2021 Toyota Tacoma vs 2022 Toyota Tacoma

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma presented itself as the quintessential pickup truck, embodying the classic truck design with its boxy fender flares, tall hood, and shield-like grille. Its lines were sharp and ruler-straight, offering a stark contrast to the more streamlined Ford Ranger and General Motors midsize twins. Certain models, like the Nightshade Edition and TRD Pro, added unique styling elements such as blacked-out trim and model-specific grilles. Despite its rugged exterior, the Tacoma maintained a body-on-frame construction, which, while affecting ride and handling, enhanced its towing and off-road capabilities. The interior mirrored the exterior's ruggedness, with chunky plastic elements and a dashboard that seemed built to withstand abuse, though it felt less justified at higher price points.

In contrast, the 2022 Toyota Tacoma, while still maintaining its aggressive exterior with a contemporary grille and headlights, began to show signs of aging, particularly in its cabin. The interior design was a mix of new and old elements, with hard plastics and outdated switchgear. Despite this, the Tacoma offered a range of configurations and packages, from the basic SR5 to the off-road-focused TRD Pro. Standard features included a power-adjustable driver’s seat, USB ports, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The TRD models enhanced the Tacoma's off-road prowess with features like a TRD-tuned suspension and multi-terrain select, making it a formidable choice for trail enthusiasts.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma was powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine, producing 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. It featured Toyota's D4S fuel-injection system for improved fuel efficiency and offered both 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions. The part-time 4WD drivetrain included a low range and an electronic rear limited-slip differential, with a fully locking rear diff available. The TRD models, particularly the TRD Pro, were equipped with off-road enhancements like Fox shocks and a front skid plate, making them competitive with other off-road vehicles like the Ford Ranger FX4 and GMC Canyon AT4. However, the Tacoma's on-road performance was less impressive, with slow acceleration and poor ride quality attributed to the automatic transmission's hesitance to shift. Its towing capacity was respectable at 2,948 kilograms, but it lagged behind competitors like the Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator.

For 2022, the Tacoma retained the 3.5-litre V6 engine in Canada, offering the same 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque, with both automatic and manual transmissions available. The V6 provided decent acceleration around town but struggled at highway speeds due to transmission gearing issues. The TRD Pro excelled off-road, with features like Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control enhancing its trail capabilities. Despite its off-road prowess, the Tacoma's towing and payload capacities remained unchanged, with a maximum towing capacity of 2,948 kilograms and a payload capacity of 583 kilograms. The TRD Pro's suspension absorbed off-road obstacles with ease, making it a top choice for trail enthusiasts.

The 2021 Tacoma's interior space was limited, particularly in the Double Cab configuration, where rear headroom and legroom were the worst in the segment. The front seats offered better space, but the overall cabin felt cramped, with a bunker-like feel due to the short windshield and side glass. Storage options were limited, though the rear seats folded up to reveal storage cubbies. The bed featured a standard rail system with tie-down cleats and an optional 120-volt outlet, but lacked clever storage solutions found in competitors.

In 2022, the Tacoma offered both Access Cab and Double Cab body styles, with seating for four in the Access Cab and up to five in the Double Cab. Rear-seat space remained tight, making it more suitable for storage than passengers. The front seats provided ample legroom, but the steering wheel's limited adjustment range posed challenges for taller drivers. The bed included in-bed lighting and a power outlet, enhancing its utility for outdoor activities.

The 2021 Tacoma featured a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model, with an 8-inch screen on higher trims. Standard features included Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, with SiriusXM available on all but the base model. The infotainment system was functional but lacked advanced features, with plain graphics and basic navigation and phone connectivity. The TRD Pro model included a Multi-Terrain Monitor for off-road navigation and parking assistance.

In 2022, the Tacoma's infotainment system remained largely unchanged, with a 7-inch touchscreen on the base model and an 8-inch screen on higher trims. The system was user-friendly, with a basic layout and large icons, though the tuning and volume dials were undersized. A wireless device charger was available, but required manual activation. The Tacoma's tech features were limited, but sufficient for those with an active lifestyle.

The 2021 Tacoma received high safety ratings, with the IIHS awarding it top "Good" scores in most crash tests, except for an "Acceptable" score in the passenger-side small overlap front test. The NHTSA gave it a four-star overall rating, with five stars in side crash tests. Standard safety features included forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control, though it lacked some features offered by competitors.

For 2022, the Tacoma's safety features remained largely the same, with standard driver assistance features like forward collision warning and lane-departure warning. Optional features included blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The NHTSA gave the 2022 model a four-star overall rating, consistent with the previous year.