2020 Toyota Tacoma vs 2021 Toyota Tacoma

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was characterized by its clean, straightforward design, though it didn't quite match the aesthetic appeal of some full-size pickups like the Ram 1500. It had a rugged charm, with a body that was rounded yet maintained enough angular lines to assert its identity as a pickup. The TRD Pro package added a distinctive flair with redesigned LED headlights, a bold grille, and a striking Army Green paint option. The interior mirrored the exterior's simplicity, featuring a functional dashboard with a modest touchscreen and durable materials, though it lacked the luxurious feel expected at its price point.

In contrast, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma maintained the quintessential truck look with its boxy fender flares and shield-like grille. The Nightshade Edition introduced blacked-out trim and alloy wheels, while the TRD Pro model featured unique styling elements like a model-specific grille and LED fog lights. The interior continued the rugged theme, with a dashboard composed of chunky plastic elements. Despite the inclusion of leather upholstery in higher trims, the material quality felt more suited to a base model, especially given the TRD Pro's focus on off-roading rather than luxury.

The 2020 Toyota Tacoma was equipped with a 3.5-litre V6 engine producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. The TRD models offered a six-speed manual option with Clutch Start Cancel for off-road control. Features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhanced its off-road capabilities, though they were not essential. On-road, the Tacoma's steering was slow, and the V6 engine struggled with gear shifts, resulting in poor fuel efficiency of 13.0 L/100 km in the city. However, it boasted a towing capacity of 2,950 kg.

The 2021 Tacoma shared the same engine and power output, with both automatic and manual transmissions available. The TRD models featured enhanced off-road capabilities with Bilstein shocks, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control. The TRD Pro added Fox shocks and a front skid plate, positioning it alongside competitors like the Ford Ranger FX4. On-road performance was traditional, with slow acceleration and a hesitant transmission. The Tacoma's towing capacity was slightly lower at 2,948 kg, and its payload capacity was respectable but not class-leading.

The 2020 Tacoma's smaller size compared to full-size trucks made it more manageable in urban settings. It offered a choice of 5- or 6-foot bed lengths, with a rail system and optional power outlet. The Double Cab's rear seats were cramped for long journeys, and the lack of a rear defroster was a drawback. Storage was limited, with no flat loading floor available.

The 2021 Tacoma's Double Cab configuration compromised interior space, with rear headroom and legroom being the worst in its segment. The cabin felt confined, and visibility was hindered by the tall hood. Storage options were limited, though a wireless charging pad was included. The bed featured a standard rail system and optional 120-volt outlet, but lacked innovative storage solutions found in competitors.

The 2020 Tacoma featured a standard 7-inch touchscreen, with an 8-inch version available. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard, along with a USB-C port. The infotainment system was functional but not exceptional, with optional features like wireless charging and a proximity key.

In 2021, the Tacoma's base model retained the 7-inch touchscreen, while other trims received an 8-inch version. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with SiriusXM available on higher trims. The infotainment system was user-friendly but lacked advanced features. The TRD Pro offered a Multi-Terrain Monitor for off-road navigation.

The 2020 Tacoma came with Toyota Safety Sense, including forward-emergency braking and lane-departure warning. It received a 4-star NHTSA rating and was an IIHS Top Safety Pick, with top ratings in most crash tests.

The 2021 Tacoma also featured Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, with additional features like adaptive cruise control. It received a 4-star NHTSA rating and "Good" IIHS scores, except for an "Acceptable" rating in the passenger-side small overlap test. Headlight ratings varied by trim.