2023 Toyota Tundra

　　

2023 Toyota Tundra Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The 2023 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup is coming off a full redesign just last year. It has significantly more power, capabilities and comfort than the generation before it, but that shouldn't be too surprising since that predecessor had been kicking around since 2007. One of the most significant improvements is the new turbocharged V6 engine that has about as much power as the old Tundra's V8 but generates more torque, which is helpful for towing, and boasts considerably better EPA-estimated fuel economy. There's also an optional hybrid V6 powertrain that gives the Tundra even more muscle over the standard V6.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Toyota Tundra SR 4dr Double Cab SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$185/mo  for Tundra SR

　　Tundra SR

　　SR 4dr Double Cab SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $38,965 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab LB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $39,295 MSRPSR 4dr CrewMax SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $41,015 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $41,965 MSRPSR 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $42,295 MSRPSR 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $44,015 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $44,470 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab LB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $45,780 MSRPSR5 4dr CrewMax SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $46,520 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $47,470 MSRPSR5 4dr CrewMax SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $47,830 MSRPSR5 4dr Double Cab 4WD LB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $48,780 MSRPSR5 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) (Most Popular) - $49,520 MSRPSR5 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $50,830 MSRPLimited 4dr Double Cab SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $50,565 MSRPLimited 4dr CrewMax SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $52,615 MSRPLimited 4dr CrewMax SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $52,945 MSRPLimited 4dr Double Cab 4WD SB (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $53,565 MSRPLimited 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $55,615 MSRPLimited 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $55,945 MSRPLimited 4dr CrewMax SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $56,415 MSRPLimited 4dr CrewMax SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $56,745 MSRPLimited 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $59,415 MSRPLimited 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $59,745 MSRPPlatinum 4dr CrewMax SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $60,775 MSRPPlatinum 4dr CrewMax SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $61,105 MSRPPlatinum 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $63,775 MSRPPlatinum 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $64,105 MSRPPlatinum 4dr CrewMax SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $64,505 MSRPPlatinum 4dr CrewMax SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $64,835 MSRPPlatinum 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $67,505 MSRPPlatinum 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $67,835 MSRP1794 Edition 4dr CrewMax SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $61,460 MSRP1794 Edition 4dr CrewMax SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $61,790 MSRP1794 Edition 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $64,460 MSRP1794 Edition 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo 10A) - $64,790 MSRP1794 Edition 4dr CrewMax SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $65,205 MSRP1794 Edition 4dr CrewMax SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $65,535 MSRP1794 Edition 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $68,205 MSRP1794 Edition 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/6.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $68,535 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $70,920 MSRPCapstone 4dr CrewMax 4WD SB w/5.5' Bed (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $77,645 MSRP

　　vs

　　$233/mo

　　Avg. Large Truck

　　For 2023, the Tundra's changes are predictably light. So far, it's limited to a new SX package for the SR5 trim. The SX package gives the Tundra a stealthy look, with dark gray wheels and body-colored door handles and rear bumper. Given that, we think the Tundra is an agreeable choice for a light-duty pickup. But the rival Ford F-150 and Ram 1500 have some advantages that could make them a better buy. Check out our test team's Expert Rating below for a complete rundown of the latest Tundra's hits and misses.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　8.0

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Tundra drive? While the loss of the snarling 5.7-liter V8 might cause some concern among the Tundra faithful, the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 is more than a suitable replacement. There's a substantial amount of torque on tap, even at low rpm, and the 10-speed automatic transmission shifts quickly and smoothly. In our testing, a 4WD Tundra accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds, which is respectably quick. That power makes it easy to merge with traffic and pass on the open highway without a second thought.

　　Braking is similarly solid. Our panic-braking test from 60 mph saw the Tundra stop in 131 feet — that's a bit better than average — and that was with the TRD Off-Road package's more rugged tires that our test truck had. The light and accurate steering makes it easy to guide the truck down tight backcountry roads and can occasionally feel like the smaller Tacoma.

　　That TRD Off-Road package that our test truck had includes a locking rear differential and additional off-road driving modes, but it didn't seem to appreciably improve the truck's off-roading capability. This is a big truck and its long wheelbase means the underbody can easily hang up on seemingly easy obstacles. If you're going to hit up any trails in the Tundra, you'll probably want to get the TRD Pro.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Tundra? This Tundra is a marked improvement over the previous generation. Seat comfort and interior noise levels are vastly improved, and the Tundra is a pleasant truck for covering long distances for both front and rear passengers. Though the V6 engine is less sonorous than the previously available V8, under full throttle the V6 sounds appropriately burly for a full-size truck.

　　The Ram 1500 still rules the class in outright ride quality, but the Tundra offers a fairly buttoned-down and jitter-free ride over most surfaces. The Tundra's straightforward climate control system is largely set it and forget it, but we appreciate the large buttons and dials even if some of the labeling can be tough to decipher in bright sunlight.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below