2021 Toyota Tacoma — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Toyota Tacoma is a pickup offered with 2 engines (2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) / 21 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 22–25 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Toyota Tacoma workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Toyota Tacoma: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 25 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 4★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.7L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.7L 4-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Pickup |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 25 combined / 24 urban / 28 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 21 combined / 20 city / 23 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 263 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 4 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,200 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 5 configurations for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma across 2 engines (2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 18 to 21 mpg (US), or 22 to 25 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (19/22) | 274 | $3,350 |
| 2.7L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (20/23) | 263 | $3,200 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/22) | 278 | $3,350 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (19/24) | 268 | $3,200 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 18 (17/21) | 299 | $3,700 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Running Costs: 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Toyota Tacoma at 25 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,455 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
Owners have filed 80 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Toyota Tacoma. The most-reported areas are Power train (14), Service brakes (12), Unspecified (12). Complaints include 9 reported crashes, 15 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is well below the median of 138 complaints across the 16 Toyota Tacoma model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (14 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Brakes (12 owner complaints) — Brake firmly from speed and look for pulling, vibration or a soft pedal; ask for brake service history.
- Engine (11 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Toyota Tacoma compare to similar pickups? Pickups in our database average around 25 mpg (UK) combined — this model sits close to that average, within 0 mpg. Its 263 g/km CO₂ figure is 20 g/km lower than the 283 g/km average for pickups on this site. This comparison is based on 264 pickups in our dataset.
Toyota models in our database average about 34 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Toyota Tacoma's 25 mpg is 9 mpg below that make average. Its 263 g/km CO₂ figure is 47 g/km higher than the 216 g/km Toyota average.
Of the 17 Toyota Tacoma model years we cover, the 2021 ranks 10th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (25 mpg UK combined, against a high of 28 mpg). See every Toyota Tacoma year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma: 2.7L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.7L 4-cyl with a automatic (s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
The most efficient configuration returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, or 21 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 22 to 25 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
NHTSA lists no safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma as of 6 October 2026. Recalls can be issued years after a model is sold, so it is still worth checking your own VIN.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma?
Among the 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (14 complaints), Service brakes (12 complaints), Unspecified (12 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Toyota Tacoma's fuel economy good for a pickup?
It returns around 25 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 25 mpg among the pickups we track.