Used 2021 Toyota Tacoma for Sale nearPhoenix, AZ

How much does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma cost?

Prices have softened 1.14% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,600 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Toyota Tacoma earns a 4.9/5 user rating and a 6.5/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Look and feel at 8/10.

Drivers consistently praise its value, reliability, and resale potential, and many also point to its durability and truck-like capability. It fits especially well if you want a midsize pickup with a rugged personality and strong off-road focus. The trade-offs are clear: the ride can feel rough, performance is sluggish, and the base engine is underwhelming. Even so, if you want a truck that prioritizes toughness and long-term appeal over refinement, it remains a compelling choice.

34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma reliable?

Owners rate it 4.9/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Drivers describe it as reliable, durable, and a truck they can count on, with strong praise for its long-term appeal. The expert notes also point to an excellent reputation for reliability and dependable off-road capability. ToyotaCare adds two years or 25,000 miles of free factory-scheduled maintenance, which helps lower early ownership costs. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that a truck used hard off-road or for towing may show wear faster than the average commuter vehicle.

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

At 71.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. Then prioritize a close inspection of the body, suspension, tires, and undercarriage, especially if the truck may have been used off-road or for heavy work. Pay extra attention to condition and maintenance records, since the Tacoma’s appeal often depends on how well it has been kept.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The SR trim gets a 7-inch touchscreen, while other trims get an 8-inch screen. Higher trims add more equipment, and the TRD Pro stands out with model-specific styling and off-road hardware, while the Limited leans more toward comfort.
• Powertrain: You can choose a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower or an optional 3.5-liter V6 with 278 hp. The V6 is available with a six-speed manual, and the Tacoma’s off-road-focused setups add features like a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and upgraded suspension.
• 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 strong standard list, though some rivals offer additional features.
• Infotainment: The base SR gets a 7-inch touchscreen, and other trims get an 8-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM are standard, and the system is easy to use even if it is not especially advanced.
• Fuel efficiency: The base four-cylinder returns 21 mpg combined, with 20 mpg city and 23 mpg highway in RWD form. The V6 can return 21 mpg combined with RWD and automatic transmission, while the manual V6 drops to 18 mpg combined. The TRD Pro is rated at 18 mpg combined, and real-world fuel economy can be 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:

• SR: This is the entry point, and it gives you the Tacoma basics with the 7-inch touchscreen and standard smartphone integration. It makes sense if you want the lowest-cost way into the lineup, but it is the least equipped.
• SR5: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the 8-inch touchscreen and keeps the Tacoma’s core strengths intact without pushing you into pricier off-road or luxury territory.
• TRD Off Road: This is the trim to choose if you want the Tacoma’s off-road hardware to matter most, with features like the locking rear differential, upgraded suspension, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control.
• TRD Sport: This trim is a better fit if you want a more road-oriented Tacoma with a sportier feel and appearance, while still keeping the truck’s core utility.
• Limited: Choose this if you want the most comfort-oriented Tacoma in the lineup, with a stronger emphasis on everyday livability than trail use.
• TRD Pro: This is the top off-road choice, with Fox internal-bypass shocks, a front skid plate, a 1-inch front lift, and other trail-focused upgrades. It is the right pick if off-road capability matters more than price.

Standard safety features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.

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

The market looks moderate, so you can shop selectively without expecting a deep buyer’s market.

• Deal availability: 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,600 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.14% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 71.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $30,943, 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 $31,908 sits slightly below last year's $32,275.

That modest decline suggests the Tacoma is holding value reasonably well rather than sliding sharply. For a future seller, that can be a positive sign because the truck still commands strong buyer interest. Its reputation for durability and long-term appeal should help support demand when you decide to trade or sell. Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.9/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma safe?

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma earns Good IIHS crash-test scores in most tests, with an Acceptable result in the passenger-side small overlap front test, and it earns four-star overall ratings from NHTSA, with four-star ratings in frontal crash and rollover, and five-star ratings 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 truck. The main caveat is the mixed IIHS result on the passenger-side small overlap front test, along with 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:

• 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 71.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.14% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.9/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It adds two new special editions and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $30,263, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $31,908 average.
• It keeps the Tacoma’s rugged, dependable off-road character while adding useful updates.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $32,748, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $31,908 average.
• It remains a strong choice for commuting and weekend adventures with easy-to-use tech.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of current pricing, broad inventory, and the 2021 updates, this model year is the primary path to consider. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while keeping much of the same core appeal.

How does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma compare to the 2021 Ford Ranger?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2021 Toyota Tacoma:

• Pros: Manual transmission available, Easy-to-use technology, Excellent off-road capability.
• Cons: Sluggish performance, Poor handling, Underwhelming base engine.

2021 Ford Ranger:

• Pros: Spacious, Easy-to-use technology, Multiple body styles.
• Cons: Uninspired styling, Interior materials feel cheap, Outdated technology.

Our experts score the 2021 Toyota Tacoma 6.5/10 and the 2021 Ford Ranger 7/10. The Tacoma is the better pick if you care most about off-road ability and a manual transmission. The Ranger looks stronger on paper for performance and space, but the Tacoma’s rugged character and easier-to-use tech may matter more if you want a traditional truck feel. If you value refinement and a more modern driving experience, the Ranger has the edge; if you want trail capability, the Tacoma is the more distinctive choice.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.