I recently spent some time with the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro. Not gonna lie, I kind of fell in love with it. Enough to actually consider buying one. The thing is, I couldn’t help but balk at the sticker price. After driving it for a week, however, I came to the conclusion that it’s probably worth the high dollar. What do you think? Is the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro actually expensive?

How much is a Toyota Tacoma?

A new Toyota Tacoma base level trim, called the SR, starts for $27,325––according to Car and Driver. This is a pretty affordable price point. However, this model comes standard with the 4-cylinder engine that leaves much to be desired.

“The Tacoma has earned a cult following the hard way: over time, delivering what customers wanted.”

Car and Driver

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro starts at $44,074 according to Toyota. And for this price, you get the more robust optional V6 engine. Seeing as how it’s tuned for off-roading, the TRD Pro also comes standard with the Tacoma’s 4×4 option.

That’s not all this price gets you though. If you want a seriously capable pickup truck for off-road fun, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro is a great option. The back seat is a tad tight, and it feels a bit clumsy on pavement. However, everything that’s annoying about in on city streets makes it more compelling off-road.

When you buy a new Tacoma, you get a multi-terrain camera monitor and LED headlights with sequential turn signals. In addition to this, you’ll get driver assistance features like blind-spot warning and a rear cross-traffic alert. The keyless entry is also standard. The TRD Pro Tacoma also comes with an upgraded JBL sound system and navigation.

TRD Pro Tacoma features

The TRD Pro Tacoma has the cat-back exhaust as a standard feature too. There’s also the black leather seats with the TRD Pro badging and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat. Toyota recently traded out the old Bilstein shocks for new FOX Internal Bypass shocks. The lifted suspension and intuitive off-road drive modes are all part of the package.

In short, you drive away in a vehicle ready to take on the tough stuff straight from the factory. No aftermarket accessories needed. Rigid fog lamps and a composite bed are just a part of this little beast. Drive it off the lot and take it virtually anywhere.

Is it really expensive?

Depending on how you’d outfit your pickup truck with aftermarket features for off-road fun or overlanding, you can easily end up with a truck that costs well over the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro’s sticker price of just over $43 grand.

If you’re considering joining the legendary Taco cult following but you’re worried that it’s too expensive, just think about it. Yes, we know that an automatic transmission TRD Pro model can easily option out closer to $50 grand, but that’s typical in the top of the line pickup truck game.

Tacomas have a reputation for lasting 100, 200, and even 300 thousand miles. There’s a reason why the fans are die-hard. If standard off-road capability that’s compatible with your rugged lifestyle is what you need in a vehicle, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro might not be so expensive after all. In fact, it might just be worth every penny.