carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Truck |
| Base Price | $28,665–$33,814 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2021 Toyota Tacoma at 7.8/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this truck. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.7/10, while Technology at 7.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.7/10, reliability is one of this truck's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 7.7/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.4/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. Tech rates a reasonable 7.0/10: the essentials are covered and well executed, but rivals at the same price often include more as standard.
Priced from $28,665–$33,814, 20 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Tacoma sits in the mid-market bracket of the truck segment. The 7.6/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Our take: The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a solid, well-rounded truck that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma ranks #53 of 515 trucks in the Carivo database — better than 90% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.4 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $28,665 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $35,138 by about 18%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Truck ranking → · Best Trucks under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Toyota Tacoma scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.8 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.0/10 | $32,445 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.0/10 | $32,445 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.9/10 | $31,500 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $30,555 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $29,610 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $28,665 | |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $27,720 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $26,775 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $25,830 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $24,885 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $23,940 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $22,995 | Read review → |
We rate the 2021 Toyota Tacoma's reliability 8.7/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
It scores 7.8/10 overall, ranking #53 of 515 trucks in our database (better than 90% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma starts at $28,665 and ranges up to $33,814 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Other trucks at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Toyota models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
