The 2023 Toyota Tundra is an impressive, luxurious full-size truck with many positive attributes. Still, it isn’t perfect, but its negatives may not be enough to deter you from buying it. Here are three reasons why the 2023 Toyota Tundra is a good pickup to buy and two reasons why you might want to skip it and consider buying something else.
Buy the 2023 Toyota Tundra for the standard engines
2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro | Allison Barfield, MotorBiscuit
The first reason to buy a 2023 Toyota Tundra is for the standard turbocharged V6 engine. It’s good for 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It’s the standard engine for the first five trims, including the SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition. Edmunds says the standard engine is capable of delivering smooth power and that it provides a comfortable ride.
However, there’s also a hybrid engine alternative that boosts the power even more. Car and Driver say it features an electric motor paired with the engine for a combined output of 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft. It comes standard on upper trims in the Tundra lineup.
The best trim is affordable
A 2023 Toyota Tundra | Toyota
Next, a reason to buy the 2023 Toyota Tundra is that the best trim is affordable. The full-size truck’s lineup has seven trim levels ranging from $38,760 to $77,040. In its highest form, the Toyota pickup is expensive and luxurious. However, experts believe the best trim to be one of the most affordable options. For example, Edmunds recommends the Limited trim, which starts at $50,360. “Not only do you get a larger infotainment touchscreen and a smoother ride from hydraulic cab mounts, but it’s also eligible for the more powerful hybrid powertrain,” it said.
On the other hand, Car and Driver recommend buying the even cheaper SR5 trim. It starts at $44,265 and provides plenty of standard features. C/D also says it’s worth adding the TRD Off-Road package to get an electronic rear locking differential, unique wheels, an upgraded suspension, and more. Standard SR5 features include LED headlights, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, proximity keyless entry/start, Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, LED foglights, the Towing package, and more.
Buy the Tundra for hybrid power and fuel economy
In addition to many other excellent attributes, the 2023 Toyota Tundra has a hybrid powertrain. Available for lower trims, like the SR5, the Tundra’s hybrid power and fuel economy are more affordable than rivals. According to C/D, it’s rated for 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Combining that with the increased power of the hybrid powertrain makes the hybrid Tundra worth paying for. An SR5 hybrid model is the most affordable version, starting at $47,265.
For a few thousand dollars more, we think the added horsepower and torque are worth it. Additionally, the Tundra tops out at a 12,000-pound towing capacity, earned when equipped with the Towing package and the more potent powertrain.
Skip the Tundra because of its towing and payload capacities
2023 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition Towing a Trailer | Toyota
Next, the first reason to skip the 2023 Toyota Tundra is its towing and payload capacities. Although it’s enough for most pickup truck drivers, it falls short of competitors. For example, the Ford F-150 can tow 14,000 pounds to the Tundra’s 12,000. Additionally, the most popular Ford can haul a payload of up to 3,250 pounds, beating the Toyota truck’s maximum of 1,940 pounds. Full-size truck buyers searching for the best possible capable and functional vehicle to tow and haul should look elsewhere.
No fancy tailgate option like its rivals
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit
Lastly, skip the 2023 Toyota Tundra because it doesn’t offer a multi-function tailgate. Nearly every full-size truck competitor now has a fancy tailgate of some kind. A tailgate that folds into a step, extends the bed, provides a standing desk, opens to the side, and more is pretty common now. Rivals from Ford, Ram, Chevrolet, and GMC all offer some variation. However, the latest 2023 Tundra still does not have a multi-function tailgate, standard or optionally.
Reasons to buy and skip the 2023 Toyota Tundra
In conclusion, there are three reasons to buy and two reasons to skip the 2023 Toyota Tundra. As the full-size truck in the lineup, it’s nice to have more than one excellent standard engine throughout the lineup. That includes a hybrid variant with better fuel economy and improved performance. Additionally, the SR5 and Limited trims are some of the best options, and they’re also more affordable than other members of the lineup. However, consider skipping the Tundra because it has low towing/payload capacities compared to rivals and doesn’t offer a multi-function tailgate.