- 1. Worth it for the 2023 Toyota Tundra powertrain options
- 2. Worth it for the infotainment system
- 3. Worth it for the 2023 Toyota Tundra safety features
- 4. Not worth it for the limited configuration options
- 5. Not worth it for the engine variety
- 6. Not worth it for the 2023 Toyota Tundra tow rating
Some critics will tell you that the 2023 Toyota Tundra is the best full-size truck you can buy for this model year. The Tundra has both a gas-powered V8 and a hybridized option, with the latter generating 437 hp combined. The Tundra also has a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 lbs and up to 9.4 inches of ground clearance.
Despite all of its strengths, this truck has some little annoyances. Here are some reasons why the Toyota Tundra might (or might not) be worth your money.
1. Worth it for the 2023 Toyota Tundra powertrain options
TrueCar appreciates the Toyota Tundra because it offers both a traditional gas engine and one with hybrid technology. The twin-turbo i-Force engine makes between 348 hp to 389 hp depending on the trim. The 437 hp hybrid powertrain is available for each trim beside the SR or standard on the Capstone and TRD Pro.
Each engine is paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission and can be optioned with four-wheel-drive. The Toyota Tundra’s hybrid setup is estimated to earn up to 22 mpg combined city/highway. A Tundra with the standard twin-turbo V6 and 4WD is still decent on gas (by truck standards), earning 19 mpg combined.
2. Worth it for the infotainment system
2023 Toyota Tundra | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
The Audio Multimedia system has been updated with faster response times and some more useful features for 2023. An 8-inch touchscreen comes standard, and there’s a 14-inch touchscreen available. A 12-inch digital instrument cluster replaces the analog one in most of the Tundra’s higher trims.
All Toyota Tundras also includes a Wi-Fi hotspot, smartphone integration, navigation, and a few USB ports. Drivers who purchase the automaker’s optional Connected Services also gain access to Toyota’s Intelligent Assistant. It’s a voice-operated program designed to learn your preferences and automatically suggests navigation routes, adjust climate settings, and more based on the data it collects.
3. Worth it for the 2023 Toyota Tundra safety features
The Toyota Tundra’s standard safety suite includes automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, some lane-keeping software, adaptive cruise control, and traffic sign recognition. The Tundra Limited adds rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitors. A 360-degree camera system becomes standard starting on the Platinum trim.
The Toyota Tundra TRO Pro gains a forward-facing camera for extra peace of mind while off-roading. Toyota keeps adventurers as safe as possible with better shocks, a light bar, an off-roading suspension, and all-terrain tires added to this trim.
4. Not worth it for the limited configuration options
The Toyota Tundra can be optioned with either a Double Cab or Crew Cab, but there’s no 3-seater cab available. While the Tundra offers more variety in terms of cargo box sizes, you can only pair certain ones with certain cabs.
For example, you can only get the shortest bed (with a lower payload capacity) on the Crew Cab. The highest trims are only offered with the Crew Cab, meaning you’re potentially paying more for less utility.
5. Not worth it for the engine variety
We took the 2022 Toyota Tundra Limited up a mountain and didn’t miss the V8 for a moment https://t.co/zxMQ6YrVAN pic.twitter.com/XR251jSSfr
— Edmunds (@edmunds) March 8, 2022 Related
While some buyers appreciate the Tundra’s simplified powertrain selection, others might long for more choices. The Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500 feature six engine options each. Both trucks also offer turbodiesel engines with much better fuel economy than the Tundra’s hybrid powertrain.
6. Not worth it for the 2023 Toyota Tundra tow rating
The Toyota Tundra can tow more than the Rivian RT1 and the Nissan Titan, but it’s still not the most powerful pickup. The Ram 1500 can tow up to 750 lbs extra, and Chevy’s Silverado 1500 can manage 13,400 lbs.
The Ford F-150 tops them all with a 14,000-lb towing capacity. The Toyota Tundra’s maximum payload capacity of 1,940 lbs also isn’t as high compared to most of the competition. Still, a 12,000-lb rating is more than enough for light towing, and we appreciate all of the Tundra’s other positive qualities.
Keyword: 3 Reasons to Buy the 2023 Toyota Tundra and 3 Reasons to Not