2023 Toyota Tundra review

2023 Toyota Tundra Review: 

The Toyota Tundra is the Japanese brand’s full-size pickup, sitting above the smaller Tacoma. This third-generation Tundra was introduced in 2022 and is the most capable, comfortable, and refined version yet. The tried-and-true V8 is gone, replaced by a choice of new V6 engines. Before you think this is a downgrade, we should point out that not only are V6 engines par for the course on modern full-size pickups, but even the Tundra's base V6 makes more power than the previous generation's V8. It also gets better EPA-estimated fuel economy. The optional hybrid V6, which Toyota calls the “i-Force Max,” uses a battery under the rear seats to power an electric motor, giving the Tundra even more power and capability than the standard V6.

The Tundra is largely unchanged for the 2023 model year. The only notable update is that an SX appearance package became available for the entry-level SR5 trim. The SX package added dark Gray Metallic 18-inch wheels, body-colored trim (instead of black), and black accents inside and out. 

• Technology

• Comfort

• Cargo and storage

• Ease of use

• Driving

What tech does the 2023 Toyota Tundra have?

Connectivity

Wireless Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™ comes standard. A wireless charging pad is available on upper trims, and there are up to five USB charge ports in the cabin. This is fewer than some competitors offer but enough for most people’s needs. The Tundra Edmunds tested had the upgraded JBL audio system, which sounded great. However, Edmunds' testers noted the standard system's sound quality was more than adequate.

Infotainment

The Tundra's available 14-inch touchscreen is a highlight of the cabin. The graphics look crisp, and the maps resemble those on your smartphone. One Edmunds tester was so pleased with the software that they felt no need to use their usual Android Auto™. That said, the user interface is menu-heavy, meaning tech newcomers may need time to master all its functionalities. Lower trim models get a smaller but still impressive eight-inch touchscreen running similar software. It sits more flush in the dashboard than the larger screen, which some might prefer.

Driver-Assist Tech

Tundras come standard with an array of driver aids including adaptive cruise control, which maintains a driver-set distance from the car ahead, and forward collision warning with automatic braking, which warns of impending collisions and applies brakes in some cases. Also standard are lane departure mitigation, which warns of lane departures without a turn signal and can steer to maintain lane position; a lane-keeping system, which makes minor steering corrections to keep the vehicle centered; and parking sensors, which alert you to obstacles not visible when parking. Edmunds' testers did not experience false alarms or overreactive driver assists, which was nice for a Toyota. However, the lane-keeping system was not very effective, especially for a large vehicle. Gentle curves should be driven manually rather than trusted to this system.

How comfortable is the 2023 Toyota Tundra? 

Front Seating

Inside, the cabin can feel a bit more intimate than those of the cavernous F-150 and Ram, but that doesn’t mean the Tundra lacks space. The Tundra’s front seats offer good all-around comfort. They are not class-leading but offer plenty of adjustability and do not hit any pressure points. Heated and ventilated seats are available, but our test team noticed the fans on the ventilated seats were louder than they were used to.

Rear Seating

The rear seats are noticeably higher than the fronts, similar to stadium seating. They're a bit flat but not uncomfortable. You cannot recline the rear seats as you can in the Ram 1500. There is plenty of shoulder and legroom in the back, on par with what you can expect from a crew-cab pickup.

Ride Quality and Interior Noise

Both the standard Tundra and the TRD Pro feel composed and suitable for sensitive passengers on the road. The rear coil springs, new for this generation, help with ride quality. It won't make you forget you're in a truck, but at least you’ll be comfortable. Cracks and bumps are tempered quickly so impacts do not linger. The ride quality is also supple when towing.

On the highway, the Tundra feels well insulated from other vehicles. Under moderate to hard acceleration, a whistle from the turbo engine is noticeable. It also sounds like there is some artificial enhancement to the engine noise, making it sound like a V8 at times. When the engine stop-start system is active and the climate control is on, there's an audible noise from a generator running the system. These aren't necessarily deal-breakers but are worth noting on your test drive.

Does the 2023 Toyota Tundra have good storage?

Cargo 

For those who want to utilize the rear of the Tundra crew cab for cargo, it offers substantial width and ample space for luggage, bags, or other items. The rear seats are flat, making it easier to slide objects across them. They also include standard storage with decent-sized underseat bins.

Storage

The Tundra has a decent amount of storage space, but it isn't as thoughtfully organized or compartmentalized as what you'd find in a competitor like the F-150 or the Ram. We have a feeling these storage areas will likely become cluttered "buckets" rather than well-organized bins. On the positive side, there are some clever features, such as the easy-access slider on the center armrest. However, on hybrid models specifically, the space beneath the rear seats is unusable because it houses the large battery pack for the hybrid powertrain.

How easy is the 2023 Toyota Tundra to use?

Entry, Exit, and Car Seats

Edmunds' test Tundra had side steps and grab handles, which are especially needed if you're getting into the taller TRD Off-Road-equipped trim. The doors open wide at both the front and rear, and there should be plenty of room for most people to slide in.

The child seat anchors were less visible at first than in some competitors. However, the large door openings, wide seats, and ample legroom make installing child seats about as easy as in other big trucks.

Interior Layout and Visibility

The interior layout is generally clutter-free yet offers enough physical buttons and controls for quick access. The steering wheel has many buttons, but it is easier to use than the steering wheels on the F-150 or Silverado. The mostly analog instrument panel is legible. There are no adjustable pedals like those in some domestics.

There is a good view out the front, but the front pillars can obstruct vision even on mild bends. The rest of the truck offers good views, however. Not having a sliding rear window and its frames improves the view out of the back. A small note: The rear passenger window has a styling flourish that one of our editors mistook for a car in the blind spot on several occasions.

What's the 2023 Toyota Tundra like to drive?

Driving

The Tundra with its regular V6 engine comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain provides quick acceleration with minimal effort. Shifts are fast and almost imperceptible. However, it's not the quickest full-size pickup from a stop, but it provides plenty of power for daily driving.

Need more grunt? The available V6 with a hybrid system smoothly integrates electric power to aid acceleration and make shifts barely noticeable. The automatic engine stop-start is more aggressive than in a traditional engine, and the Tundra can coast or use electric power even at highway speeds. Overall, it's an excellent integration of advanced technology.

Towing

• Towing capacity of up to 12,000 pounds

  ^†

• Maximum payload capacity of up to 1,940 pounds

• Integrated trailer brake controller is standard

Fuel Economy/Electric Efficiency

Full-size truck buyers typically don't prioritize fuel economy, but those interested in the Tundra might want to lower their expectations. While the EPA estimates up to 19 mpg combined for the 4WD Tundra (comparable to rivals), Edmunds' real-world test yielded a poor 15.2 mpg, worse than other full-size trucks we've tested.

Don't expect the hybrid mode to be a fuel-sipper either; the electric power primarily boosts horsepower and torque. The EPA estimates 20 mpg combined for the Tundra Hybrid 4WD, which is decent for a powerful full-size truck. However, expecting great efficiency from the hybrid system will lead to disappointment, as we also couldn't match the EPA estimate in substantial real-world driving.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates