The automotive industry reviews continue to roll out this month, with many of the teams and organizations spending quality time with the 2023 models. And the 2023 Toyota Tundra just finished its evaluations with Edmunds. The first impressions are great, too.

While there is plenty to love about this year’s AWD Toyota Tundra, not all the opinions were positive. In fact, there was one particular aspect of the Tundra that the Edmunds team wasn’t impressed with at all. Here’s what you should consider before buying one of these 2023 model pickups.

A recap of the Edmunds review of the 2023 Toyota Tundra

There’s no question. Toyota pulled out all the stops when engineering the 2023 AWD Toyota Tundra. Its turbocharged V6 engine and 10-speed auto transmission deliver plenty of power, according to Edmunds. And the team’s review overall seems favorable. The Tundra earns a score of eight out of 10, with an Edmunds “good” rating.

Based on the Edmunds testing, the team hails the Tundra’s smooth driving experience. They appreciated the optional 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, and the review complements the cabin designs. The controls are easy to use. And the composite materials in the bed are great for protecting against dents and scratches. 

The Tundra offers an extended-cab and crew-cab configuration. One comes with a short bed, the other with a long bed. And truck buyers will love the seven different trim levels to outfit their perfect Tundra experiences, including the SR, the SR5, the Limited, the Platinum, the 1794, the TRD Pro, and the Capstone.

Add in Toyota’s suite of driver aids, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, and you might just have everything you need in a pickup.

But there’s one setback that Edmunds wasn’t impressed with at all.

The one area of the 2023 Toyota Tundra that scored the lowest

Despite calling the 2023 AWD Toyota Tundra a “well-rounded truck,” there’s one aspect that isn’t so noteworthy. The fuel economy ratings are subpar. The EPA suggests estimates to be 19 mpg combined, according to FuelEconomy.gov, which seems comparable to other pickups in the segment. 

However, in testing, Edmunds says the team only managed to earn 15.2 mpg along the real-world driving route. On the highway, it only clocked 16.9 mpg, too. And according to Edmunds, that’s the worst fuel economy they’ve tested on other full-size trucks. Moreover, in this category, Edmunds only gives the Tundra a 6.5 out of 10.

Take this low-score feature with a grain of salt

While the fuel economy for the 2023 Toyota Tundra seems pretty dismal, take it with a grain of salt. Even the Edmunds review team said they didn’t approach fuel efficiency with any degree of high expectations. After all, it’s a full-size truck. And off-road capable, beefy pickups aren’t usually too spectacular on saving fuel. 

Remember, this fuel economy setback is also based on that 3.5-liter V6 standard engine that comes with the first five trims. On the Limited trim and further up the trim levels, you’ll have an optional hybrid system called the Hybrid Max. This hybrid design pairs battery power to the V6 engine to help create a greater output. The standard engine offers 389 horsepower, while the hybrid system cranks 437 horsepower.

If it’s time to park a new full-size pickup truck in your garage this year, the word from Edmunds is that you should very much consider the 2023 Toyota Tundra. And while you’ll appreciate almost every amenity and offering on this truck, don’t set your hopes too high in the fuel efficiency department.

Then again, if you’re buying a full-size truck, you might not be overly concerned with EPA ratings on fuel consumption.