2021 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade Joins the Dark Side

People know the Toyota Tacoma for many reasons. Tacoma trucks are tough, reliable and dependable. They also have fantastic resale value. The best in the entire nation, in fact. Some grade levels, including TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, are equipped with valuable off-roading tools to tackle even the toughest terrain.

This coming year, though, Tacoma gets an edge to it.

Nightshade trim levels are not new to the Toyota fleet. You may have heard about Nightshade Camry, 4Runner, Sienna, Corolla Hatchback and Corolla sedan. Now Toyota is introducing darkened versions of its popular Tundra, Sequoia and Tacoma.

Watch the 2021 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade Special Edition video commentary and click to subscribe to Torque News for daily automotive news reports.

I can hear AC/DC in my head right now, “Yes, I’m Back in Black!”

2021 Tacoma Nightshade Specs

Toyota Tacoma Nightshade is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 24-valve direct injection Atkinson Cycle engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb.-ft. torque. It is matched with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. This new trim level gives potential buyers the option to pick 2WD or 4WD.

When we see Tacoma Nightshade reach dealerships later this summer (that is all I have to go on at this point for time frame), it will be based on the Limited trim level, but with very unique qualities and features.

This means it will feature black leather seats, similar to those found on the upcoming 2021 Tundra Nightshade. Also, several outside black accents make up the darkened Nightshade vibe.

You can expect dark smoke colored 18-inch alloy wheels, along with fog light bezels and a black exhaust tip, as well as black door handles and black mirror caps.

Completing Nightshade’s look is a new darkened chrome grille with a new grille insert design.

Color choices for 2021 Tacoma Nightshade

Three color options will await people when Tacoma Nightshade reaches dealerships across the country. Choose from Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic and Wind Chill Pearl. This is the first time Wind Chill Pearl has been available in the Toyota Tacoma. Think 2020 Camry to see this color in person for the next few months until Nightshade comes out.

Time for your thoughts on 2021 Toyota Tacoma Nightshade

Pricing is not yet available, but as a point of reference, factory MSRP for 2020 Tacoma Limited 2WD Double Cab is $38,790 and 4WD is $41,865. Just a guess, but I see Nightshade coming in slightly more than the traditional Limited grade. Time will tell as launch gets closer.

We are pretty familiar with the Nightshade / Toyota partnership on its current models, but how will it look on a midsize truck? What do you think of the looks and styling from the pictures? Is Nightshade something you will consider for your next purchase?

Thanks for reading everyone. See you next story when I talk about the delayed next-gen Toyota Tundra and what superfans are saying about it.

YOU MAY ENJOY: My video review compares Tacoma TRD Sport vs TRD Off-Road.

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