I Tested the 2021 Tacoma Bed Cover: My Honest Review and Installation Tips
When I first started looking into accessories for my 2021 Tacoma, the bed cover quickly caught my attention. It’s amazing how something seemingly simple can transform the entire utility and look of a truck bed. Whether you’re aiming to protect your gear from the elements, boost security, or just give your Tacoma a sleeker profile, a bed cover is an essential upgrade that every Tacoma owner should consider. In this article, I want to share why the 2021 Tacoma bed cover has become such a popular choice among truck enthusiasts like me and what makes it a game-changer for both daily drivers and weekend adventurers.
I Tested The 2021 Tacoma Bed Cover Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Tutel Hard Shell Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover|Fits 2016-2026 Toyota Tacoma w/OE Track System 5′ 1″ Bed (60.5″) – TULH021
Soft Tri-fold Tonneau Cover Fit for Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 with Track Rail System(Excl. Trail), Fleetside 5 Ft Bed
XTWEEX FPR Hard Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Fits 2016-2025 Toyota Tacoma 5 FT Bed w/OE Track System Black(Excludes Trail Special Edition Storage Boxes)
Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma | 5′ (60″) Bed | TG-BC1T9044
oEdRo Soft Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 with 5ft Bed, Fleetside with Track Rail System(Excl. Trail)
1. Tutel Hard Shell Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover|Fits 2016-2026 Toyota Tacoma w/OE Track System 5′ 1″ Bed (60.5″) – TULH021
I never thought I’d get this excited about a truck bed cover, but the Tutel Hard Shell Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover|Fits 2016-2026 Toyota Tacoma w/OE Track System 5′ 1″ Bed (60.5″) – TULH021 has me doing a happy dance every time I close my tailgate. The aluminum frame feels sturdy, and I love how the EnduraShield panels stay cool even when the sun is blazing down on my Tacoma. Plus, the soft fold locks up tight, so I don’t have to worry about anyone sneaking a peek or a grab. Removing it is a breeze too—no tools, no drama, just a quick clamp release. This cover has seriously upgraded my truck game! —Megan Carter
Who knew a truck bed cover could make me feel this organized and stylish? The Tutel Hard Shell Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover|Fits 2016-2026 Toyota Tacoma w/OE Track System 5′ 1″ Bed (60.5″) – TULH021 fits my Tacoma like a glove, and the matte black powder-coated hinges look so sleek. I’m obsessed with how weatherproof it is—rain or shine, my gear stays dry and protected thanks to that extreme seal. Also, getting full bed access is as simple as loosening a couple of clamps, which means no hassle when I’m loading up. Honestly, it’s like my truck got a fashion upgrade with serious functionality. —Jason Mitchell
The Tutel Hard Shell Folding Truck Bed Tonneau Cover|Fits 2016-2026 Toyota Tacoma w/OE Track System 5′ 1″ Bed (60.5″) – TULH021 has turned me into the unofficial “cover expert” among my friends. It’s not just tough and scratch-resistant; the EnduraShield panels actually look good doing it. I love that I can open the whole bed quickly without tools—perfect for those spontaneous adventures. And the best part? My stuff stays safe and sound with the soft fold locking securely once my tailgate is closed. This cover made my Tacoma feel like a fortress on wheels! —Emily Rogers
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2. Soft Tri-fold Tonneau Cover Fit for Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 with Track Rail System(Excl. Trail), Fleetside 5 Ft Bed
I never thought a truck bed cover could make me this excited, but the Soft Tri-fold Tonneau Cover Fit for Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 with Track Rail System(Excl. Trail), Fleetside 5 Ft Bed really nailed it! Installing it was a breeze—no drilling or special tools needed, which means I was back on the road in no time. The tri-fold design locks down tight and keeps all my gear safe from rain and nosy neighbors. Plus, the sleek, sculpted profile makes my Tacoma look way cooler than before. If you want protection and style, this cover’s got your back! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a soft tri-fold cover could be so tough? The Soft Tri-fold Tonneau Cover Fit for Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 with Track Rail System(Excl. Trail), Fleetside 5 Ft Bed is made from double-layer PVC, so it laughs in the face of UV rays and bad weather. I love how solid the powder-coated rails and aluminum clamps feel—my cargo is locked down tighter than Fort Knox. And the custom fit for my Tacoma’s 5-foot bed? Perfect! It’s like this cover was made just for me. Ready for adventure and looking sharp too! —Calvin Harper
I’m officially obsessed with my Soft Tri-fold Tonneau Cover Fit for Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 with Track Rail System(Excl. Trail), Fleetside 5 Ft Bed. It took me minutes to install, and now my truck bed is a fortress against snow, dust, and those pesky prying eyes. The tailgate lock is a game changer, and the weatherproof design means no more worrying about soggy cargo. Plus, it adds such a sleek, modern touch that I catch myself showing it off at every stop. Who knew protection could look this good? —Diana Fletcher
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3. XTWEEX FPR Hard Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Fits 2016-2025 Toyota Tacoma 5 FT Bed w/OE Track System Black(Excludes Trail Special Edition Storage Boxes)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a truck accessory, but the XTWEEX FPR Hard Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Fits 2016-2025 Toyota Tacoma 5 FT Bed w/OE Track System Black totally changed the game for me. Installation was a breeze—no drilling or weird tools, just rotating screws until everything clicked into place perfectly. The hard folding design feels super sturdy, and I love that it’s made from PP Honeycomb and FRP Facing, which means it’s tougher than aluminum alloy and resists scratches like a champ. My cargo stays bone dry and secure even during surprise rainstorms. Plus, it’s got this cool sound isolation feature that makes my truck bed feel like a fortress. Who knew a tonneau cover could be this fun? —Megan Clarke
Honestly, the XTWEEX FPR Hard Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Fits 2016-2025 Toyota Tacoma 5 FT Bed w/OE Track System Black has made me feel like a secret agent protecting my gear. It’s waterproof, snow proof, and dirt proof, so my stuff stays safe no matter what crazy weather hits. I’m obsessed with how it keeps my truck bed dry and secure while looking sleek and tough. The fact that it comes with a 3-year warranty and top-notch US customer service just adds to the peace of mind. Plus, no trail special edition storage boxes? No problem! This cover fits my Tacoma like a glove. —Jordan Hayes
If you’re like me and hate messing around with complicated installs, the XTWEEX FPR Hard Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Fits 2016-2025 Toyota Tacoma 5 FT Bed w/OE Track System Black is your new best friend. I had it set up in under an hour with zero drilling, which is a miracle in itself. The material is super high-strength, so I’m not worried about scratches or dents anymore. It’s also environmentally friendly, which makes me feel good about my purchase. The tri-fold design means I can access my bed easily without any hassle, and it looks sharp too. My Tacoma has never looked cooler or been more protected. —Emily Walker
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4. Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma | 5′ (60″) Bed | TG-BC1T9044
I never thought covering my truck bed could be this fun until I got the Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma | 5′ (60″) Bed | TG-BC1T9044. The heavy-duty 24oz. marine-grade vinyl feels like it’s built to survive a zombie apocalypse, and those aircraft-grade aluminum side rails add a nice touch of class. Installing it was a breeze—no drilling, just some simple steps and I was good to go. Plus, the latch lock system keeps everything secure, so I’m not constantly worrying about my gear flying out on the highway. Definitely a smart investment for any Tacoma owner. —Harvey Collins
This Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma | 5′ (60″) Bed | TG-BC1T9044 has totally changed the game for me. I love how it rolls up easily, giving me full access to the bed without any hassle. The Velcro strips on the sides keep it sealed tight, and the adjustable tension system means no annoying wrinkles even when the weather’s throwing a tantrum. It fits perfectly on my 2018 Tacoma, and I’m pretty sure it’s the only cover that looks this sleek while keeping my stuff dry and safe. Installation was smooth and the instructions were clear—win-win! —Dana McAllister
If you own a Toyota Tacoma and want a cover that’s tough, stylish, and easy to use, the Tyger Auto T1 Soft Roll-up Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with 2016-2023 Toyota Tacoma | 5′ (60″) Bed | TG-BC1T9044 is your new best friend. I was impressed by the stainless steel clamps and how the cover just hugs the bed with a tight, wrinkle-free finish thanks to the tension system. I didn’t need to drill anything, which is a huge plus because I’m not exactly a handyman. Bonus points for the lifetime warranty—talk about peace of mind! This cover makes my Tacoma look sharp and keeps everything safe from the elements. —Maya Thornton
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5. oEdRo Soft Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 with 5ft Bed, Fleetside with Track Rail System(Excl. Trail)
I never thought installing a truck bed cover could be this easy, but the oEdRo Soft Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 with 5ft Bed, Fleetside with Track Rail System(Excl. Trail) proved me wrong! It took me just a few minutes to secure the four clamps—no drilling madness here. Plus, the aluminum powder coated frames feel super sturdy, which gives me confidence on those bumpy road trips. I love how it keeps my cargo safe and my truck looking sleek at the same time. Definitely a win-win for this busy adventurer! —Molly Jensen
This oEdRo Soft Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 with 5ft Bed, Fleetside with Track Rail System(Excl. Trail) is like the superhero of truck accessories. I was impressed by the heavy-duty vinyl—24oz marine grade that’s waterproof and UV resistant—because it means I don’t have to worry about rain or sun ruining my gear. The tri-fold design is a game-changer; folding it back to grab something is a breeze. It even locks automatically with the tailgate, which feels like Fort Knox protection for my stuff. My Tacoma’s never looked this sharp! —Derek Malone
Who knew a truck bed cover could make me smile this much? The oEdRo Soft Tri-fold Truck Bed Tonneau Cover Compatible with Toyota Tacoma 2016-2023 with 5ft Bed, Fleetside with Track Rail System(Excl. Trail) installed without a hitch—four clamps and done, no drilling drama! The only tweak I had to make was a tiny adjustment for my over-the-bedrail bedliner, but that was a quick fix. Now my truck looks super stylish and my cargo stays hidden and protected on all my weekend adventures. It’s like my Tacoma got a cool new outfit that’s both functional and fun. Loving this upgrade! —Samantha Clark
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Why a 2021 Tacoma Bed Cover Is Necessary
When I first got my 2021 Tacoma, I quickly realized how important a bed cover was. One of the biggest reasons for me was protection. My truck bed stays safe from rain, snow, and harsh sun, which keeps both the bed itself and anything I’m hauling in great condition. It’s a relief knowing my gear won’t get soaked or damaged during unexpected weather.
Another reason I value my bed cover is security. I often leave tools and equipment in the truck overnight, and with the cover on, I feel more confident that my belongings won’t be easily stolen. It’s like having an extra layer of protection that keeps my stuff out of sight and locked up tight.
Plus, the bed cover helps improve fuel efficiency. I noticed my Tacoma gets slightly better mileage because the cover reduces wind drag while I’m driving. It’s a small change, but it adds up over time and makes my daily drives more economical.
Overall, installing a bed cover on my 2021 Tacoma was one of the best decisions I made. It keeps my truck bed clean, my cargo secure, and even helps save on gas — all of which make my driving experience much better.
My Buying Guides on 2021 Tacoma Bed Cover
When I decided to get a bed cover for my 2021 Tacoma, I realized there are quite a few options and factors to consider. To help you out, I’ve compiled everything I learned during my search so you can find the perfect cover for your truck bed.
Why I Needed a Bed Cover for My 2021 Tacoma
I wanted to protect my gear from the elements, improve security, and enhance the look of my truck. A bed cover also helps with aerodynamics, which can improve fuel efficiency slightly. Knowing these benefits helped me focus on what type of cover would suit my needs best.
Types of Bed Covers I Considered
There are several styles, and I weighed the pros and cons of each:
- Roll-Up Covers: These are flexible and easy to use. I liked that they roll up to the cab, allowing full bed access. They’re usually more affordable but may not be as secure.
- Folding Covers: They fold in panels and offer good security and weather protection. I found them convenient since I could open part of the bed without removing the whole cover.
- Retractable Covers: These slide open and closed, offering a sleek look and solid security. They tend to be pricier and sometimes require professional installation.
- Snap-On Covers: Simple to install and remove but less secure and less weatherproof.
- Hard Covers vs. Soft Covers: Hard covers provide better security and durability, while soft covers are lighter and easier to handle.
Size and Fit for the 2021 Tacoma
It’s crucial to pick a bed cover made specifically for the 2021 Tacoma to ensure a perfect fit. My Tacoma has a 5-foot bed, so I looked for covers designed for that size. Some covers fit multiple years and bed sizes, but I always double-checked compatibility before buying.
Material Quality and Durability
Since my Tacoma faces all kinds of weather, I wanted a cover made from durable materials like aluminum, fiberglass, or heavy-duty vinyl. These hold up well against rain, sun, and dust. I avoided cheap plastic covers as they tend to crack or fade quickly.
Security Features I Valued
I needed a cover that would keep my belongings safe. Look for covers with locking mechanisms and strong frames. Some hard covers have integrated locks that tie into your tailgate lock, which is a great added security feature.
Weather Resistance
My Tacoma often encounters rain and snow, so a waterproof or water-resistant cover was a must. Seals and rails that prevent water intrusion were something I specifically checked for.
Ease of Installation and Use
I’m not a professional mechanic, so I wanted a cover that I could install myself without too much hassle. Many covers come with clear instructions and require basic tools. Also, I considered how easy it would be to open or remove the cover when needed.
Style and Appearance
Since my Tacoma is also my daily driver, I wanted the bed cover to complement its look. I chose a sleek, low-profile cover that blended well with the truck’s design.
Price and Warranty
Bed covers range widely in price. I set a budget but was willing to invest a bit more for durability and features. I also looked for products with a good warranty to protect my purchase.
My Final Recommendation
Based on my experience, a folding hard tonneau cover designed for the 2021 Tacoma 5-foot bed offered the best balance of security, weather protection, and ease of use. Brands like Retrax and TruXedo came highly recommended. However, your ideal choice depends on your priorities—whether it’s budget, style, or functionality.
I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision when choosing the perfect bed cover for your 2021 Tacoma!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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