We’re having an action-packed week with the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. We’ve been using it for errands around town, holiday road trips, and off-roading. Check out a few interesting things that we’ve discovered about the 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro. 

7 things you need to know about the 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro 

First, for a little background information, the 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is the off-roading model, and it rings in at about $68,520. The entry-level model starts at around $36,965. So, it costs $31,555 for incredible off-roading, luxury, and comfortable upgrades. 

The TRD Pro comes with a 1.1-inch suspension lift, 18-inch TRD wheels wrapped in 33-inch all-terrain tires, skid plates, Fox suspension dampers, a rear locking differential, crawl control, panoramic sunroof heated/ventilated seats, a wireless phone charger, and a 360-degree camera view. 

1. The 2023 Tundra TRD Pro is tall

The 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro has a 10.9-inch ground clearance, leading to a tall entry height. Some running boards, side steps, or more handles to grab would be helpful. Shorter folks may have to get a running start to climb in. 

If you’re 5’1″ like me, then you have to jump out too. But I’m used to climbing into lifted vehicles like a spider monkey. Just wear padded shoes to protect your ankles. 

The TRD Pro doesn’t have the built-in tailgate step, so the bed is challenging to access too. I had to put my stomach on it first, like a seal, to pull myself up. Some relatives needed help lifting coolers over the side of the bed. 

2. We hope you like red

The new Toyota Tundra TRD Pro interior has tons of bright red leather upholstery. It draws the eye and pops like fire. Plus, it’s accented with a shadowy camo design. Red covers parts of the dash, the seats, and the door panels. 

Some people love it. The red gets them excited and fired up. Others hate it and ask if other interior colors are available. We’re currently unsure if the TRD Pro comes in black or grey, but the 1796 Edition has Saddle Brown leather. 

My mom said that the red interior would make her car sick, but no drivers or passengers have gotten queasy so far. 

3. There is constant engine noise 

The 2023 Toyota TRD Pro has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that’s paired with a hybrid electric battery system to generate 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. It’s surprisingly loud for a hybrid setup with constant deep rumbles. 

During road trips on the highway, through downtown city areas, and country back roads, the engine noise is there. It’s a constant roar, but it’s not exactly distracting. You don’t have to raise your voice to maintain a conversation. 

4. The 2023 Tundra TRD Pro has excellent manners on pavement 

Typically off-roading vehicles have a stiff, harsh ride. But the 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is an exception to this trend. It’s pretty smooth on the pavement without feeling floaty or lumbering. The tires provide a connection to the pavement with a confident grip. 

Plus, aside from the low growls of the engine, the 2023 Tundra is quiet. The interior is surprisingly quiet at highway speeds. The seats are well-bolstered, but there’s hardly any body roll around sharp curves. 

5. The driving modes make a difference when it comes to the fuel economy 

The 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro has three different modes for daily driving. The Sport Mode engages faster response times with a peppier acceleration. 

It helps the Tundra accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds. It also has softer breaks, making it harder to come to a smooth stop. 

The Normal Mode is a bit tamer but still has an impressive acceleration. The brakes are more confident and predictable in this mode. 

Also, Eco Mode has the slowest response times and the squishiest brakes to conserve fuel. In Sport and Normal mode, we got about 15.7 mpg, but Eco Mode got 20.8 mpg. 

6. The Tundra is spacious 

The 2023 Toyota Tundra has a massive cabin. The front seats are huge, with a wide range of adjustment controls. People of all shapes and sizes have enough room to sit comfortably and stretch out. 

Three adults can sit in the rear as well. The backrest sits at a relaxed angle, and the seats are well-padded. But put the shortest person in the middle. The floor lifts up a bit, cutting into leg room. 

The center console is wide and deep, the door packets are specious with trays and cubbies for personal items, and the seat pockets are cavernous. There are plenty of cupholders all around. But under-seat storage is limited, and there’s no cubby above the glove box. 

7. The Tundra TRD Pro is robust 

The 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro isn’t short on power thanks to instant torque delivery. It dominates slippery surfaces such as mud and gravel. While off-roading, the Tundra felt 100 percent in control and didn’t slide in the mud at all. 

We also put it to work by placing 573 lbs of the fence roll in the bed. The bed didn’t even take a dip, and the truck felt normal. It’s like the fencing supplies weren’t even back there. The Tundra maintained the same speed and performance while hauling. 

On that note, the 2023 Tundra can tow up to 12,000 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,940 lbs. So we only took up about a fourth of the payload capacity. 

Stay tuned for our full-length review that covers even more specs and experience with the 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.