Driven: 3 Things the 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone Hits out of the Park
The newest version of the Toyota Tundra Capstone is not your average pickup truck. For those looking for luxury while driving around all day, the 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone delivers on that and can still tow 10,000 pounds. Here are three things the 2023 Capstone hits out of the park.
What is special about the 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone?
Bare-bones work trucks need not apply. The 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone starts at $76,145 and has all the creature comforts and technology that the automaker could think of. A 10-in. color Head-Up Display (HUD) presents essential information on the dashboard. 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.
A 14-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen allows you to view all of the camera angles and get a 360-degree view of what is around the truck. 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.
The Capstone also gets many design features that set it apart, like a color-keyed outer frame and chrome inner grille pattern, along with dark chrome badging. You won’t confuse the outside of the truck for anything else, but if anything, it is veering into Lexus luxury territory.
2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone gets the i-FORCE max hybrid
The 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone gets the much-talked-about i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine. This 3.5L aluminum block twin-turbo V6 Hybrid engine gets 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. With the 4×4 i-FORCE max, fuel economy sits at 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. While driving the truck at low speeds, the hybrid engine was smooth and seamless.
Toyota placed the electric motor between the engine and transmission to transfer power efficiently. Thanks to this, the automaker says there is no discernable lag. Max torque from the electric engine kicks in at 2400 rpm.
This leaves the Capstone with a towing capacity of 10,340 pounds. Many luxury trucks sacrifice towing capacity, but the Tundra Capstone can also check that off the list.
Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 system works overtime.
Like all new vehicles in the lineup, the 2023 Tundra gets the latest Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of driver assistance features. This includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Automatic High Beams. The Capstone also gets Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
These systems, in addition to the cameras on the exterior, make the Tundra easier to drive. It is a full-size truck with dimensions that can make parking more difficult. While driving the Tundra in the rain, the Road Sign Assist system could still read the sign and offer a speed limit reminder.
Some trucks beat the 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone in a few areas, but this truck has plenty of thoughtful features without adding additional packages or upgrades. It offers a comfortable ride, high tow ratings, and enough power for the daily drive.
