2021 Toyota Tacoma Redesign, Price, Colors, and TRD Pro. Tacoma for 2020 received a small update. Only a year later, we will see the new generation of the mid-size truck. Well, the competition is becoming more serious. With the arrival of Ford Ranger and Jeep Gladiator, the Japanese pickup needs to refresh its offer to keep up with the competition. For years we are listening about the diesel engine. With the new platform under development for the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, it will become possible.
The Japanese company is developing a new architecture, called F1. Ok, we expect numerous updates for the new truck. The interesting part is– it will be the platform for the full-size Tundra. It left most experts stunned. Of course, a lot of modifications and modularity is required, but it will be one architecture for two trucks of different sizes. As always, Toyota is full of surprise. Whatsoever, the new look, hybrid and diesel engines, update for the TRD packages, and interior update are the things we expect from the 2021 Toyota Tacoma
Preview
It seems way too early to talk about the model that won’t come in more than a year, we have no doubt that the 2021 Toyota Tacoma won’t feature too many changes. Simply, the 2020-year model is coming with a full load of novelties, starting from updated styling, new tech features, interior details, etc
. It would be hard to believe that bigger changes are about to come only a year later. At this point, there are many 2021 Toyota Tacoma rumors that suggest diesel version, but the possibility to see this model all ready for the next year is not excluded either. In any case, many things about 2021 Toyota Tacoma are still unclear, so we must rely on unofficial reports.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Design
One thing is for sure– base design characteristics are about to remain the same. Despite some reports are suggesting 2021 Toyota Tacoma redesign, that definitely won’t happen in the next several years. Count on the same design that was introduced in 2015 and will get updates for the next year. Among updates, there is a couple of visual novelties. The new model comes with a new grille, with a new pattern, as well as with smaller tweaks to the bumper and front fascia. Other than that, things are pretty much the same, visually.
It is important to mention new Army Green finish, which will be available in the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Speaking of this off-road version, there are also new Fox shocks and a few more mechanical upgrades.
Interior
Same goes for the interior design. This 2020-year update brings a couple of important novelties. One of the first things that come to mind is that this truck will finally come with power-adjustable driver’s seat. It is very important to mention the new infotainment system. There is a new 8-inch touchscreen, with better graphics, more functions and more intuitive menu. The Tacoma will finally come with smartphone goodies like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa.
Is it time for an oil burner?
Definitely yes! The Chevy Colorado offers such version for years, while the new Ford Ranger will be available with a diesel engine. It seems natural to see something similar to Toyota. Of course, we expect to see a familiar 2.8-liter turbodiesel from Hilux. This unit delivers 177 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. Still, we could see a slight boost on this occasion. In any case, you may count on better fuel economy and higher mpg ratings. It is expected that the max towing capacity will go around 7.500 pounds with this engine.
When it comes to gasoline engines, things are about to remain the same. The base models will continue with a 2.7-liter engine, which is good for about 160 horsepower. Higher trims are about to carry on with a familiar 3.5-liter V6, which delivers 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. There were some reports that the 2021 Toyota Tacoma could get a new 8-speed automatic transmission, but that doesn’t seem very likely at the moment.
F1– The Next-Gen Architecture for Toyota’s Trucks
The new 2021 Toyota Tacoma will be built on the platform whose codename is “F1”. The company is not unveiling anything about it, but some leaking sources are reporting the development has already started. The new mid-size pickup, the big Tundra will also get the same architecture. The question is– how to fit two models with such difference in size, on the same platform. Well, Toyota has already shown some versatility with the current TNGA.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Engines
The 2021 Toyota Tacoma will continue to use a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It is powerful enough for the mid-size model. It can develop 280 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. The truck could also get a 4.0-liter V8 powertrain. The new architecture will allow engineers to develop a diesel or hybrid engine. Tacoma diesel is a subject of rumors for ages now. Well, we can now call it less likely than a hybrid.
Toyota already paired a V6 engine with electric motors for Highlander SUV. The same configuration could take place under the bonnet of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, but with improved outputs and gas mileage. Currently, the system bursts 310 horsepower.
TRD Pro Updates
The TRD Pro package is the making the current Tacoma the most capable mid-size truck in the market. Even Chevy Colorado ZR2 with Duramax diesel engine can’t match its off-road performance. For the 2020 season, the company did a small update. The major one was adding the Sequoia SUV to the TRD family. Now, with no other models in plans for joining the squad in the future, the current vehicle will expect updates.
2021 Toyota Tacoma Release Date
The appearance of the 2021 Toyota Tacoma heavily depends on the development of the new platform. The same sources are saying the mid-size truck will wait until the Tundra hits the market with the new generation. The current pickup dates back from 2007 and it will be the first pickup to deploy the concept. Its rivals are already showing off with new body styles and options. On the other hand, Tacoma was redesigned completely in 2015.
Unconfirmed, we could see the first spy photos of the new Tundra. Heavy camo on the test mule is hiding the body. Even if it was exposed, we couldn’t know what is under the panels.
