2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Toyota Tacoma

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma offered a clean, pure, and simple look, albeit without a groundbreaking aesthetic appeal. It had a rugged and no-nonsense exterior design, though not as visually captivating as full-size competitors like the Ram 1500. The flared hood scoop, despite being a prominent feature, was purely decorative, adding a certain rugged allure from the driver’s perspective without any functional air intake. This design choice played into the tough-guy image, suitable for suburb-dwellers looking to indulge an alter-ego of an outdoor adventurer.

Available in both Extended Access Cab and Double Cab forms, the Tacoma’s design struck a balance between being compact enough for urban environments while still making a sturdy impression. The higher trim models, particularly the Limited, pushed the boundaries of luxury only slightly with 18-inch wheels, while the TRD Pro model stood out with unique enhancements for 2020. Redesigned LED headlights with TRD engravings, sequential turn signals, a bold Army Green paint option, and an imposing grille showcasing the ’TOYOTA’ nameplate instead of the traditional emblem marked a notable upgrade. The TRD Pro’s robust exterior was further reinforced by a functional skid plate, red shocks, and aggressive 16-inch black TRD wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, signifying its capability both on the curb and rugged trails.

The interior of the 2020 Tacoma mirrored its external simplicity. The dashboard featured long, rectangular planes and a middle-sized touchscreen alongside essential switches and knobs. While the fit and finish surpassed competitors like the Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier, the quality of materials, mainly durable plastics and rubbers, left much to be desired in a vehicle nearing a $50,000 price tag. The leather seats in the TRD Pro model fell short of expectations, making the interior feel more utilitarian than luxurious. Prospective buyers valuing durability and straightforward design over plush interiors would have been content with the Tacoma’s offering in 2020.

2021 Toyota Tacoma:

In 2021, the Tacoma retained its archetypal truck design, replete with boxy fender flares, a tall hood, and a commanding grille. These traditional elements contrasted the smoother lines of competitors like the Ford Ranger and the General Motors' midsize offerings without adopting the exaggerated features seen in larger trucks like the Tundra.

Unique styling details were reserved for specific trims: the new-for-2021 Trail Edition boasted 16-inch TRD Off-Road alloy wheels and the Limited trim’s grille, along with new color options. The Nightshade Edition featured blacked-out trim for a more aggressive look. For off-road enthusiasts, the TRD Pro trim stood apart with its “Toyota” block grille, blacked-out hood, Rigid Industries LED fog lights, and a unique color named Lunar Rock.

The 2021 Tacoma continued with its body-on-frame construction—a feature that promised traditional truck ruggedness at the expense of ride comfort. The Tacoma in 2021 was not available in a basic two-door cab, instead offering Access Cab and Double Cab configurations. Rear half doors were the hallmark of the Access Cab, while the Double Cab had four full-size doors. When it came to the wheelbase and bed combinations, the Tacoma offered configurations aligning with its sibling from previous years, maintaining the rugged practicality expected by its user base.

Inside, the 2021 Tacoma maintained a rugged aesthetic matching its exterior. While the materials and design seemed appropriate for the base trims, they felt less justified at higher price points, particularly in the TRD Pro model whose focus was staunchly off-road rather than luxury. Despite optional leather upholstery, the overall internal experience remained functional over fancy, in line with the Tacoma's utilitarian DNA.

The 2020 Tacoma’s base 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine, generating 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, was best avoided due to its insufficient power output for a vehicle of this size. This engine was restricted to the SR and SR5 trims, while a 3.5-liter V6, producing 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, was optional on these trims and standard across higher trims. The V6 employed direct injection and an Atkinson cycle, translating to a robust, if not spectacular, performance—paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission and either rear-wheel drive or an optional 4-wheel drive (4WD) system with an electronic low-range transfer case.

The TRD Pro model included exclusive off-road capabilities, such as Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) and Crawl Control. These technologies adjusted traction, shifting, and throttle responses tailored to varied terrains and provided automated ultra-low-speed driving control respectively. However, they displayed mixed practicality in extreme conditions. The 2020 Tacoma’s off-road prowess was undeniable, with its high ground clearance, formidable approach/departure angles, and extended suspension travel.

On paved surfaces, the 2020 Tacoma felt less refined. The steering required more effort and the engine droned on the highway due to the 6-speed automatic’s conservatism in gear shifts. The TRD Pro’s open sport exhaust, although initially exciting, became tiring in long runs. Fuel economy was subpar: 20 mpg city/23 highway/21 combined for the inline-four and worse for the V6. Nevertheless, it redeemed itself with a notable towing capacity of 6,800 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,440 pounds—truly shining in off-road environments.

2021 Toyota Tacoma:

For 2021, the Tacoma retained its two-engine lineup. The base engine was a 2.7-liter 4-cylinder, producing 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque, available only with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The more robust 3.5-liter V6, delivering 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, continued as an option alongside both automatic and manual transmission choices. The V6 engine utilized the Atkinson cycle and Toyota's D4S fuel injection system for improved efficiency.

Both part-time 4WD and rear limited-slip differential were part of the powertrain options, with off-road optimized coils and leaf springs setting the stage for the TRD variants. The TRD Off-Road added a locking rear differential, Bilstein shocks, and advanced driving aids like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, while the TRD Pro offered even more with Fox shocks, a front lift, retuned rear suspension, and reinforced all-terrain tires for superior off-road capability.

Despite its solid off-road credentials, the 2021 Tacoma demonstrated traditional truck dynamics on road. While lacking the car-like handling of some rivals, it provided a robust and rugged driving experience with poor ride quality and sluggish acceleration attributed to the conservative 6-speed automatic transmission. The exhaust note of the TRD Pro’s V6 was less appealing, detracting from the otherwise solid off-road focused package.

Towing capacity for the 2021 Tacoma touched 6,800 pounds, and payload capacity varied slightly with configurations, maxing out at 1,685 pounds. While respectable, these figures lagged behind some competitors, emphasizing the Tacoma’s off-road specialization over hauling supremacy.

The 2020 Tacoma’s more compact size compared to full-size trucks made it an urban-friendly option. Despite being larger than older compact trucks, its manageable dimensions and turning radius were advantageous in city driving and parking. The Tacoma’s bed, albeit shallow, boasted a practical rail system with movable cleats, an optional power outlet, and LED lighting. The bed length options were 5 or 6 feet.

The Double Cab’s rear seats, though sporting a USB port, quickly felt confined on longer journeys. Storage bins beneath seats lacked the ability to create a flat floor, unlike larger trucks. Additionally, the absence of a rear defroster and a driver’s side grab handle felt like oversights, though the capable heater mitigated some concerns.

2021 Toyota Tacoma:

In 2021, the Tacoma's interior dimensions remained a weak point, especially in the Double Cab. The rear offered less headroom and legroom compared to rivals, limiting its practicality for passengers. Front headroom and legroom were also below average, paired with restricted visibility due to the narrow windshield and high hood.

In-cab storage included fold-up rear seats revealing storage bins, though overall storage was limited beyond a notable wireless charging pad. Bed utility was enhanced by a standard rail system with tie-downs and an available 120-volt outlet, though the absence of innovative features like in-bed storage or a bed step, seen in competitors, was felt. The Tacoma’s ultimate strength lay in its practical and durable design rather than sheer capacity, with payload and towing capacities commendable but not class-leading.

Technology in the 2020 Tacoma was straightforward and user-friendly. The base model featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with higher trims equipped with an 8-inch version that included navigation, cloud-based traffic, and robust voice search capabilities. The addition of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa as standard features modernized the experience. However, more advanced options like wireless phone charging and Wi-Fi connectivity, along with a proximity key with push-button start and an auto-dimming mirror, were available but not standard.

The Tacoma’s 360-degree camera system provided practical off-road and parking assistance, though image quality was basic. Driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control came standard, ensuring a blend of safety and convenience.

2021 Toyota Tacoma:

For 2021, the base Tacoma SR trim retained a 7-inch touchscreen, while other models upgraded to an 8-inch display. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa, Bluetooth, and SiriusXM. Higher trim levels offered upgraded JBL audio systems. The infotainment system, while functional and intuitive, lacked the sophistication seen in some competitors, and graphics appeared basic.

The TRD Pro model’s Multi-Terrain Monitor played a crucial role in off-road scenarios, providing additional perspectives to spot obstacles, an essential feature for both trailblazers and city drivers negotiating tight spaces.

Safety for the 2020 Tacoma was bolstered with standard features like forward-emergency braking, pedestrian detection, and lane-departure warning. Optional blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors added to the suite. It achieved 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash tests, with a mix of four and five stars across different categories. The IIHS rated it a Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in five crash tests but an “Acceptable” rating for the front passenger small overlap test.

2021 Toyota Tacoma:

The 2021 Tacoma received “Good” scores from the IIHS in most crash tests, though it earned an “Acceptable” rating in the passenger-side small overlap front test. Headlight ratings ranged from “Good” to “Marginal,” depending on the trim, while front-crash prevention earned a “Superior” rating.

NHTSA awarded both the Access Cab and Double Cab four-star overall ratings, with four stars in frontal and rollover tests and five stars in side crash evaluations. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control. The Ford Ranger, however, provided additional features like lane-keep assist and extended blind-spot monitoring.