Buying a new midsize truck can be a challenging task. It’s one of the busiest vehicle segments, with many factors to consider. The most popular model is the Toyota Tacoma. As America’s favorite midsize truck, there’s much to like about it. However, some trim levels are much better than others. There are a few reasons to buy the Tacoma base model over any other version of the pickup. What’s so good about the 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR trim?

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma base model is affordable

The first and most obvious reason to buy a 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR base model is its affordability. According to Car and Driver, the SR trim starts at $28,585, a surprisingly affordable price. Considering other options in the Tacoma lineup, the SR trim is much more reasonable in its cost. For example, the range-topping TRD Pro trim costs just over $48,000, but the trims just a step over the base model are still more costly. The SR5 exceeds $30,000, and the TRD Sport is $35,495, both far more expensive than the base model. As a result, anyone searching for an affordable version of the most popular midsize truck can’t go wrong with the 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR.

Standard and optional engines

One of the downsides of buying most base models is usually the standard engine. For the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, the SR and SR5 trims use a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. For most pickup buyers, this is underpowered, and they’d prefer at least a V6 engine. Higher Tacoma trims get a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine good for 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Luckily, the more potent engine is also optional for the base models. That means paying for the cheapest Tacoma will only cost a little extra to get the same engine as top-of-the-line models. According to Toyota, it’s roughly $500 extra with 2WD and nearly $4,000 with 4WD.

2023 Tacoma standard features

Another of the best things about the 2023 Toyota Tacoma base model is the standard features. For a pickup that starts under $30,000, the technology and driver aids are surprisingly plentiful. For example, the work truck gets 16-inch steel wheels, a sliding rear window, a composite bed, movable bed cleats, and power-adjustable/heated mirrors for functionality. The Tacoma SR has a seven-inch touchscreen, a six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite radio, three USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot for comfort and convenience. When equipped with the optional V6 engine, the base model also gets a locking/unlocking vehicle remote and dual-zone automatic climate control. Lastly, standard driver aids are forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.

Reasons to buy the 2023 Toyota Tacoma base model

In conclusion, there are several reasons to buy the 2023 Toyota Tacoma base model. While the SR trim isn’t as luxurious as alternatives, it’s got everything most midsize truck buyers need. In addition to being affordable, it’s nice that the Tacoma has many standard features and driver aids, plus you can get the optional V6 engine. Many buyers’ primary reason for purchasing a higher trim is a more potent engine. With the Toyota pickup, that’s entirely unnecessary, as the base model can be equipped with the 278-horsepower V6.