Truck fans get ready to rejoice, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4×4 Double Cab is set to be fan favorite. With thoughtful details like wipeable fabric seats, cooling, locking storage boxes, increased leg space and the confidence-inducing safety technology that Toyota is known for, this truck brings a whole lot to love.
Around the time that this vehicle came into review, it was time for the International Miniature Bull Riding Championships to arrive in my hometown of Mesquite, Texas. It seemed like the perfect time to get opinions from real cowboys and the families that love them on this truck. Thankfully, it happens to be right down the road from my house So I grabbed my daughter, mask, boots and raincoat to head out for the adventure.
Get ready for Compliments
We arrived at Rodeo Center on the first day of competition. The sky was a lit bright with fiery colors and the rains had just subsided. Guests and competitors were unloading hay, unhitching trailers and walking horses around to head into the Arena. As I was backing into a parking spot is when I first noticed the glances, and a couple of cowboys came near.
They gestured to the truck. Happy grins split their face. There is nothing like a gorgeous truck that brings people together. You compare notes, share memories and get the scoop on a vehicle that might be new to you.
One gave a thumbs up and “That’s a pretty truck.” and another asked, “What is that?” We nodded acknowledgement and gave them permission to come over. I stepped back and gave them space to look. They talked amongst themselves about the color {a pretty blue grey called Cement}, the shape, the grille and the detailing on the truck bed. The 16” steel wheels were a hit. I had to point out the locking cool box in the truck bed because it’s pretty awesome and ridiculously handy.
On the inside
The first thing that you notice is that the interior is generously proportioned for a mid-size truck. The black, embossed, fabric trimmed seats with pale tan contrast stitching and power driver’s seat are a welcome addition, and the navigation instruments and front passenger cargo storage are smartly placed with plenty of room for gear, my coffee, purse, phones, laptops and wallets.
Family inside Toyota Tacoma on a cold day 
Apple Car Play and Android Auto Made Easy 
Dash of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma
The 4×4 Double Cab with a 3.5L v6 Engine has enough get up and go and pep to do the things that you need to do, either as a daily driver or as a tool to tow your latest fun toy. Averaging somewhere around 22 mpg, truck fans will be happy with blend of form and function that Toyota delivers in this model. Dual climate control with rear vents {thank you!}, power locks and windows with 3 USB ports make life easy as go through your day to day activities. I also loved that the LATCH anchor for my youngest’s car seat was not an experience in hide-n-go-seek.
Safety First
Seamlessly integrated, in our opinion, Toyota has consistently delivered one of the safety systems standard. This truck while equipped with the optional technology package, came standard with Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Automatic High Beams and Radar Cruise Control. Not just those, but also the Star Safety System which is a simpler word for Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, Brake Assist and Smart Stop Technology. All of these will basically give you more control over your vehicle — which is an absolute win.
This truck handled beautifully on construction laded roads and those that had not met the luxury of asphalt. It was a stable drive that didn’t tug and pull as I drove, smooth enough for my youngest that was taking a nap in the backseat and solid enough to make me feel secure on dark roads without streetlights — also the automatic high beams didn’t hurt.
Find Yours
Assembled in San Antonio, Texas, the model that we tested was priced just over 35K with the optional Trail Edition and Technology packages, as well as parking sonar, premium audio and dynamic navigation. The 2021 Toyota Tacoma bases at $26,250 and has 6 trim levels topping out at just under $50K. With 4WD, seamless safety tech, generous space and an intuitive layout, this truck will make fans of many.
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