2023 Toyota Tundra: Redesigned and Realigned
What do our experts think of the 2023 Toyota Tundra? We look at powertrain, interior options, trim levels, and more. Find out our thoughts here.
2023 Toyota Tundra – toyota.com | Shop 2023 Toyota Tundra on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2023 Toyota Tundra?
There aren’t a lot of new features on the 2023 Toyota Tundra simply because it went through a complete redesign last year. Toyota does offer up an SX appearance package to the SR5 trim, but nothing much more than that.
Even though there are no major updates for the 2023 model year, Toyota still offers up some great tech and driver safety features. The redesigned drivetrain and powertrain also provide better fuel efficiency. It isn’t the same V8 that Tundra fans have been familiar with, but it offers up nearly as much power.
The Breakdown
Smooth, peppy powertrain
Composite bed limits dents
Hybrid powertrain option available
Poor fuel economy for a V6 with hybrid option
Should have a trick tailgate like competitors.
Not as much towing and payload as competitors
The 2023 Toyota Tundra is better than the old model, but still needs improvement.
2023 Tundra Specs
- 348 horsepower from base engine
- 405 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 7 available trims
- Available 5.5-, 6.5-, or 8.1-ft bed lengths
- 12,000-lb towing capacity when properly equipped
- Stability control
- 14-inch infotainment display
- 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
2023 Toyota Tundra Powertrain
The powertrain update may leave some Tundra fans missing the 5.7L V8 that was equipped on earlier models. However, the turbocharged 3.4L V6 provides 348 horsepower and 405 lbs.-ft. of torque and delivers it smoothly thanks to a ten-speed automatic transmission. Despite what Toyota’s literature states, the measurements of the V6 (3,445 cc) work out to 3.4L instead of their listed 3.5L. RWD is standard, and AWD is available.
One of the best features is the hybrid powertrain option: the i-Force Max powertrain. This is available on the Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition trim. The hybrid system provides electric assistance to the engine and boosts the power output to 437 horsepower and 583 lbs.-ft. of torque. Additionally, drivers will get a small bump of about 2 MPG in fuel economy.
The suspension on the 2023 Toyota Tundra consists of single-rate front and rear coil springs with Tokico twin-tube shocks. If you want a bit more cushion for those off-road excursions, the Toyota’s Load-leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension package is available on the SR5 or Limited trim.
If off-roading is truly where your heart is, you’ll want to look at the TRD off-road package which comes standard with an electronically locking differential. This package is standard on the TRD Pro trim but can be equipped on other trims as well.
The 2023 Toyota Tundra provides a ground clearance of 9.3 inches which is great for reaching those job sites that aren’t on a paved road.
Towing & Payload
The 2023 Toyota Tundra can tow up to 12,000 lbs. when properly equipped. The base model with RWD can tow up to 8,300 lbs. While this sounds impressive, it trails the heavy-duty trucks offered by competitors like Ford and Chevy.
The payload is also lower than competitors and rated up to 1,940 lbs. If you do a lot of heavy-duty hauling, you may want to consider these numbers. There are just more options on the market that do the job better.
2023 Toyota Tundra Fuel Economy & MPG
In theory, the 2023 Toyota Tundra should get amazing mileage, especially with a hybrid option available. In truth, however, it is only mediocre with its 18 MPG city/24 MPG highway on models that aren’t equipped with the hybrid option.
Even with the hybrid option, our calculations show that the 2023 Toyota Tundra gets only 20 MPG city/24 MPG highway. It will save you a bit of money in the city but really doesn’t do anything for you on the highway. Isn’t the point of a hybrid system completely missed here?
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
Toyota drastically increased the comfort level inside the cabin when compared to older Tundra models. It provides a soft and quiet ride for all passengers and would be great even for longer trips. The Crewmax cab configuration offers the most room for the rear passengers, and the optional sunroof and full-length power rear window makes it even more spacious.
Forward visibility is good despite the Tundra’s large hood and thick pillars. The controls are easy to access, and the 14-inch infotainment display is a breeze to operate. Everything can be easily read at a glance from the driver’s seat which is a big deal for a full-size truck.
The choice of materials won’t win any awards, however. Plastics are the focus, and they feel somewhat flimsy. Leather trim is available on the Limited and higher trims, while leather seats are available on the Capstone trim. The 1794 Edition trim is the trim that offers the best materials including American walnut grain trim and two-color options: Rich Cream or Saddle Brown.
The 2023 Toyota Tundra comes with bed size options of 5.5 ft., 6.5 ft., or 8.1 ft. Whether you’re looking for a little room or a lot of room, the Tundra has you covered.
Entertainment & Technology
An 8.0-inch infotainment system is standard, but the one to get is the large 14-inch version. Both offer quick and easy access to apps with the bonus of being Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. The system was updated during the last model year and is much more robust in terms of speed. USB ports and wireless charging are optional or included on some trims.
The sound system comes in a six-speaker, nine-speaker, or 12-speaker JBL system. If you’re looking for a vehicle with a great factory system, the 2023 Toyota Tundra is the one to get. Even the base six-speaker setup sounds amazing.
A 4.2-inch gauge cluster display is standard but can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch all-digital cluster. A heads-up display is also optional and well worth the extra money.
There are plenty of driver assistance features including pre-collision warnings and a lane-keeping system.
Safety Features
At the time of publishing, the 2023 Toyota Tundra has not been tested in crash tests. However, it offers a lot of driver safety features such as an adaptive cruise control system, a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, road sign assistance, automatic high beams, and a lane departure system.
There is a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert and a Parking Support Brake that controls the braking in the event of a collision.
2023 Toyota Tundra Trims and Pricing
SR – $39,915
The SR trim is the base trim for the 2023 Toyota Tundra. It features a Smart Key System with Push Button Start, rear under-seat storage compartment, fabric manually adjustable driver and front passenger seats, power rear window, backup camera, and an 8.0-inch infotainment system.
SR5 – $43,370
Step up to the SR5 trim to get all of the features of the SR plus a Class-IV towing hitch receiver and wiring harness, towing drive modes, and an integrated trailer brake control system.
Limited – $51,515
The Limited takes things up a notch with 20-inch rims, heated and ventilated front seats, SofTex trimmed seats, power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support, leather-trimmed steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a 14.0-inch infotainment screen.
Platinum – $59,675
The Platinum trim offers everything in the Limited trim plus a trailer backup guide system, panoramic view monitor with cameras, wireless smartphone charging, a power tilt/slide panoramic roof with power sunshade, and a 12-speaker JBL Audio sound system.
1794 Edition – $60,360
This trim is based on the Platinum trim but is styled differently. It has the same features as the Platinum with distinctive emblems and embellishments. It also includes 20-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, a chrome-accented mesh grille, and a Rich Cream or Saddle Brown interior with American Walnut wood-grain trim.
TRD Pro – $71,215
This trim is similar to the Limited trim but comes with more off-road functionality. Features include an electronically controlled locking rear differential, off-road suspension with FOX shocks, multi-terrain select with crawl control, 4WDemand part-time 4WD, downhill assist control, front aluminum skid plate, Xply Armor engine and transfer case covers, smoked LED headlights, and a multi-terrain monitor with cameras.
Capstone – $77,940
This is the pinnacle of the 2023 Toyota Tundra trim lineup. It has all the standard features of the Platinum trim plus 22-inch wheels, power running boards and bed step, a 10-inch head-up display, and a black and white leather interior with walnut grain trim.
Warranties
The warranties offered on the 2023 Toyota Tundra are average for the industry. The Tundras come with a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Toyota does offer 2 years/25,000 miles worth of free maintenance.
What we think
2023 Toyota Tundra – toyota.com | Shop 2023 Toyota Tundra on Carsforsale.com
The redesign was a much-needed refreshment of a great truck. The fact of the matter is that Toyota could have literally done anything to improve upon the severely aged design of the Tundra. Seeing them step it up and bring the Tundra up to date was good.
While there are some great updates, the Tundra is still far from being an industry leader in anything. It offers ample – but not great – towing capabilities, and the ride comfort could be improved upon (take a page out of Dodge’s book). They aren’t winning any awards for their interior materials either especially on the lower-level trims.
The hybrid powertrain is barely worth mentioning since it has a minimal impact on the overall fuel economy of the truck. We would like to see some major improvements here to better justify the price tag.
If you’re still a diehard Toyota Tundra fan, there is plenty to be excited about. You won’t miss the V8, at least. You’ll have some up-to-date tech and a refreshing new look as well. If you’re looking to get the 2023 Toyota Tundra, be sure to check out our new car incentives here.
