Price: $38,760- $61,255
8.5 /10
Rating
Pros
- TRD Pro package adds rugged capability.
- Twin-turbo V6: 437 hp, strong performance.
- Premium materials and tech for luxury.
Cons
- Trails competitors with a 12,000-lb limit.
- Fuel economy lags behind some rivals.
- CrewMax cab restricts configurations.
Overview: Toyota Tundra Capstone
The 2023 Toyota Tundra delivers exceptional performance with its turbocharged V6 engine, offering impressive power and economy, supported by EPA-estimated efficiency. Designed for light-duty tasks, the SR5 trim, paired with the optional SX package, features body-colored bumpers, dark gray wheels, and modern handles. This redesign improves on its predecessor, showcasing unmatched muscle, a robust powertrain, and reliable towing capabilities. Competing with rivals like the Ford F-150 and Ram 1500, the Tundra stands out with numerous advantages, such as thoughtful improvements, smooth handling, and an agreeable choice for drivers seeking style and performance. With standard trim options and exceptional features highlighted in expert ratings, the Tundra’s test hits and pickup performance set new benchmarks.
Built on a foundation established in 2007, this full-size truck delivers power, comfort, and practical changes for the next generation, addressing past misses while leading the way forward. With standard trim options and exceptional features highlighted in expert ratings, the 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone stands out as a full-size truck built on a foundation established in 2007. Its powerful V-6 engine, producing 437 horsepower and 379 pound-feet of torque, pairs with a 10-speed automatic transmission for smooth and reliable performance. Designed with a coil-spring suspension, it offers both comfort and capability for diverse needs, from suburban commutes to off-road challenges. For those considering an alternative, the Toyota Tacoma also provides a rugged and versatile option in Toyota’s truck lineup.
What's New in the 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone?
The 2023 Toyota Tundra continues to impress with its full-size pickup capabilities, building on its redesigned model from last year. The addition of the SX appearance package elevates its style, featuring a sleek combination of black, dark, and gray design elements that enhance both the exterior and interior trim. This package includes striking 18-inch wheels, black door handles, and a rear bumper with a middle section that darkens the 4×4 badge. The SR5 trims benefit from these upgrades, while accents like the removed door badge add a touch of minimalism. Available in white, silver, gray, and other paint options, the Tundra embodies bold style and versatility, ensuring every detail, from the body to the wheels, reflects thoughtful craftsmanship.
Driving the Toyota Tundra
When I first got behind the wheel of the new Tundra, I knew this truck was something special. The crew cab Limited trim strikes a perfect blend of stylish features and simple practicality, making it an excellent choice for those mindful of their budget. The push-button start and console shifter gave me a modern and intuitive feel, a huge upgrade from the old key and column shifter I remember from older V8-powered predecessors. The extra 8 hp and 78 lb-ft of torque made it feel noticeably punchier, and even without the hybrid assist, there was barely any lag thanks to the well-tuned turbos. Having tested several versions, I can confidently say the Tundra pickups balance power and refinement in a way that makes every drive enjoyable.
Pricing, Trim Levels, and Best Choice
The 2023 Toyota Tundra starts at a price of $40,815 and goes up to $63,310, depending on the trim, options, and package. It stands out with desirable standard features like a 379-hp twin-turbo V-6, coil-spring rear suspension, and unique additions, making it a higher starting value compared to domestic rivals like the Ram 1500. The entry-level SR offers great affordability, while the SR5 with the TRD Off-Road package includes unique wheels, an electronically locking differential, upgraded suspension, and other enhancements.
$38,760
$44,265
$50,360
$60,570
$61,255
Powertrain, Transmission, and Driving Dynamics
The 2023 Toyota Tundra is a standout pickup truck that replaces the traditional V-8 engine with a twin-turbo V-6 paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SR trim offers 348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet of torque, while the Limited version delivers 389 horses and 479 pound-feet. The hybrid version boosts power to 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet, achieving a zero-to-60-mph time of 6.1 seconds or as low as 5.7 seconds. Its coil-spring rear suspension improves the ride characteristics over the older leaf-spring predecessor. For adventurers, the TRD Off-Road and Sport packages offer features like skid plates, 20-inch wheels, or lowered suspension, while the TRD Pro includes a lifted suspension, exclusive dampers, 18-inch black all-terrain tires, and other special upgrades. This remarkable truck balances unique performance potencies with a durable design.
Towing and Payload Capacity
The Tundra has a towing capacity of 12,000 pounds, slightly lower than competitors like the F-150, which can tow up to 14,000 pounds. Its payload capacity is 1940 pounds, while other half-ton pickups, such as Ford trucks, can haul a maximum payload of 3250 pounds in their cargo bed, showcasing its strengths despite some trade-offs in weight handling.
Fuel Efficiency and Driving Range
The 2023 Tundra, with its nonhybrid powertrain, achieves up to 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway in a two-wheel drive configuration, while four-wheel drive reduces these figures by 1 mpg each. During extensive testing, our 75-mph route showed the Limited model delivered only 19 mpg. For complete fuel-economy ratings and more information, visit the EPA website.
Premium Interior and Comfort
The Tundra features a chunky dashboard with prominent air vents and a smooth center section connecting the door panels. The materials used on the dash, doors, and center console are significantly improved from the previous generation, enhancing quality across all trim levels. The 1794 Edition stands out with wood accents and premium touches. Storage is ample, with cubby storage, a large center bin, and versatile body styles like the extended cab and crew cab. The Double Cab offers cargo-bed lengths of 6.5-foot or 8.1-foot, while the CrewMax has 5.5-foot and 6.5-foot options. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is available on higher trims, replacing the standard analog gauges and instrument panel, while the driver-information display ensures a modern and functional interior experience.
Infotainment, Connectivity, and Smart Tech
The 2023 Tundra offers touchscreens that redefine functionality in a full-size pickup. A standard 8.0-inch screen can be upgraded to a horizontally oriented 14.0-inch display, which trumps those in other trucks. The system includes a volume knob, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot, but lacks a tuning knob and has limited controls on the steering wheel. While the Nissan Titan also features gigantic touchscreens, the Tundra’s design ensures a seamless experience, offering advanced options available to drivers.
Safety and Driving Support
The 2023 Tundra is equipped with advanced driver-assistance technology, including automatic high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It ensures top-notch safety features supported by crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). For detailed results, visit the respective websites to explore its impressive safety ratings.
Key features:
✅ The 2023 Tundra includes lane-keeping assist to help maintain safe lane positioning.
✅ Adaptive cruise control ensures comfortable and safe long-distance driving.
✅ Forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking are standard features for added safety.
Toyota's Warranty and Maintenance Plan
Toyota provides limited and powertrain warranties that perfectly align with those of every other full-size pickup truck, but its complimentary scheduled maintenance stands out as unmatched in the industry.
Key features:
✅ Toyota ensures top reliability with unmatched warranty coverage.
✅ The limited warranty provides coverage for three years or 36,000 miles.
✅ The powertrain warranty offers coverage for five years or 60,000 miles.
✅ Complimentary maintenance is provided for two years or 25,000 miles.
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