3 Things You Should Know About the 2023 Toyota Tundra
As a full-size pickup truck, the 2023 Toyota Tundra has quite a bit going for it. From a hybrid engine to rear coil-spring suspension, you can get a half-ton pickup that feels comfortable and offers efficiency. But it’s worth noting that there are a few things you should know about this Toyota truck.
Is the 2023 Toyota Tundra worth it?
The 2023 Toyota Tundra has a starting cost of around $40k, and that does not make it the most affordable full-size truck on the market. But, this pickup is also highly configurable and offers perceived Toyota reliability. So some folks might find that slight premium worth paying.
Before the Tundra got a redesign for 2022, it had been nearly 15 years since Toyota gave its full-size truck a full update. Because of that, this vehicle does feel fairly modern and appropriate for the time.
The 2023 Tundra doesn’t have a V8 engine
When it comes to what’s under the hood, you’re not going to find eight cylinders with the Tundra. It’s actually one of the only full-size trucks that does not feature an optional V8 engine. Instead, Toyota has opted for a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6.
Depending on which 2023 Tundra you are looking at, the power outputs do vary. In base form, this engine makes 348 horsepower and 405 pound-foot of torque. For other trims, it makes 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque.
Personally, I’ve had experience with the hybrid variant of the twin-turbo V6. It makes 427 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. Honestly, even though it isn’t a V8 engine with large displacement, it does sound like one. I suspect Toyota might have done some tuning there in order to get a more rugged noise coming from the engine bay.
The top-trim Toyota Tundra Capstone isn’t cheap
If you are familiar with modern pickup trucks, you know that brands are doing some serious luxury equipment. The Toyota Tundra is no different; the top trim is known as the Capstone. I’ve had the pleasure of testing this variant with a starting price of over $70k.
For that price, you get a unique leather interior, a 360-degree camera, and the hybrid engine. It’s hard to say who exactly this trim is for. It sort of felt like a Lexus truck wearing Toyota badges.
Toyota’s full-size truck can’t tow as much as rivals
In terms of towing capacity, the 2023 Toyota Tundra can tow up to 12,000 lbs. It can also haul up to 1,940 lbs when properly equipped. When you compare those numbers to something like the Ford F-150, it doesn’t seem like Toyota’s truck is all that capable.
For reference, the F-150 can tow up to 14,000 lbs, and according to Car and Driver, it can also haul up to 3,250 lbs. So it does look like the Toyota is lagging behind some of the competition. Despite that, folks still opt to make the Tundra their full-size truck of choice.
