There are plenty of great things to say about the Toyota Tacoma. For example, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma carries on its tradition of being incredibly reliable and excellent for off-roading. However, there are a few old aspects to consider. 

Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma worth buying? 

Yes, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a great option to consider. It’s just starting to feel a bit old. But if something isn’t broken, don’t fix it, right? Well, the aging Tacoma may benefit from a few modern updates. 

For example, the Tacoma still only offers two older engine options. The base engine is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 159 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. That’s a little weak, but you can upgrade to the 3.5-liter V6 engine for 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. 

According to Cars.com, the V6 engine is noticeably loud and can sound strained under hard acceleration. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.7 seconds, which is fine. However, it could use a little more pep. 

Rivals such as the Chevy Colorado and Jeep Gladiator offer more options, including diesel engines. Other competitors are working on going hybrid. Plus, where is the turbo power? Perhaps the 2023 Tacoma will be more powerful and efficient. 

The Tacoma faces an aging interior 

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma has a basic interior. While it lacks frills, some people may be pleased by the basic and durable layout. However, it also seems to lack advanced tech. But it does have an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a total of three USB ports. 

Two of the USB ports are for charging only, and one is for data. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, but the screen has dated graphics and slow response times. Newer phones may cause the software to lag. 

The seats are moderately comfortable, and the leather upholstery doesn’t provide a high-quality feeling. If you’re looking for luxury comfort, you may want to consider other options. Other trucks may provide more value. 

Taller folks may struggle to find the perfect driving position. The steering wheel and seat lack the proper adjustment to provide enough legroom and headspace. Also, the backseat is pretty tight. 

While the suspension is perfect for off-roading, it’s pretty stiff on the pavement. Prepare for a bumpy ride. Having some weight in the bed helps balance things out. 

What advantages does the 2021 Tacoma have? 

It doesn’t matter that the 2021 Toyota Tacoma is old though, it’s still the best-selling truck. Perhaps because the V6 engine can be paired with a manual transmission, providing an option that some rivals lack. 

Plus, the Tacoma prioritizes safety. It comes with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic high beams. 

It may tow less than rivals, but it can still haul up to 6,800 lbs. It’s easy to steer and maneuver in tight city spaces and offers the best ground clearance. It’s a durable and capable off-roader, too, giving you the best of both worlds. 

The 2021 Tacoma is an excellent choice to consider, but if you want a more refined ride and updated tech, it may be better to look elsewhere. Or you can wait for the redesigned 2023 Tacoma to arrive.