The New 2023 Toyota Tundra
The pickup truck has long been the backbone of the American driving public. An icon of the American roads, these are vehicles that are passed down from generation to generation. American automakers are the originators of the full-size pickup segment and lead the pack for years.
So what does it say when one of the best trucks on the road today isn’t from one of the classic American automakers?
Hot on the heels of its first redesign in 14 years, the 2023 Toyota Tundra is a complete package. Pairing potent engines with advanced safety and technology, all wrapped in stylish sheet metal, it has something to meet the needs of every driver. This is all topped with a reputation for reliability that helps the Tundra hold its resale value better than any other truck on the market. Let’s take a deeper look!
Performance Features
With the redesign, the Tundra became the first modern full-size pickup to eliminate V8 power from its lineup. While this might sound worrisome, the 2023 Toyota Tundra has more than enough power to tackle construction and farming needs, as well as towing or hauling weekend toys! The base twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine produces up to 389 horsepower and 479 ft-lb of torque, running through a 10-speed automatic transmission. This gives it a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 pounds, on par for the segment and almost a ton more than the previous Tundra generation. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is optional, using a similar 3.5-liter engine while augmenting it with mild hybrid power for superior power, generating 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. Both rear- and four-wheel drive drives are offered with either engine.
Power is only half the battle, and the 2023 Tundra comes through on the other half with one of the best rides and smoothest handling in the full-size class. A stiff frame provides for better agility and less body roll in tight curves, while coil springs in the rear offer a more comfortable ride. The available adaptive variable suspension provides an even smoother and more responsive experience for the driver looking for the best they can get. Finally, you can add TOW/HAUL mode select and Drive Mode Select with up to six selectable driving modes on select models.
Style and Technology
Modern trucks have opted for bigger, more muscular, angular design language. The 2023 Toyota Tundra has followed this, but with subtlety. While tall, broad front ends have become the main style choice, the Tundra has worked angular edges into it, keeping it from overwhelming. It’s highlighted by the hexagonal grille instead of a squared-off ladder-style grille. Pronounced wheel arches, muscular sheet metal, and a tuck in the tailgate differentiate the Tundra further and provide some sporty touches. The Double Cab can be equipped with a 6.5- or 8.1-foot aluminum-reinforced composite bed, while the CrewMax gets a 5.5- or 6.5-foot bed.
Inside, the broad horizontal dash makes it easy to enter and exit the cabin. Interior controls have been designed for easy operation even by drivers and passengers who are wearing work gloves. Both the Double Cab or CrewMax Cab seat five, although it’s a matter of how comfortable you want your passengers to be. The rear seats in the Double Cab are limited to 33.3 inches of legroom, comfortable for kids and young adults, while they offer 41.6 inches in the CrewMax, perfect for full-sized adults. In both cases, the rear seat in both can be folded up to access additional in-cab storage compartments.
At the center of the 2023 Tundra is a touchscreen audio multimedia system – choose from a base 8-inch version or an upgraded 14-inch version, the latter of which is the largest one available in any 2023 model year pickup truck. This is the home of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as your choice of a 6-, 9-, or JBL 12-speaker sound system. The usual 12V auxiliary power outlet is standard, but you can get a 120V AC household outlet on select trims. Multiple USB ports are also included for charging and multimedia.
Safety
Toyota has an incredible reputation for safety, and the 2022 Toyota Tundra fits right in, with both the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 and the Star Safety System standard. Every Tundra comes with eight airbags and a backup camera. Driver assistance features include the PreCollision System with Pedestrian Detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist all standard. A Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and trailer detection are also both optional.
Trim Levels
Choose from seven different trims on the 2023 Toyota Tundra as well as over a dozen different packages to choose from. These packages do everything from adding TRD off-road capabilities to providing special towing packages and an improved suspension to appearance packages and so much more. Your Toyota salesperson can help you get the right package for your needs!
The base SR trim level is a great bargain, with amenities to elevate it above the basic work truck but with plenty of durability. Double Cab versions get an 8-inch touchscreen and six speakers while CrewMax models get nine speakers instead. Both cabs come with Android Auto™ & Apple CarPlay® compatibility, SiriusXM® with a 3-month Platinum Plan trial subscription, and three USB ports. Heated side view mirrors are standard on every trim level.
At the SR5 trim level, the 8-inch touchscreen is still standard but you can upgrade to the 14-inch touchscreen for that superior experience. Dual-zone automatic climate control is optional, while Drive Mode Select with three selectable drive modes is standard on SR5 trims and above. The SR5 trim mainly opens up the ability to add multiple option packages – including the new SX package with special-edition wheels, blacked-out badges, bumper inserts, and more.
Jumping into the 2023 Toyota Tundra Limited trim brings the 14-inch touchscreen as standard. You can upgrade this to the superb premium JBL® audio system with 12 speakers that includes a subwoofer and amplifier. A power tilt/slide moonroof and panoramic roof are offered as options at this trim level. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard on this trim and up, as are heated and ventilated front seats trimmed with SofTex synthetic leather. A leather shift knob and leather-trimmed, heated steering wheel are standard.
The TRD Pro model features many of the amenities of the Limited but adds off-roading prowess and unique style features. The premium JBL® audio system is standard on this trim and above, and you also get QI-compatible wireless charging to keep cellphones at full power. The Pro gets unique smoke-finished premium LED headlights, along with exterior badging. Importantly for off-road tasks, the trim features an LED lightbar and marker lights along with unique TRD skid plates, exhaust tips, and front springs. TRD décor inside includes badging, unique floor mats, steering wheel, and upholstery. The panoramic moonroof is standard on this trim level and above.
Luxury fans will enjoy the Tundra Platinum Trim, which offers leather-trimmed 10-way power-adjustable driver and front passenger seats. Both front and rear seats are also heated and ventilated for optimum comfort in all seasons. For the driver, the 10-inch color Head-Up Display with speedometer and navigation keeps focus on the road ahead. Standard on this trim and the 1794 Edition is a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and an upgrade from the manual adjustability on other trims. This trim also can be upgraded to six-mode Drive Mode Select, which adds Comfort, Sport S+, and Custom modes to the Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. Rear door sunshades keep the sun off your rear seat passengers.
A Tundra with a western twist, the 1794 trim takes everything the Platinum offers and adds open-range flavor. The name itself is a nod to the year the JLC Ranch was founded – that ranch is now the home of Toyota’s San Antonio factory, where the Tundra is made. The 1794 features the same comforts, conveniences, and tech as the Platinum trim. However, it swaps the luxury badging for western unique 1794 Edition badging inside and out. Walnut wood-grain interior trim adds ambiance, and special 1794 Edition floor mats wrap everything up.
Capping everything off is, appropriately, the Capstone trim. Combining the luxury of the Platinum trim with features from the TRD Pro trim, it’s sporting luxury. Outside, it gets chrome trim and Dark Chrome Capstone badging, as well as standard power raise and lower running boards and a powered BedStep to make it easier to get in and out of the bed. The upholstery features semi-aniline leather trim, and you get 10-way power adjustable driver and front passenger seats with 4-way adjustable lumbar support. Backlit badging and luxurious lighting wrap up the interior.
The 2023 Toyota Tundra is the best value truck on the road today. Reliability, performance, technology, safety – the Tundra has it all! Don’t just take our word for it though, come take a look at the Tundra for yourself at Mechanicsville Toyota! You can schedule your test drive when it’s most convenient for you.
