It’s a little embarrassing how long it took us to notice that the new Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is missing one popular off-roading feature. On our last day with the 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, we discovered that it lacks something that even the Jeep Renegade has. 

What is the 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro missing? 

The 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is missing tow hooks! Go ahead and take a look at the front bumper, there are no chrome or red hooks sticking out. In fact, tow hooks aren’t available on any of the 2023 Tundra models. 

So what happens when you need to winch yourself out of the mud or help a friend in need? The lack of tow hooks probably isn’t that big of a deal for off-roading, but it could also make the truck feel incomplete. 

According to Car Scoops, the lack of tow hooks isn’t an accident. Toyota made the conscious decision not to include factory tow hooks to improve the truck’s aerodynamics. 

But at least you can add after-market tow hooks and tow loops to the 2023 Tundra. They come in various colors, and some can be mounted directly to the frame. 

What comes with the 2023 Tundra TRD Pro? 

Upgrading to the 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro features a 1.1-inch factory-installed suspension lift that increases the ground clearance to 10.9 inches. The standard shocks are replaced by 2.5-inch Fox shocks to improve dampening and a front stabilizer bar. 

The Tundra TRD Pro rides on 18-inch BBS forged wheels wrapped in 33-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires and a five-link rear suspension. A massive aluminum TRD-stamped skid plate protects the undercarriage, and the springs and other components have been painted red. 

It has a rear locking differential and Crawl Control, which acts as an off-roading low-speed cruise control system. It has 4×4 High, 4×4 Low, and the Multi-Terrain Select modes include Rock, Mud, Sand, and Mogul. 

It has a 26.2-degree approach angle and a 24.2-degree departure angle. The breakover angle isn’t listed. 

Also, it comes with the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 i-FORCE Max Hybrid engine with 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. It has a 10-speed automatic transmission with an electric motor placed between the torque converter and flex plate. 

How does the 2023 Tundra TRD Pro perform? 

The 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro has a stiff suspension, but it’s surprisingly smooth on the pavement. The wheels provide a sense of connection with the road surface, and only larger impacts disrupt the cabin. 

However, the TRD Pro feels shaky over gravel and jagged rock surfaces. We expected a more controlled performance, but at least this truck is confident. It maintains an excellent grip through mud and ruts. 

But the 2023 Tundra TRD Pro is 81.6 inches wide and up to 245.6 inches long. It has a 24.9-foot turning radius and is pretty hefty. It can be a hassle to maneuver in tight areas, but the parking sensors and 360-degree cameras are helpful. 

There’s plenty of torque to glide over mud and ruts effortlessly. However, the Tundra TRD Pro seemed prone to slipping on rocky surfaces. It slid in leaf-covered areas that were pretty wet from the rain. 

However, it seemed to slip easily when we went out after the rocky areas dried too. Despite weighing 6,015 lbs and feeling light, you really need to keep your momentum up to climb over obstacles. 

The Crawl Control feature maximizes Control, especially while going downhill, and the driving modes provide optimal traction for different conditions. However, we didn’t traverse any dunes or get to use the Sand Mode. 

Even though the TRD Pro is missing tow hooks, it’s still durable and capable. Do you think it’s a big deal?