2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota Tacoma scores 7.5 out of 10. Given these ratings, the 2022 Tacoma is the better choice for prospective buyers. This model not only retains the core attributes that have made the Tacoma a stalwart choice in the midsize truck segment but also reflects refinements that enhance its overall appeal and user experience.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Tacoma if:
- You appreciate robust, unmistakable truck styling with varied aesthetic options.
- Off-road capability is a priority, and you desire advanced features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select.
- You prefer a truck with proven, albeit somewhat dated, technology that gets the job done.
Choose the 2022 Toyota Tacoma if:
- Modern interior amenities like wireless charging and upgraded infotainment are a priority.
- You are looking for a truck with consistent performance and safety features across model years.
- You value a truck that benefits from minor yearly updates to keep it competitive.
Overview | |
MSRP$26,400 | MSRP$27,150 |
Average price$34,378 | Average price$35,535 |
Listings3895 | Listings3686 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews6.5 out of 10 | Expert reviews7.5 out of 10 |
Pros
| Pros
|
2021 Toyota Tacoma Reviews SummaryLast redesigned for the 2016 model year, The Tacoma once dominated midsize-truck sales. In recent years, though, it’s faced stronger competition from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Ford Ranger, and the Jeep Gladiator. A redesigned Nissan Frontier and heavily-updated Honda Ridgeline are also on the way. Meanwhile, the Tacoma enters the 2021 model year largely unchanged. The only updates are two new special editions—the Nightshade Edition and Trail Special Edition—and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models. Pickup truck buyers tend to want choices, and Toyota delivers. The Tacoma is available with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and six trim levels— SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro—plus the two special editions. Our test vehicle was a Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab. The TRD Pro is the most off-road focused of the Tacoma models, so naturally, it gets standard 4WD drive. While Toyota does offer a more comfort-oriented Tacoma Limited model, the TRD Pro is also positioned at the top of the lineup. | |
2022 Toyota Tacoma Reviews SummaryOther small trucks have come and gone—and come back again—but the Toyota Tacoma has been the cornerstone of the segment for decades now. Though it has grown in size through the years, it has remained one of the best options if you’re in the market for a smaller alternative to full-size pickups. It’s a great option for a commuter who goes on the occasional camping, kayaking, or mountain biking adventure. The bed is good for picking up supplies to tackle a weekend project. But the midsize Tacoma has increased competition. In the past decade, the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger have returned. The Nissan Frontier recently received a long-overdue overhaul. And there’s even a new crop of compact pickups, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. So is the Tacoma still the big dog among small trucks? | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.7L 159 hp I4 | Engine2.7L 159 hp I4 |
Drive Train4X2 | Drive Train4X2 |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity4 |
Horsepower159 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower159 hp @ 5200 rpm |
MPG City20 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway23 | MPG Highway23 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.7L 159 hp I4 | Engine Name2.7L 159 hp I4 |
Torque180 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm | Torque180 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm |
Horsepower159 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower159 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Drivetrain4X2 | Drivetrain4X2 |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City20 | MPG City20 |
MPG Highway23 | MPG Highway23 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity4 | Seating Capacity4 |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Bed Length73.7 in | Bed Length73.7 in |
Curb Weight3915 lbs | Curb Weight3915 lbs |
Height70.6 in | Height70.6 in |
Length212.3 in | Length212.3 in |
Width74.4 in | Width74.4 in |
Wheelbase127.4 in | Wheelbase127.4 in |
Maximum Payload1685 lbs | Maximum Payload1685 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs | Maximum Towing Capacity3500 lbs |
CarGurus highlights
According to CarGurus experts, the overall rating for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is 6.5 out of 10, while the 2022 Toyota Tacoma scores 7.5 out of 10. Given these ratings, the 2022 Tacoma is the better choice for prospective buyers. This model not only retains the core attributes that have made the Tacoma a stalwart choice in the midsize truck segment but also reflects refinements that enhance its overall appeal and user experience.
Choose the 2021 Toyota Tacoma if:
Shop Now- You appreciate robust, unmistakable truck styling with varied aesthetic options.
- Off-road capability is a priority, and you desire advanced features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select.
- You prefer a truck with proven, albeit somewhat dated, technology that gets the job done.
Choose the 2022 Toyota Tacoma if:
Shop Now- Modern interior amenities like wireless charging and upgraded infotainment are a priority.
- You are looking for a truck with consistent performance and safety features across model years.
- You value a truck that benefits from minor yearly updates to keep it competitive.
Overview | ||
MSRP | $26,400 | $27,150 |
Average price | $34,378 | $35,535 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.9 | 4.2 |
Expert reviews | 6.5 out of 10Read full review | 7.5 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| Pros
|
Summary | Last redesigned for the 2016 model year, The Tacoma once dominated midsize-truck sales. In recent years, though, it’s faced stronger competition from the Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon twins, the Ford Ranger, and the Jeep Gladiator. A redesigned Nissan Frontier and heavily-updated Honda Ridgeline are also on the way. Meanwhile, the Tacoma enters the 2021 model year largely unchanged. The only updates are two new special editions—the Nightshade Edition and Trail Special Edition—and standard dual-zone automatic climate control on all V6 models. Pickup truck buyers tend to want choices, and Toyota delivers. The Tacoma is available with four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, Access Cab and four-door Double Cab body styles, rear-wheel drive (RWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), and six trim levels— SR, SR5, TRD Off Road, TRD Sport, Limited, and TRD Pro—plus the two special editions. Our test vehicle was a Tacoma TRD Pro Double Cab. The TRD Pro is the most off-road focused of the Tacoma models, so naturally, it gets standard 4WD drive. While Toyota does offer a more comfort-oriented Tacoma Limited model, the TRD Pro is also positioned at the top of the lineup. | Other small trucks have come and gone—and come back again—but the Toyota Tacoma has been the cornerstone of the segment for decades now. Though it has grown in size through the years, it has remained one of the best options if you’re in the market for a smaller alternative to full-size pickups. It’s a great option for a commuter who goes on the occasional camping, kayaking, or mountain biking adventure. The bed is good for picking up supplies to tackle a weekend project. But the midsize Tacoma has increased competition. In the past decade, the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon, and Ford Ranger have returned. The Nissan Frontier recently received a long-overdue overhaul. And there’s even a new crop of compact pickups, including the Hyundai Santa Cruz and Ford Maverick. So is the Tacoma still the big dog among small trucks? |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.7L 159 hp I4 | 2.7L 159 hp I4 |
Drive Train | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
Horsepower | 159 hp @ 5200 rpm | 159 hp @ 5200 rpm |
MPG City | 20 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 23 | 23 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.7L 159 hp I4 | 2.7L 159 hp I4 |
Torque | 180 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm | 180 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm |
Horsepower | 159 hp @ 5200 rpm | 159 hp @ 5200 rpm |
Drivetrain | 4X2 | 4X2 |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 20 | 20 |
MPG Highway | 23 | 23 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | 4 |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | 5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Bed Length | 73.7 in | 73.7 in |
Curb Weight | 3915 lbs | 3915 lbs |
Height | 70.6 in | 70.6 in |
Length | 212.3 in | 212.3 in |
Width | 74.4 in | 74.4 in |
Wheelbase | 127.4 in | 127.4 in |
Maximum Payload | 1685 lbs | 1685 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
Maximum Towing Capacity | 3500 lbs | 3500 lbs |
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma retained the rugged, quintessential truck look that distinguished it starkly from the sleeker designs of its competitors. The characteristic boxy fender flares, tall hood, and shield-like grille were designed with bold, straight lines that communicated strength and utility. The interior reflected a similar ruggedness, with durable plastic components that might feel justified more at the base model's price point than at the TRD Pro's higher price. The addition of unique styling elements in the Trail Edition, Nightshade Edition, and TRD Pro in 2021 gave buyers the opportunity to own a Tacoma that stood out more distinctly.
In contrast, the 2022 Tacoma, while maintaining the aggressive exterior, began to show its age, especially in the cabin that mixed somewhat dated elements with newer technologies like push-button start. Though it offered a modern enough look that it was competitively aesthetic, the interior featured an abundance of hard plastics. The different trims available, from SR to TRD Pro, added incremental exterior and interior upgrades, enhancing both style and functionality.
Performance-wise, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma offered a choice between a base 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a more robust 3.5-liter V6. The latter was preferable not only for its significantly higher power output — 278 horsepower compared to the four-cylinder’s 159 horsepower — but also for its improved towing and payload capacities. The TRD Pro's off-road capabilities were highlighted by advanced features such as a locking rear differential and multi-terrain suspension systems, though on-road performance lagged with poorer ride quality and slow acceleration.
The 2022 model largely mirrored these characteristics, with identical engine choices and similar tow and payload ratings. In-road drivability continued to be less than stellar due to transmission and gearing issues, though the model excelled off-road, particularly with the TRD Pro’s enhanced suspension and terrain technology.
Interior space allocation in the 2021 Tacoma was less than impressive, particularly in the Double Cab setup, which lagged behind competitors in rear legroom and headroom, creating a cramped feel. In terms of functionality, however, it offered useful storage solutions and a robust bed capable of heavy-duty use.
The 2022 Tacoma continued with the same cabin space issues, particularly with the Double Cab. Both models provided adequate in-bed utility, although there were no notable improvements in the newer model year to the bed’s design or functionality outside of supplemental lighting and power outlets added in certain trims.
The technology in the 2021 Tacoma was solid with standard features including a responsive 8-inch touchscreen on most models, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. The TRD Pro model featured a Multi-Terrain Monitor that was a standout for off-road driving.
For 2022, technology updates were minimal, retaining the same size touchscreens and connectivity features. The user interface of the infotainment system remained familiar and user-friendly, though it did not push any boundaries in terms of innovative tech additions.
Safety ratings for the 2021 Tacoma were strong, with good scores from the IIHS and a four-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included a comprehensive suite of driver-assist technologies as standard.
The 2022 model, essentially unchanged in safety features, maintained these standards and prospective buyers could expect similar reassurances from its robust safety suite and adequate institutional ratings.
By: CarGurus + AI
At CarGurus, our team of experienced automotive writers remain at the heart of our content operation, conducting hands-on car tests and writing insightful guides that are backed by years of industry experience. To complement this, we are harnessing AI to make our content offering more diverse and more helpful to shoppers than ever. To achieve this, our AI systems are based exclusively on CarGurus content, ratings and data, so that what we produce is both unique to CarGurus, and uniquely helpful to car shoppers.