How much does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma cost?

Prices have softened 1.47% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 4,717 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare prices and trims. If you find a listing below $31,027.79, 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 — 4.88/5 from owners and 6.5/10 from our experts. The standout strength is Look and feel at 8/10.

Drivers consistently praise its value, reliability, and resale potential, and many also like its features, performance, and durability. The trade-offs are familiar: some owners want more advanced technology, and others feel it is slightly underpowered compared with rivals. In use, that makes it a better fit if you want a rugged truck with a strong reputation rather than a polished daily driver.

The Tacoma’s appeal is strongest if you want a midsize pickup that leans into off-road capability, rugged styling, and durability. It is less compelling if you prioritize a more modern cabin or quicker acceleration. 31.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so there is still room to shop selectively.

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, with strong long-term appeal and solid resale confidence. Our experts also note that Toyota has an excellent reputation for reliability, and the truck comes with two years or 25,000 miles of free factory-scheduled maintenance plus roadside assistance on new purchases. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is that a tough life can hide wear, so condition and maintenance history matter a lot.

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

At 74.7% 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 focus your inspection on signs of prior bodywork, uneven panel gaps, tire wear, and suspension condition. Because this truck is often used for towing and off-roading, pay extra attention to underbody wear, brake condition, and any evidence of hard use. A thorough test drive should also check for transmission hesitation, ride quality, and any warning lights.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The SR trim level gets a 7-inch touchscreen, while all other Tacoma models get an 8-inch touchscreen. Higher trims add model-specific styling, and the TRD Pro stands out with off-road-focused hardware and unique exterior details.
• Powertrain: You get a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, or an optional 3.5-liter V6 with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. The V6 can be paired with a manual or automatic transmission, and the truck’s off-road-oriented 4WD setup includes low range and an available locking rear differential.
• Safety package: Standard driver-assist features include forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The package is solid, but it does not match some rivals’ broader feature sets.
• Infotainment: The base SR gets a 7-inch touchscreen, and all other trims get an 8-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM satellite radio are standard, and a JBL audio system is available on higher trims.
• Fuel efficiency: The base four-cylinder returns 21 mpg combined with RWD and 20 mpg combined with 4WD. The V6 with automatic transmission returns 21 mpg combined with RWD and 20 mpg combined with 4WD, while the manual V6 drops to 18 mpg combined. The TRD Pro returns 18 mpg combined, and real-world results 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:

• 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 if you want the Tacoma formula with the broader standard equipment set and the 8-inch touchscreen.
• 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 specialized.
• Off-road trim: The TRD Pro is the one to avoid if you mostly drive on pavement, since its off-road hardware and ride tuning are aimed at trail use.

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, so you can shop selectively without expecting deep discounts everywhere.

• Deal availability: 31.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 4,717 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.47% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 74.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $31,027.79, 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 $32,849 sits slightly below last year's $33,340.

That mild decline suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more carefully now. For a future seller, the Tacoma’s pricing remains supported by steady demand and a strong reputation, so depreciation pressure is not especially severe. If you keep mileage reasonable and maintain the truck well, you should still have a solid resale story later.

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 2021 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab earns Good ratings from IIHS in all crash tests except the passenger-side small overlap front test, where it received an Acceptable score. It also earns a four-star overall rating 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.

Toyota includes forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control as standard driver-assistance features. That is a useful baseline for a truck, though some rivals offer more advanced extras such as lane-keep assist and trailer-aware blind-spot monitoring. The mixed headlight ratings also mean you should pay attention to trim-specific equipment.

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:

• 31.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 74.7% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 1.47% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.88/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds new special editions and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $31,347, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $32,849 average.
• It blends rugged capability with everyday practicality.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $33,900, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $32,849 average.
• It stays strong on off-road ability and reliability.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, satisfaction, and available inventory, the 2021 is the smart default. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is worth a look; if you want to spend more for a newer-feeling alternative, the 2022 is the next step up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.