Thoughts on 2021/22 Tacomas

Dodge… it’s in the name…

 

I agree with this point. I would advise the OP to save another $400-500 for a good tune (how it should come from the factory). I have the KD max tune but OTT tune is good as well. It completely takes care of the gear hunting.

 

My ‘22 Pro has 35k flawless miles and it has every option available. I don’t care much for the transmission, but it is no worse than the 6-speed in my old ‘17 Sierra. Lots of gears means lots of shifting. My ‘06 PreRunner has 190k and nothing major except for basic wear items.

 

Yes but they no longer make a mid size and I really dont need a full size.. i guess if they start selling 1500 for 35K though

 

I have a 2022 Limited and love it. No problems whatsoever. 20,000 Miles.

 

Ive again come back for a question. in the 20-22 Tacomas(automatics only..I grew up on standard was first thing I drove but wife cant so I dont want her not being able to drive it if needed) whats the models that would have the push button start, heated seats and hopefully blind spot monitor and power seats heated mirrors..if you added packages to a SR5 as a example could you get all that or does it have to be fully loaded...TRD type model ive even seen the TRD not have some stuff like heated seats. so its becoming hard to look....

and wtf is it with everyone from the stuff like carfax,carmax the "services" listing everything wrong I looked up 10 TRD sports..all LISTED by dealerships and other places as TRD Pro's and 3 of the 10 were Pros the others were NOT

 

2020 Tacoma trim level comparison
2021 Tacoma trim level comparison
2022 Tacoma trim level comparison

Keep in mind "Available" means OPTIONAL equipment.

Many features are only available in an "option package" that includes other options, which you may or may not want/need. Each year has different option packages. Vehicle manufacturers tend to offer features that were optional one year, as standard equipment in subsequent years. For example, front dual-zone automatic climate control was an option in 2020 TRD Sport, but standard equipment in 2021 TRD Sport. Some features are available "a la carte" if the vehicle was custom built by the original owner, and ordered directly through Toyota.

There are plenty of fake TRD Pro Tacomas out there, so be careful. It's relatively easy to make a copycat with TRD Pro decals and used Pro wheels (or cheap knockoffs with TRD Pro center caps), and many buyers won't know the difference. Verify the model trim level by having your insurance confirm it using the VIN.

Good luck with your search!

 

If you don’t want all the Toyota Nanny Stuff on it look for a 2017. Mine is 85K miles on it and we just got back from a trip to Texas with a 20 foot loaded travel trailer and it did very well, even with all the extra gear that I already put on the truck.

 

I have a 2022 Sport AT 4X4, and love it. I ordered the Tech package that came w BSM, RCT alert, Lane departure, etc.
You need to look for the Premium Tech package to get the heated leather seats, and moonroof. The Limited is what you want.
Good luck with your search. You will not be dissapointed.

 

Tacos will get you there & back!

It is an equipment 'package' that will get you the heated seats.

Note that somehow all Tacomas on sale have 'become' TRD something or other...

People claim to not want to pay for higher trims, but they all somehow happen to want to transform their taco into the higher trims. Check VINs, is all I can say.

Some car 'rag' listed the 21' as having the best model-year reliability record... (Up to the Publishing date sometime in '22). I remembered this because I have a '21 of course!

I'd say that by 2020, all issues on Tacos were mostly sorted (as good as it would get) and not many new issues were seen. And that was the date of the last 'refresh' too, for what it is worth...

FYI - 2020s are the first with electric seat adjustment.

I'd go with the best condition / latest model-year / lowest mileage / best price combination you can find and go with it.

Check for paint issue on white ones.

I would also encourage the Manual gearbox - but I did read your comment above!

 

For me its just the sweet spot for what im trying to do.. 20-22 is in that 30-37K range price wise and that lets me pay it off in 24-36 months.

This one I will have to end up keeping at least 8 years. Wife and I rotate getting a "new" car and shes next. so I will end up having whatever i get for at least 8 years be it a Tacoma, a Frointier Pro4x,Ridgeline or maverick.. Leaning Tacoma mostly for reliability sake I hope ease of parts also.

 

As others have mentioned, I have a 2021 and it has dodged a couple [minor] recalls and issues in surrounding model years. It was built during the depths of the pandemic, so I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad.

In general though, it seems to be holding up well.

 

I've been happy with my 2021 as well. I only have 20k miles on it which reminds me it's time for the 5k oil change and tire rotation.

Only issue I have had was the OEM Firestone Tires only lasted 15,000 miles ( with 3 rotations mind you ) so I put on some Wildpeaks
and love those tires on this truck.

As others have said, Toyota makes a reliable product.

And as they say in Australia:
If you want to go to the Outback you take a Range Rover.
If you want to get back you take a Toyota.

 

My 2021 has been pretty good. All of a sudden it has sprung a few issues, right as I am nearing 50K.

46.5K - driveshaft center support bearing went bad, started chirping like crickets (warranty replacement for new bearing and the u-joint nearby)

47K - power steering reservoir leaked (fixed myself - $150 part)

48K - now the steering rack has a damp boot on the left side. Gonna drive that one without fixing until it becomes a nuisance. At that point I’ll buy the $600 OEM rack and replace myself, begrudgingly. Absurd that the part has remained the same for 20 years and still has the same leak issues, but oh well I guess.

 

I don’t think the 21/22 are any significantly more/less reliable than the other years.

Bring the truck to an independent mechanic for a pre-purchase inspection, so a mechanic can take a good look on that vehicle. It saved me from a bad used purchase before. This advice goes for any used vehicle.

There isn’t many 21/22 with higher mileage. But I’ll say my ‘22 with 31k miles is treating me well so far.