2023 Toyota Tundra Overview What’s New? With the cheap SR5 trim level, you can get a new SX-style package. A member of the third generation of Tundras, which came out in 2022 The full-size Toyota Tundra pickup truck was completely redesigned just a year ago. It is much more robust, capable, and comfortable than the last generation, which shouldn’t be surprising since the last one has been around since 2007. The new turbocharged V6 engine is one of the most noticeable changes. It has almost the same amount of power as the original Tundra’s V8 engine, but it has more torque, which is suitable for towing, and gets much better gas mileage, according to the EPA. There is also a hybrid V6 powertrain for the Tundra, which gives it more power than the standard V6. As planned, there will be little change in the Tundra in 2023. It is now only available on the SR5 trim level as part of the new SX package. The SX package, door handles, and rear bumper that matches the truck’s body color give it a stealthy look. We think the Tundra is an excellent choice for a light-duty truck because of this. But the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, which are also good choices, have advantages that may make them a better buy. Pros vs Cons Pros It has a powerful turbocharged V6 engine that runs smoothly. Controls that are easy to understand and use Regular composite beds are less likely to get dents and scratches. Beautiful 14-inch touchscreens are available. Cons We found that the standard engine used about average amounts of gas. There are no gimmicky options for tailgating like there are at other places. Performance What moves the Tundra? The 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 is a suitable replacement for the roaring 5.7-liter V8, which might scare some Tundra fans. Even at low rpm, there is a lot of torque, and the 10-speed automatic transmission changes gears quickly and smoothly. When we put a four-wheel drive Tundra through its paces, it performed admirably, moving from 60mph in 6.6 seconds. With that strength, passing without thinking twice on the long road is easy. Stopping is also intense. From 60 miles per hour, the Tundra stopped at 131 feet, which is a little better than usual because the TRD Off-Road package on our test truck gave it more durable tires. The vehicle’s light and precise handling, which sometimes reminds one of the smaller Tacoma, makes driving down narrow country roads easy. The TRD Off-Road package on the truck we tested gave it a locking rear differential and more off-road driving options, but it didn’t make a big difference in how well the car did off-road. This is a big vehicle, and its long wheelbase makes it easy to get stuck in things that don’t seem like much. If you want to drive on the trails in the Tundra, you should contact TRD Pro. Comfort How easy is it to live in the Tundra? The new Tundra is a big step from the one before it. The Tundra is a nice pickup for front and back-seat passengers to drive long distances in because the seats are much more comfortable, and there is less noise inside. Even though the V6 engine isn’t as loud as the V8 that used to be available, it sounds strong enough when pushed to its limits for a full-size truck. The Tundra’s ride is smooth and controlled on most surfaces, but the Ram 1500 still has the best ride quality. The easy temperature control system on the Tundra is mainly set and forget. We like the big buttons and knobs, even though some labels are hard to read in direct sunlight. Interior How does the inside look? Even though the optional 14-inch touchscreen is eye-catching, the Tundra’s simple interior design and overall usefulness make a more significant impression. The full-size Tundra is much less scary to drive thanks to its commanding position and easy-to-read gauges and displays. Like all full-size trucks, the Tundra has enough room for all passengers, especially when it’s equipped with CrewMax. It feels enormous and roomy when the Tundra has its signature full-width, power-operated rear window and an optional panoramic sunroof. Even though the Tundra has an oversized hood, the front view is usually good. But on two-lane roads, the wide pillars of the truck’s windscreen may make it hard to see. We suggest getting the Tundra’s surround-view camera system because it makes driving more manageable in tight spaces. Technology How good is the tech? The 14-inch touchscreen that can be added to the Tundra is a standout feature. It has bright graphics and touch screen menus that are easy to use. We guess that some smartphone users may prefer the native setup to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which both come standard for most of their needs. Even though our test truck’s JBL audio system was upgraded, the base system was more than good enough. Most of the Tundra’s high-tech driving aids come as standard and work well. During our tests, there were no false alarms. The only bad thing was that the lane-keeping technology needed to work better to keep this massive vehicle in the middle of the lanes. Storage How are storage and hauling coming along? The Tundra that came out recently is powerful. Our test truck’s base V6 engine and 4WD CrewMax configuration could pull 11,120 pounds when fully equipped. Even though the Tundra’s maximum towing and hauling capacities aren’t the best in its class, they’re more than enough for most owners. The standard is a bed made of a solid composite material. The CrewMax with four other doors has a lot of space inside to store things that don’t belong in the bed. The small-item front passenger storage and area under the back seat are both quite ample. But Tundra’s interior storage isn’t as well-organized as its domestic competitors, and Tundra’s many bins will quickly get out of order. Fuel Economy How well does it use gasoline? Most people who buy full-size trucks don’t care how much gas they use, but those thinking about the Tundra might want to think again. The EPA says the 4WD Tundra gets the same 19 mpg combined fuel economy as its competitors. On the actual test route, our test truck, however, only got 15.2 mpg. Also, when the Tundra mainly drove on open highways during a weekend fishing trip, it only got 16.9 mpg. This is even worse based on what we know about similar full-size trucks. Value Is it wise to buy a Tundra? The design of the inside is of the highest quality. The gaps are small, and each trim piece is in the right place. Even though the Toyota Tundra Limited we tested didn’t have luxury features like wood and chrome like other mid level full-size trucks, it didn’t feel cheap or practical. The warranties are about average for the class, with coverage for three years and 36,000 miles from bumper to bumper and five years and 60,000 miles for the powertrain. But the Tundra comes with free maintenance for two years and 25,000 miles. Wildcard The Tundra can’t claim to be the best in its class at towing, hauling, or ride comfort, but there’s nothing wrong with having competence and convenience as your main benefits. This car is easy to use and keep up with, and its 14-inch touchscreen and full-width motorized rear window make it a unique driving experience. What is Invoice Pricing's Recommendation? The Limited trim level of the Tundra, which is in the middle of the range, is the one we recommend. Hydraulic cab mounts not only make the ride smoother and give you a bigger infotainment screen, but they are also the cheapest way to integrate the hybrid powertrain. Toyota Tundra variants The 2023 Toyota Tundra is available as a double-cab (called a “CrewMax”) or a regular-cab (called a “Double Cab”) pickup truck with four doors. Each has a choice between a short bed and a long bed. There are seven trim levels: the SR, the SR5, the Limited, the Platinum, 1794, the TRD Pro, and the Capstone. Read on to learn more about the Tundra’s engines, standard equipment, and packages that can be added on. 2023 Toyota Tundra 4WD Video Review
