2021 Toyota Trail Special Editions

 

 

Toyota is one of those rare automakers that can be all things for everybody, whether they want an efficient compact or a tough and capable off-roader. The automaker’s rugged side began in 1951 with the original Land Cruiser. That large and versatile vehicle built an almost cult following of outdoorsy people who drove it off the trails to indulge in their favorite adventures – fishing, rock-climbing, hiking, and just crawling over rocks and splashing through mud. Smaller but comparably rough-and-ready vehicles followed in the Toyota lineup: the 4Runner SUV, the midsized Tacoma pickup, and the full-sized Tundra pickup. For model year 2021, Toyota has released a limited number of Trail Special Editions for those three. Below, we’ll run through what that entails for each model in terms of extra versatility, functionality, and aesthetics.

The Trail Special Look

The 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra all have an SR5 trim level, and the Trail Special Edition is a variant of that version. The paint colors offered for all three are in the no-nonsense vein of the outdoor elements – Army Green, Cement, Super White, and Midnight Black Metallic – with each getting a black interior with contrasting tan stitching on the upholstery. All-weather floor mats are standard issue to handle the mud, snow, sand, and wet feet.

The Tacoma Trail Special Edition

As the best-selling model of the three vehicles, the Tacoma will get the largest production run – 7,000 – of Trail Special units. Its all-terrain tires sit on 16-inch TRD off-road wheels painted dark gray, and the front grille looks like the Tacoma Limited’s with a finish that’s unique to this extra-rugged variant. It has the Double Cab, and the truck bed is enhanced with a 115V power outlet and a locking storage system that comes complete with an insulated cooler compartment.

The Tundra Trail Special Edition

The larger Tundra will have 5,000 Trail Special Edition units available, all with the Crew Max configuration. Its chrome grille (see the current 1794 trim) and unique wheels distinguish it visually, and its bed will come with the same outlet and storage and cooler system as the Tacoma gets. All Tundra Trail Special Editions will also have the SR5 Upgrade Package, adding front bucket seats with power lumbar support for the driver, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, a larger fuel tank, and other bonuses.

The 4Runner Trail Special Edition

The smallest production run for the Trail Special Editions will be for the 4Runner, which is limited to 4,000 units. In addition to the dark-gray TRD wheels and the standard-issue black-with-tan interior, this model gets a useful and durable LoadWarrior roof-top gear basket, made by Yakima. The coolest feature – literally – is found in the cargo area: a 40-quart lockable cooler designed to keep ice frozen for an entire week. It’s outfitted with a sliding cargo tray that has handy brackets and tie-down straps to keep things in place during bumpy drives. The cooler has built-in bottle openers, a drain plug, and ergonomically designed handles. It can be removed for use as a table or seat, making it a convenient addition for campers and others who prefer to spend their time outside. 4Runners with Cement or Army Green exterior paint will get the same-color cooler; Midnight Black and Super White vehicles get a Cement-colored cooler.