2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD PRO Review: Old Faithful
There’s such a big cult following for rugged Toyota models, and the loaner 2021 Tacoma TRD PRO that I had, is up their on the list. Although the current generation hasn’t been fully updated, it’s had small updates that still makes it appealing to customers.
Starting with the outside, the obvious update to the 2021is the TRD PRO exclusive Lunar Rock color. It’s a color to get your attention and Toyota has been able to do that other colors such as Voodoo Blue, Army Green, and Electric Lime for 2022.
If the unique colors aren’t enough to identify that the Tacoma is a TRD PRO, you can see the TRD skid plate visible from the lifted front with the red lettering. The most obvious is the massive TRD PRO badge that is placed on the front doors. It goes with the saying, “you’re paying for the badge!”
Getting inside, you start to see some of the aging design. I’ve driven multiple rugged trim vehicles and those still had luxury touches. That’s not the case with the Tacoma as it has some cheaper plastic that was commonly used in older vehicles in the early 2000s. The seats were also lacking in comfort for the long drive I did in them. The gauge cluster offers analog gauges with a small center screen, but the most exciting thing it has to offer is a pitch and roll meter. It needs an update with something more exciting or even a gimmicky option would be welcomed. The only saving grace for the interior of the Tacoma is the updated JBL system with the integrated Apple CarPlay.
The V6 under the hood also starts to show its age. The gearing or programming of the 6-speed auto made for poor mpg and not slow response. It wasn’t till I switched it to 4LO that you could feel the power from the engine. Usually I’m not a fan of autos with a large amount of speeds. In the case of the Tacoma, maybe a 10-speed is exactly what it needs to meet modern day needs of power and efficiency.
Despite all those things that the Tacoma falls short with, the Tacoma was a truck that I really wanted to keep. That’s the irrational love that Toyota has created for me and I’m sure for other Tacoma owners. We look forward to seeing what Toyota can do to the new generation.
I want to thank the team at Texas 4Runners for sending me the shirt I wore in the video. Be sure to check out their site below and join the Facebook group to be a part of great group of 4Runner owners in the lone star state.
Texas 4Runners
https://www.texas4runners.com
Facebook Group
