If you’re looking for a Toyota truck dealer near you, you’re probably looking for a Tacoma or a Tundra. The good news is that there are 2021 models available for both options, depending on exactly what you’re looking for. If you need a little extra power, then the Tundra will suit you nicely. However, the Tacoma is a more affordable option that can still get stuff done. In this article, we’re going to point out each truck’s highlights so you can decide which one is right for you.
First off, it’s important to note that there’s only a small difference between the Tacoma’s highest towing capacity and the Tundra’s lowest. The Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds at its highest, while the lowest Tundra’s capacity is 8,800 pounds. If you’re looking to tow smaller items anyway, you may save by going with the Tacoma. However, there’s a lot more to these two models and all their multiple trims, so let’s take a deeper look at all trim options.
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma
There are six different available trims for the Toyota Tacoma. We’re going to look at them from lowest to highest. First, we’ve got the SR base-level trim, which seats four people in the Access Cab or five people in the Double Cab. This trim can tow up to 3,500 pounds, it comes with Toyota Safety Sense and Star Safety System, and it offers a driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System.
Let’s take a closer look at what Toyota Safety Sense does. This is a driver assistance suite that includes features such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and automatic high beams. Next, let’s look at the Star Safety System. This includes mechanical safety features, like electronic brake-force distribution, an anti-lock brake system, traction control, start and stop technology, and vehicle stability control. These features are impressive for a base-level truck trim. You can get the 2021 Toyota Tacoma SR for $26,150.
The SR5 trim keeps the safety features and ups it by adding luxury items such as remote keyless entry, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and optional 16-inch dark gray wheels. It can also tow up to 3,500 pounds, and it includes a deck rail system for easier bed hauling. This model is available for $27,940. The TRD Sport trim spices things up by adding the Remote Connect app, a leather-trimmed shift lever, 10-way power seats, and wireless charging for your phone. You can get the TRD Sport trim for $33,060 at a Toyota dealer near you.
The TRD Off-Road trim is exactly what you’d expect, more capable of off-roading. This is due to its Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select features. What is CRAWL, you ask? It includes four driving modes – Mud and Sand, Loose Rock, Rock and Dirt, and Mogul and Rock. We recommend this trim if you’re into exploring nature. You can purchase the TRD Off-Road for $34,315. Next in line is the Limited trim. Its special features include blind spot monitoring, a panoramic view monitor, and leather-trimmed heated 10-way power seats. This model is designed for convenience, and it starts out at $38,905.
Now, let’s look at the final available trim, the TRD Pro. This model is the ultimate Toyota off-road machine and is filled with unique features. It comes with a Multi-Terrain Monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, a smart key to help prevent theft, FOX internal bypass shocks, and TRD cat-black exhaust. The Multi-Terrain Monitor actually shows you what’s under your Tacoma, not just around it or behind it. This, combined with its FOX shocks, make it easier to use the Tacoma for off-roading. Best of all, it is available with a manual transmission for sportier driving.
The 2021 Toyota Tundra
Let’s dive into the powerful one now. There are also six available Tundra trims, but they come with different variations as opposed to the Tacoma. First, we again have the SR trim. In the Tundra, it comes with Toyota Safety Assist, a towing package, trailer-sway control, an integrated backup camera, and an easy to lower and lift tailgate. Already it sounds like the Tundra is down to tow, and that would be correct. This model can tow up to 10,200 pounds, making it a great full-sized truck option. Additionally, it can seat up to 6 people with the Double Cab and optional front bench seat. This model is available for $33,675 at a Toyota dealer near you.
The SR5 trim is essentially the same as the SR, but fancier. It comes with Audio Plus, a larger 8-inch touchscreen, a sliding rear window with privacy glass, and halogen fog lights. It has the same towing capacity as the SR, and you can purchase it for $35,365. Next up, we’ve got the Limited trim. This trim comes with LED headlights and fog lights, larger 20-inch 5-spoke wheels, chrome heated outside power mirrors, dynamic navigation, and an extra-large fuel tank. This model is available for $42,390.
The Platinum trim comes with 20-inch 6-spoke wheels, a smart key system, and a power vertical sliding rear window. It includes brushed-metal trim, and it comes with all the same safety features as previous trims. It’s just more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. You can get the Tacoma Platinum for $48,895. Next up, we have a special edition Tundra – the 1794 Edition. Based on the Platinum trim, it has some unique elements that include wood-grain accents, 1794 badging, and standard brown leather seating. This model is also available for the same $48,895 as the Platinum.
Finally, let’s look at the off-road-oriented Tundra trim, the TRD Pro. This one is actually a bit cheaper than the Limited and 1794 Edition trims, landing at $48,775. The TRD Pro has upgraded Fox shocks in the front and rear and a TRD front skid plate. It’s essentially packed with TRD parts, and it also includes black TRD Pro leather-trimmed seating and a TRD Pro bedside stamp. Its blacked-out grille reads “TOYOTA” in large letters, adding to its sporty look.
How Do I Pick Which Truck Is Right For Me?
If you’re looking for a Toyota truck dealer near you, we hope that this information has helped you narrow down your options. However, we understand that it may be difficult to choose which trim you want, even if you’ve narrowed down your model. The best thing to do is to look at your wants versus your needs and consider what your budget is. Toyota offers 12 different 2021 truck trims, and each trim has its own special benefits. However, even at the base-level, Toyota trucks offer a lot of safety and technology, so it can’t hurt to start small if you’re on a budget.
We recommend choosing the Tacoma TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro if you’re into riding for fun. However, if towing is your thing, a mid-grade Tundra is likely your best bet. When properly equipped, this full-size truck is capable of towing up to 10,200 pounds. After determining your minimum requirements, it’s really down to aesthetics, safety features, and available technology. If we’ve piqued your interest, it can’t hurt to stop by a Toyota dealer near you today to find out more.
