Not Making This List Is Embarrassing for the 2023 Toyota Tundra
We’re concerned about the Toyota Tundra because it seems to be falling behind the competition. We support the Tundra and hope it makes a comeback. But the top three American trucks, a.k.a; the 2023 Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Ram 1500, have a massive lead. What’s holding the 2023 Toyota Tundra back from being one of the best trucks?
Is the 2023 Toyota Tundra the best truck?
The best truck typically changes depending on who you ask, but most rankings and lists don’t put the 2023 Toyota Tundra in the top spot. On lists by Car and Driver, Kelley Blue Book, MotorTrend, and more, put either the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500 in first place. The new Tundra interior is polarizing and the truck model is still new in its fresh generation with some kinks to work out.
According to Kelley Blue Book Brand Watch Report, consumers feel the same way. This is a consumer perception survey that displays shopping behavior to see how vehicle brands compare.
There are dozens of factors that influence the customer’s final decision. The 2023 Tundra didn’t land in the top five most considered trucks. The Chevy Silverado 1500 is in the top spot, the Ford F-150 is in second place, the GMC Sierra 1500 snagged third, the Ram 1500 is the fourth, and the Ford Super Duty landed in the fifth.
The Tundra didn’t make it in the top 10 most considered vehicles either. However, the Ford Explorer and Ram 1500 landed on the list for the first time.
Also, the Toyota Brand is the most considered brand for the fifth consecutive quarter in a row. Models like the Toyota RAV4, Highlander, Prius, Tacoma, and Sienna are popular options to make up for the Tundra’s lack of interest.
Does the new Toyota Tundra have problems?
The 2023 Toyota Tundra doesn’t have the best reliability ranking. It has a score of 70 out of 100 from J.D. Power, placing it in the average category. Scores between 70 to 81 are average, while anything between 81 and 90 is above average.
It is currently only one point away from falling into the below-average category. The 2023 Ford F-150 got an 86, the Chevrolet Silverado has a score of 85 – the Ram 1500 hasn’t been officially ranked.
The lower reliability rating could be related to how the truck rolled out. When the new generated debuted in 2022, it had its fair share of issues, such as improperly fitting materials and failing weather stripping.
Owners reported that cloth and other materials came apart, and there was extra wind and road noise coming through the gaps. Sometimes the open areas led to a whistling noise. Body issues also include gaps around the bumper panels.
There are a few electrical and guage problems that have been reported. The infotainment system is a little laggy, and a random request to enter your pin may pop up. The fuel guage often doesn’t show that it’s full after getting gas either, according to owner feedback.
The 2023 Tundra is missing a few options
The 2023 Toyota Tundra is missing options compared to rivals. For example, it doesn’t have an affordable entry-level model or a basic work truck trim. The 2023 Tundra starts at $38,965, while the F-150 begins at about $34,585.
While the Tundra has a hybrid engine option, it only has two units available. The F-150 has five engines available, with an electric powertrain, and don’t forget about the insanely powerful F-50 Raptor R. The Chevy Silverado offers a diesel powertrain as well.
The Tundra doesn’t have a multi-functional tailgate that can turn into a step with a rail or that makes loading cargo easier. It doesn’t have a laptop surface or seats that fold totally flat, either.
While the Tundra TRD Pro has stout off-roading upgrades, it won’t keep up with the Ram 1500 TRX. Also, the tailpipes hang down pretty low.
The Toyota Tundra might not be one of the most considered trucks because its reliability ranking recently tanked, and it simply doesn’t offer as much as rivals do.
