2021 Toyota Tacoma vs Tundra vs 4Runner: Who Has Changed the Most?

This is a model year, 2021, where Toyota will not be redesigning any of its popular truck and SUV models. However, the buying community will see minor updates.

These upgrades can be found in new trim levels, new convenience, new styling and new safety features.

The question is, if you compare a 2021 4Runner and Tundra and Tacoma, who has the best additions and changes this year?

2021 Toyota Tacoma

Buyers looking for 2021 Tacoma changes will find two more trim levels among their choices.

Toyota Tacoma Trail Special Edition offers people additional storage, utility and style and a great vehicle for enjoying the outdoors. It is based on SR5 in two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Look for extra storage compartments along each side of the bed. The driver side storage bin is insulated for storing drinks and other items you wish to stay cold.

2021 Tacoma Nightshade Special Edition is based on Toyota Tacoma Limited and is offered in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. It comes with black seating with tan stitching.

Tacoma Video: My video reviews covers changes coming to 2021 Tacoma.

Blacked-out features like wheels, front grille, mirror caps, door handles, fog light bezels and black exhaust tip create a cool, ominous look.

Other upgrades to 2021 Toyota Tacoma are digital dual temperature controls for all V6 Tacomas, as well as upgraded audio to support additional Toyota remote connected services like remote connect and service connect.

Lunar Rock is the new Tacoma TRD Pro color. Army Green will now be available on other trim levels SR5 and up.

2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Tundra offers new trim levels and colors.

Tundra TRD Pro will feature Lunar Rock for 2021. Army Green will be spread out among other trim levels.

Voodoo Blue has been discontinued for 2021 Toyota Tundra. Wind Chill Pearl is new to Tundra and can be found on Limited, 1794 and Platinum grades.

A 2021 Tundra Trail Special Edition, just like Tacoma, gives people more storage and utility. Key highlight of this package is the extra bed storage with insulation and drain plug on the driver side.

Tundra Video: Check out these changes coming to 2021 Tundra.

Nightshade Tundra is based on the higher Limited trim level and comes in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. Interior offers black leather seating.

This new trim blacks out Toyota Tundra wheels, front grille, door handles, exhaust tip and side mirror caps.

2021 Toyota 4Runner
Nice changes coming to 2021 Toyota 4Runner.

Toyota already has a 4Runner Nightshade, so that is not new for 2021. However, one big improvement will be welcomed by 4Runner fans.

LED headlamps are standard for all 2021 4Runner grades across the board. Limited, Limited Nightshade and TRD Pro also include LED high beams. LED fog lights are now standard at all levels.

This is big news since LED lights are known to project wider and farther, shine brighter and last longer than halogen bulbs. Plus, they look mighty cool. Double bonus here.

4Runner Video: Here are the 2021 Toyota 4Runner updates, in my video review.

2021 4Runner TRD Pro has re-tuned suspension to improve off-road performance. It also features new black TRD alloy flow form wheels.

Lunar Rock is 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro color. Army Green will only be seen on 4Runner Trail Special Edition for 2021.

4Runner Trail features additional storage but it will come in the form of a 40-quart cooler that can sit on a factory-installed sliding rear cargo tray. Also look for a Yakima LoadWarrior cargo basket up top. This is based on SR5 and comes in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. It has black seating with tan stitching.

Other Toyota News and Notes for 2021

Powertrain will remain the same for 2021 Tundra and 2021 4Runner and 2021 Tacoma.

Tacoma V6 trims are powered by a 3.5-liter V6 direct injection Atkinson Cycle engine that gives drivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. torque. It works in combination with a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.

A 2021 Toyota Tundra comes with a 5.7-liter V8 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. torque.

Toyota 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine under the hood. This works in combination with a 5-speed automatic transmission. Plan on 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. torque.

Time for your thoughts on Toyota 2021

Based on these changes, who has the most upgrades important to you and your family – 2021 4Runner or 2021 Tundra or 2021 Tacoma?

What changes would you like to see when these popular Toyota models get redesigned?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I show you how to see if you have Remote Start on your Toyota RAV4.

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