The 2021 Toyota Tacoma: A Resale Powerhouse?
Did you know that the car you drive could be a ticking time bomb in terms of value loss? It's a harsh reality that all car owners face, but some vehicles hold their value better than others. And when it comes to the 2021 Toyota Tacoma, it's a true standout in the midsize pickup truck segment.
But why is this truck so resilient in the used car market?
Well, according to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the Tacoma is a top performer when it comes to resale value. In fact, KBB rates it as the new car that retains the most value after five years. This is impressive, considering its towing and payload capacities aren't class-leading. But the Tacoma has other tricks up its sleeve.
Its strong off-road capabilities, refined ride, optional manual transmission, and low maintenance costs all contribute to its appeal. But the real ace up its sleeve is its reputation for reliability, a trait that's highly valued by buyers. And this is where the Tacoma shines, ensuring it remains desirable for longer.
Let's crunch some numbers: CarEdge estimates that a new Tacoma will depreciate by only 22% after five years, leaving owners with a retained value of 78%. This is based on a new Tacoma selling for $44,395 and an average annual mileage of 13,500 miles. For the 2021 Tacoma, CarEdge data shows a mere 21% depreciation from its original price of $39,213, resulting in a current value of $30,998.
But here's where it gets interesting: KBB's calculations for the 2021 Tacoma's five-year depreciation are slightly higher at 22%. This takes into account the 2021 Tacoma's starting price of $34,049 and the current resale value of $26,600 for the base Crew Cab model.
So, which is it? Well, both sources agree that the Tacoma holds its value exceptionally well. However, the devil is in the details, and different trim levels depreciate at varying rates.
2021 Tacoma Trim Levels: A Depreciation Breakdown
KBB data reveals that the 2021 Tacoma Crew Cab's depreciation ranges from 22% to 28%, depending on the trim. The base SR and TRD Off-Road models with the 5-foot short bed are the cream of the crop, depreciating by only 22% from their original $38,555 price, with a resale value of $30,200 on KBB.
The 6-foot-bed TRD Off-Road model experiences slightly more depreciation at 25%, with a launch price of $39,165 and a current resale value of $29,500. Meanwhile, the 6-foot-bed TRD Sport is another solid choice, with a starting price of $39,165 and a resale value of $30,600, resulting in a mere 22% depreciation after five years.
The 6-foot-bed SR5 also holds its value well, retaining 77% of its original worth, translating to a 23% depreciation. The 5-foot-bed TRD Sport, 6-foot-bed Tacoma Limited, and 5-foot-bed Limited models all depreciate by 25-26%, while the TRD Pro, surprisingly, depreciates the most at 28%.
Tacoma vs. the Competition: Who Comes Out on Top?
When compared to its midsize pickup truck rivals, the 2021 Tacoma's depreciation is quite favorable. The 2021 Jeep Wrangler, for instance, retains 71% of its value after five years, depreciating by 29% according to CarEdge. This aligns with the Wrangler's reputation for minimal depreciation over the years.
The Ford Ranger also impresses with a resale retention of 72%, resulting in a depreciation of just 28%. The 2021 Honda Ridgeline, GMC Canyon, and Nissan Frontier are not far behind, depreciating by 36-37%. However, the Chevrolet Colorado lags, depreciating by 48%, the highest in the segment.
So, is the Tacoma the ultimate resale champion? It's certainly up there, but the Wrangler and Ranger give it a run for its money. The Tacoma's reliability and off-road prowess seem to be key factors in its strong resale value. But what do you think? Are there other factors at play? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
