Building on more than half a century of Toyota heritage, the 2021 tacoma continues to raise the bar in the mid-sized pick-up category. A focus on quality, durability and reliability was been the priority for the 3rd generation of the Tacoma series, and its safe to say they've ticked all the right boxes with the new 2021 models.

Let's take a closer look at the new model year Tacoma.

Choice is Just the Beginning

The series itself features the Tacoma SR, the SR5, the Limited and the performance-based TRD range. The TRD range features the TRD Sport, the TRD Off-Road and the top-of-the-range TRD Pro.

If the choice of six different models wasn't enough, Toyota also offer customers with a plethora of customisation options such as cab size, bed length, drivetrain options and more. This means that you can not only tailor your own Tacoma model to suit your needs, but you'll also feel proud that this car is uniquely yours, designed to your own specifications and potentially one-of-a-kind.

So what's under the hood? Keeping in line with the theme of choice, there is more than one engine on offer here, depending on which Tacoma model you choose: either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine or a direct-injection V6. The all-wheel-drive system however, is consistent across the range. It is aided by a locking rear differential to maintain grip in the slipperiest of environments and situations.

When it comes to the TRD Off-Road model, there are some upgrades when it comes to the suspension system, in the form of Bilstein shock-absorbers. This, however, is one step down from the 2.5-inch FOX shock-absorbers, TRD-tuned front springs (lifted one inch at the front) and back springs found on the TRD Pro model.

There's also the added option of a digital multi-terrain monitor, which checks certain metrics such as slippage (for each individual wheel), tilt, tire condition and under-car checks for the properties of the terrain you're driving on.

Not Just a One-Trick Pony

While most motor enthusiasts would likely choose the six-speed manual transmission on a Tacoma, the automatic transmission version does come with some added extras to aid multi-terrain driving. These include crawl control and multi-terrain select modes. This means that regardless of your preference of transmission, you'll be just as prepared and equipped to conquer any trail in your path.

This don's mean that the Tacoma is exclusively designed for off-road driving alone. When push comes to shove, it is still a pick-up utility at the end of the day. With a towing capacity of up to 6,800 lbs, this is the bread and butter of the tacoma series and always has been.

So, what about when you have something that you want to put in the cargo bed? The Tacoma is every bit as equipped to handle this as well, with a brand new deck rail system that helps you easily and safely secure heavy and large cargo in the cargo bed. Some of the more expensive models also offer rear window access to that cargo from the rear passenger seats, in case you ever need to make a slight adjustment to the cargo from inside the cabin of the car.

Family Friendly

Traveling long distances with kids who need to watch something on a laptop or tablet? the Tacoma has you covered. A 120-volt power outlet comes as standard and allows you to charge certain appliances on the go if needed, a fantastically useful feature for families who love to go on a road trip or camping trip. Speaking of families, you can fit up to five people in a Tacoma (including the driver), perfect for couples with three children.

The interior itself is designed in stark contrast to the rugged exterior of the Tacoma. Where the exterior is designed for all-terrain, hard-shouldered performance, the interior prefers to provide luxurious levels of comfort, convenience and relaxation.

Comfort on the Inside

How does the Tacoma provide this comfort? Heated seats, for starters, covered in plush leather trim, should you so desire. For the higher-end V6 Tacoma models, you'll also have the option of a 10-way adjustable driver's seat, so you can find the optimal driving position for long-haul drives, off-road thrills, and everything in between.

Aside from this, another added feature on the higher-end V6 models is dual-zone climate control, finely tuned to optimise comfort inside the cabin. For those who prefer fresh air to climate control, however, there's an added sunroof as well. Clearly, Toyota haven't left any stone unturned when it comes to options and choice for their customers.

Lastly, the innovative user-interface on the multimedia and navigation system with added Apple CarPlay is the icing on the Tacoma cake. The amount of choice on offer from Toyota has almost become excessive at this point, but is always welcome. The high-definition touch-screen used to operate through entertainment and navigation options comes in either a seven-inch or eight-inch size.

Whatever your needs are, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma has you covered. Whether you're taking your children to school, or taking cargo across the country, the Tacoma is fully equiped to handle the task and offers plenty of comfort in the process.