Flash Drive

2021 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab

December 15, 2020 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2021 Toyota Tacoma Limited 4×4 Double Cab Nightshade Edition

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4×4 pickup comes in several trim packages including this Trail Edition.

Engine: 2.5-liter I-4, 278 horsepower 285 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive

EPA Rating: 18-mpg city, 22-mpg highway, 20-mpg combined

Base Price: $41,980

As Tested: $45,183

Performance:

Pleasant, reasonably compliant highway ride

Good performance, adequate, but not

We tested the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade Edition, which is a little hard to see in this nighttime photo.

sporty

V-6 a little noisy under hard acceleration or on big hills

Smooth transmission, downshifts nicely on hills

Dashboard dial for 2WD, 4L and 4H

Good ground clearance for off-road driving

Nice size (compared to full size trucks) for trails

Acceptable fuel economy—our best was 21.9-mpg highway

Comfort:

Quite hot three temperatures heated seats

Front seat room and comfort are very good, but when all back the front seats compromise back seat legroom.

Stretch-out driver and front passenger legroom

Very good driver power lumbar support

Manual front passenger seat

Tight back seat when front seats are all back

Good rear headroom

Small rear floor hump

Big, robust “A” pillar grab handle for passenger

Thick, contoured, textured steering wheel

Lots of auxiliary controls, but not all are well marked

The dashboard, infotainment screen, steering wheel, and auxiliary controls are all driver-friendly.

Modest range for tilt/telescopic column

Utility:

Split rear seat folds flat

Hard surface on folded rear seat

Two shallow storage bins under seat

Extra storage behind rear seats

Handy adjustable bed cleat system

Large, locking glovebox

Large console bin

Small front door bins, not much more than bottle notches

Long rear door bins with bottle notches

All Toyota Tacoma 4×4 trucks are agile off-road and the TRD packages are extra athletic.

One large seatback pouch

Locking tailgate

Fold-down access step at bed corner

WOW Factors:

Sharp styling

Good size compromise for passengers/cargo

Adjustable cargo securing system

Solid reliability reputation

Whines:

Seating position a little close to the floor

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab side view accentuates the 5-foot bed length, but it works well for most general use chores.

Bottom Line:

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab midsize pickup is a great blend of daily transportation people mover and weekend cargo/chores/adventure activities vehicle. Its 5-foot bed and receiver hitch are fine for non-commercial uses. It’s agile off-road and in snow. The Nightshade Edition trim adds a distinctive flair.