck.

The main caveat is the mixed IIHS result on the passenger-side small overlap front test, plus headlight ratings that vary by trim level.

Should I buy a 2021 Toyota Tacoma or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 74.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.30% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.88/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds Nightshade and Trail Special Editions, plus standard dual-zone automatic climate control on V6 models.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $31,240, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $32,531 average.
• It offers dependable performance with minor design and technology updates.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $33,592, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $32,531 average.
• It adds modern tech features while keeping the Tacoma’s rugged appeal.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of current-year pricing, strong owner satisfaction, and broad inventory, the 2021 is the primary path to consider. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 can save you money while staying close in character. If you want to spend more for a newer model-year step, the 2022 is the cleaner upgrade path.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.