The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Capstone Sets a New Standard for Performance and Design
There isn’t much to dislike about the Toyota Tundra Capstone, especially when it comes to modern pickup trucks. The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Capstone has just about every feature the automaker offers, including more than a 10,000-pound towing capacity, and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain doesn’t disappoint. In the history of pickup trucks, the 2023 Tundra Capstone will go down as one of the more legendary options. Here are some first impressions after driving the Toyota truck for a week.
How much is a fully loaded 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Capstone?
The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Capstone is about as fully-loaded as possible. While the regular Tundra starts at $37,865, the Capstone begins at $76,145 with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain.
That comes paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, part-time four-wheel drive with an electronically controlled transfer case, and an automatic limited-slip differential.
While testing the Toyota Tundra Capstone, the truck wasn’t lacking in any features. The Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) uses cameras mounted on the front, side mirrors, and rear that help increase visibility. It was quick to respond and easy to drive around town. While this fully-loaded, full-size truck is reaching $80,000, there isn’t much missing from the truck from the factory.
What is the mpg for a Tundra Hybrid?
With the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system, the Tundra Capstone gets 19 mpg in the city, 22 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg combined. That is the same fuel economy for the four-wheel drive equipped Limited Hybrid, Platinum Hybrid, and the 1974 Edition Hybrid. The fuel economy is a bit higher for the 4×2 Limited Hybrid, Platinum, and 1974 edition come in at 20 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined.
We took the Tundra Capstone around town and observed similar fuel economy numbers. The Tundra’s available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain gets 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, which is pretty incredible power.
Toyota’s new hybrid system is impressive all around. Even if the Tundra Hybrid doesn’t have outstanding fuel economy numbers at first glance, the hybrid system is impressive on its own.
How does the 2023 Tundra Hybrid Capstone drive?
Yes, the 2023 Capstone is a full-size truck, and its dimensions are not compact by any means. However, all the cameras and technology make it relatively easy to drive around town. With all the cameras mounted around the Tundra’s exterior, there aren’t many angles out of view.
Inside, a 14-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen and 10-in. color Head-Up Display (HUD) help provide information without overwhelming. The touchscreen allows you to view all of the camera angles and get a 360-degree view of what is around the truck. This is especially helpful for curbs and fitting into tight parking spots.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto make navigating on the road easy. The system can even read text messages, so you don’t have to take your eyes off the road. Toyota also included Power running boards and the BedStep system, so getting in and out of the Tundra is a breeze.
How safe is the Tundra Capstone?
While the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has not yet rated the 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone, the 2022 version received the Top Safety Pick award. Since 2023 did not bring many changes, the new version will likely retain high safe scores.
Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 system comes on all 2023 Tundra trucks, which adds plenty of safety systems. These include:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Blind-Spot Monitor
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Capstone safety systems worked as anticipated during testing. While on one-lane roads, the Lane Tracing Assist system was a little aggressive. The corrections it made sometimes sent the Tundra off-center, but it could be the road lines that confused the system. One day while in heavy rain, the Road Sign Assist system reminded us to slow down for a school zone. This system was also helpful for speed limit changes and worked better than anticipated.
The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Capstone isn’t for every potential customer. It works for those who want a luxurious truck capable and loaded with technology. It has plenty of room for five people, can tow more than 10,000 pounds, and makes driving a full-size truck easier.
However, it does come at a high cost that might be out of reach to many buyers. The $76,145 price tag isn’t too outrageous for a truck of this caliber, and most of the competition is similarly priced. If you can live with the 10,000 towing capacity, the Tundra Hybrid Capstone is strong, capable, and sleek.
