Skip to main content

Are you interested in purchasing the new 2023 Toyota Tundra? For some buyers, a luxury pickup truck is essential. Gone are the days of driving a basic, no-feature work truck with no purpose other than towing and hauling. Today, pickups are built with work in mind while maintaining the drivability of an SUV. Plus, drivers who are in their trucks daily want luxurious features, comfort, and more. Two 2023 Toyota Tundra models provide this type of quality. However, which luxury trim is better between the 2023 Toyota Tundra Platinum and Capstone?

How much is a 2023 Toyota Tundra?

A 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro full-size pickup truck with a hybrid powertrain and Solar Octane color option
2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

According to Toyota, there are seven trims in the 2023 Tundra lineup. The most basic Tundra SR starts at the bottom at $36,965. That’s about average for the full-size truck class, although some other models’ entry-level trim is slightly more affordable. However, it’s outstanding that the base model comes equipped with a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 that’s good for 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of safety features is also standard. It comes with forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-keeping system.

From there, the Tundra lineup only gets more luxurious. However, the highest trims are the luxury models we’re comparing. The Platinum model starts at $58,775, and three trims cost more. However, the Capstone is at the tippy top of the lineup, starting at $75,245. Although comparable to rivals’ luxury full-size truck offerings, the Capstone is much more costly than every other version of the 2023 Toyota Tundra.

2023 Toyota Tundra trimPrice
SR$36,965
SR5$42,470
Limited$48,565
Platinum$58,775
1794 Edition$59,460
TRD Pro$68,520
Capstone$75,245

Which Tundra has a hybrid powertrain?

a lifted red 2023 Toyota Tundra
A Tundra with the new lift kit installed | Toyota

According to Edmunds, five of the seven 2023 Toyota Tundra trims are available with a hybrid powertrain. However, availability is a little different throughout the lineup. For example, the Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition can get the hybrid system optionally but come standard with the turbo-V6. Alternatively, the highest trims, TRD Pro and Capstone, come standard with the hybrid setup.

As a result, the Capstone trim has an advantage over the Platinum. It uses a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 paired with a battery-electric hybrid system. Together, the powertrain has an output of 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. That’s much higher than the output numbers for the standard engine setup. According to Toyota, upgrading the Platinum model to the hybrid powertrain costs roughly $3,000 extra, making the pickup cost $62,105 MSRP.

Tundra Platinum vs. Capstone: Features

First, the more affordable Platinum model comes with nearly every feature from lower trims. For example, blind-spot monitor, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, the Towing Package, heated and ventilated front seats, and much more. Additionally, the 2023 Toyota Tundra Platinum is upgraded with even more value. Things like ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery, premium LED headlights, heated/ventilated rear seats, a premium JBL audio system, a digital instrument panel, a wireless smartphone charger, a panoramic sunroof, outlets in the cabin/bed, a trailer backup guide system, and a 360-degree camera system.

It’s easy to see that the Platinum model adds a ton of value. It should offer that many extra features for roughly $10,000 more than the Limited trim. For about $16,000 more, the Tundra Capstone should add even more value to the full-size truck. However, we don’t think that’s the case. Edmunds says the only features the Capstone has over the Platinum are 22-inch wheels, Capstone-exclusive interior/exterior trim, power-deploying running boards, sound-reducing front windows, and a head-up display.

Does the Platinum trim offer more value than the Capstone?

In conclusion, relative to price, the 2023 Toyota Tundra Platinum trim offers more value than the range-topping Capstone. For full-size trucks, it’s difficult to gauge where the value lies. For some people, towing and hauling are all that matter. However, if you’re a buyer searching for a luxurious pickup, either of these models is a viable option. Unfortunately, we think the Capstone is too expensive for its added features. For only a few thousand extra, the Platinum trim can get the same hybrid powertrain setup if fuel economy and extra power are crucial for you.

Related

Here’s How to Custom Order an Eye-Catching 2023 Toyota Tundra Without Breaking the Bank