2023 Toyota Tundra: The Exclusive Next-Gen Toyota Tundra Preview

2023 Toyota Tundra The domestic automaker has a monopoly on the full-size pickup truck segment, but the Toyota Tundra attracts a slightly different audience, especially those loyal to Toyota. Most half-ton pickups have sturdy, albeit dated, leaf spring rear suspension.

In the 2023 Tundra, we are excited to have an improved coil spring feature on the rear of the vehicle that makes it ride and ride much better than most. Plus, it can still tow up to 12,000 pounds and comes standard with a range of driver assistance.

Unlike its domestic rival, the Tundra is not available with the V-8. Gasp! The single-engine option is a twin-turbo V-6 but is available with a hybrid system that produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. With a much prettier cabin than its predecessor and an infotainment system that boasts a 14.0-inch touchscreen, there’s a lot of reason the next-generation Tundra has the stuff to bring to America.

• Highest
  With a smoother powertrain and rear suspension, the crew cabin is now offered with a 6.5ft longer bed, a much nicer interior than before.
• Lowest
  Still relatively limited engine options, annoying controls for tuning the radio, fewer innovations than half-ton rivals.
• Verdict
  The revitalized tundra has bold styling, contemporary technology, and modern mechanics to better compete with American alternatives.

We hope that 2023 Toyota gives the Tundra a much-needed total redesign after the previous generation has remained largely unchanged since its debut in 2007. Despite being refreshed for the 2014 model year, it struggled to steal sales from domestic half-ton rivals such as the Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevy Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500. The new Tundra still isn’t expected to outsell the alternative, but numerous improvements should make it much more competitive and desirable when it hits dealerships this winter.

2023 Toyota Tundra Preview: Is Tundra Trd Pro Worth It

New Toyota Tundra 2023 on its new generation of full-size Tundra pickup trucks. It is set to go on sale later this year as the 2022 model, while the next-generation 2023 Tundra’s new arrival is what fans and users have been waiting for. The good news is that Toyota hasn’t cut corners in the hope that the 2023 Tundra will benefit from a new platform, a new powertrain, and the latest in-cabin technology.

The platform, which is internally referred to as the F1 (and is expected to support the next Tacoma and Hilux pickup trucks), features high-strength box steel ladder construction, plus aluminum in key areas (such as the bed) to reduce weight. By relying on a full-box design, Toyota says stiffness and off-road capability are substantially increased on the outgoing Tundra.

The rear has been widened for increased stability, as well as a towing capability which is now a maximum of 12,000 pounds. The maximum payload is 1,940 pounds. The rear also benefits from a multi-link suspension with coil springs instead of Tundra leaf springs, a design that is also present in the Ram 1500 and some Ford F-150 models.

Coil springs are not only better for articulation over obstacles but also for putting power into the ground. Toyota says stability, ride comfort, and overall handling have also been improved. The downside of coil springs is that they can sag when carrying heavy loads or lots of towing.

Upfront is a newly designed double-wishbone setup that Toyota says improves straight-line stability and high-speed driving. When cornering, Toyota says the center of roll height has been increased to about six inches from four to reduce body roll. Complementing the standard suspension are twin-tube shocks at both ends. Adaptive dampers and rear air suspension (with three altitude modes) are available in some classes.

Bilstein Monotube shocks come standard on the TRD Off-Road package while upgrading to the highest-end TRD Pro class will get you a 2.5-inch diameter internal bypass shock from Fox, with the front pair providing 1.1 inches of lift. The TRD Pro comes with several other off-road knick-knacks including a new front stabilizer bar, aluminum front skid plates (along with additional underbody protection), Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, and driving modes for a variety of surface conditions. Some parts of the suspension on the TRD Pro are also painted bright red.

2023 Toyota Tundra Redesign: Is Toyota Redesigning The Tundra

From the outside, the New Toyota Tundra 2023 redesign is conservative—despite the large grille—with a definite Silverado resemblance in the cabin, especially the upward kick from the sheet metal at the bottom of the rear side windows. But inside, it’s a huge departure from its predecessor. An 8.0-inch center touchscreen is standard, but every truck at the launch event has an optional 14.0-inch infotainment screen.

The navigation system is the most obvious improvement, running a cloud-based system that will automatically save maps offline if you head to an area with unstable connectivity. There is also a “Hi Toyota” virtual assistant who can understand natural questions and commands. One thing that is missing from both systems is a tuner button for the stereo.

If you often listen to SiriusXM or terrestrial radio, that can be a big distraction—a hard button on the steering wheel scrolls through presets, but not from channel to channel. Above the rearview mirror is a button for lowering the rear mirror, which is great for talking to passengers getting in bed.

We didn’t tow with the Tundra, but its 12,000-pound max crane rating competes with other half-ton trucks. It also has a smart backup assist function. Drive around for a while with your trailer and the truck will learn its behavior, then activate a mode where the truck steers the trailer straight back in whatever direction you’re using.

That seems more useful than relearning how to flip a trailer, which is basically what Ford’s backup help needs.

With no center differential on any trim, the Tundra’s default on-pavement mode is rear-wheel drive. So grab a rear-drive truck with an open differential, 437 horsepower, and 583 pound-feet of torque, and you have a recipe for exhaustion. The hybrid will put the rubber into third gear — the rear differential is raised, to handle all that torque — and the standard truck will bloat the tires, too. These things will be a handful in the rain.

Fortunately, the coil spring rear end helps imbue its new Tundra with that feeling of precision missing on the 2021 model. The whole truck feels firmer and better at controlling its mass, both spring and release.

Is The Toyota Tundra Getting A Redesign

When it’s time to step back off the throttle, the hybrid underestimates its electrifying properties. Despite recapturing energy on deceleration, there’s no display to show that or a graph of the Prius-style energy dispersion. All it has is a gauge that shows how much muscle the electric motor is contributing, which is paired conspicuously with a similar engine featuring a turbo boost. Where does that energy come from? Your tundra wins it in a game of poker or hunts it down with a bow and arrow because that’s what tough trucks do.

Overall, the Tundra from the future will be a bit longer and not as tall as its predecessor, but from cover to cover, it’s a much more interesting track. I like the high-mounted headlights that are surrounded on both sides by LED running lights and sequential turn signals. The taillights are equally eye-catching with the three distinct vertical elements.

Toyota refuses to participate in grazing the tailgate of the starter multi-function truck, instead of giving us a plain drop-down rear. At least the tailgate is 20% lighter than before and can be opened at the push of a button on the driver’s side taillight. This is great for when your hands are full and you can’t reach the key fob.

For comparison, in 2022 Toyota has ditched the old Tundra rear leaf spring in favor of the coil spring arrangement while for 2023 the Toyota Tundra will continue to experience the best changes. You can even go one step further and get a self-leveling rear air suspension with adaptive dampers.

The difference is obvious after driving 10 feet. The ride is smoother, every pavement imperfection is drenched and, in general, the Tundra is much easier to control. The steering is still quite blurry, but seriously, it’s the difference in driving quality day and night.

2023 Toyota Tundra Specs

The next-generation Tundra will be offered in two four-door options: the Double Cab and the larger CrewMax. The Double Cabin model is offered with a choice of a 6.5 or 8.1-footbed. The CrewMax model is offered with a choice of a 5.5 or 6.5-footbed. For the cabin, there are premium options such as a panoramic roof, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 14.0-inch (8.0-inch standard) infotainment screen.

This screen can be especially useful when towing or off-roading as it can show the vehicle’s exterior from multiple angles to help keep the truck (and trailer when mounted) away from external hazards. There’s also a view for checking cargo in a bed or attached trailer. Extendable and collapsible tow mirrors are also available.

2023 Toyota Tundra Changes

Toyota Tundra Next-Gen Pickup Goes Big with Turbocharged V-6s, revamped interior, and coil-spring rear suspension help modernizes Toyota’s full-size truck.

The old Toyota Tundra. How old are you? It is so old, when it was introduced, the Dead Sea was just sick. It’s so old, if you park it outside an antique shop, people will try to buy it. It’s very old, introduced in 2007.

That is, uh, 14 years ago. The fact that Toyota still sells more than 100,000 Tundras a year is a testament to the effort is put into the mid-2000s redesign—a 381-hp V-8 was a killer then and is still relevant today. But it’s (a long time) time for an update, and the Tundra gets a complete overhaul that’s got Toyota ready for another long run of production. Maybe not 14 years this time.

Gone are the V-8s, leaving the ancient Sequoia as the only V-8-powered Toyota left in the US. All Tundras are now powered by a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. (Toyota, however, incorrectly referred to it as the 3.5-liter.) The 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid model, dubbed the “i-Force MAX,” flank the 48-hp electric motor between the engine and transmission, with a small nickel-metal hydride battery mounted underneath. back seat.

The standard configuration produces 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This muscular 2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Only the entry-level SR trim produces less power than the previous output truck, with its V-6 tuned for 348 horsepower and 405 pound-feet.

Another major hardware change concerns the rear suspension, which is now a coil spring design. An optional air spring allows automatic load leveling but can also be controlled manually, to lower the rear for easy loading or raise it for off-roading. Which, given the fixed height of the front mount, means the Tundra can be the Carolina Squat itself.

The trim levels mirror those of the previous generation truck, starting with the base SR and SR5 volume models and moving up through the more luxurious Limited, Platinum, and 1794 variants. The TRD Pro is now just a hybrid, but the hybrid-adverse can build an SR5 that almost replicates the TRD Pro hardware.

The new TRD Off-Road package includes TRD wheels and suspension (though not Fox Pro internal bypass front dampers and remote-reservoir rear), along with a locking rear differential — the first time electronic lockers have been offered on the Tundra. If you want to go in the opposite direction, there is also a TRD Sport package that lowers the ride height.

Read next: 2023 Toyota 4Runner: What We Know So Far

Toyota Tundra 2023 Design: Truck goods and driver assistance technology

Inside, the Tundra’s design clearly works over form, but it’s a truck, so I can’t find fault with it. The Ram may have the luxury in its 1500 pickup, but Toyota keeps it real.

There’s plenty of storage inside for smaller items and a large center console, with separate armrests for driver and passenger. I love that the windowsill is the perfect height to rest my elbows on while driving.

While a reconfigurable 12.3-inch gauge cluster is available, what really dominates the dashboard is the optional 14-inch center touchscreen infotainment system. I don’t have much time to play around with Toyota’s new tech, but at first glance, it’s much better than what was previously available. It could recognize natural speech commands, so all I had to say was, “Hey, Toyota, let’s go home,” and the navigation pulled up my programmed address.

Furthermore, the map quickly responds to pinch-to-zoom commands, and overall the touchscreen is very responsive. Multiple phones can be connected via Bluetooth and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both here.

The Tundra puts up an adequate towing number, but you’ll get more utility with a Chevrolet Silverado or Ford F-150. A Tundra SR5 Double Cab with a 6.5-foot bed, rear-wheel drive, and standard V6 engine can pull 12,000 pounds. If you want maximum towing with a hybrid, you’ll need the Limited Crew Max trim with two-wheel drive and a short bed, where you’ll be able to tow 11,450 pounds.

You’d think a hybrid with its extra torque would pull more, but the 1.9-kilowatt-hour battery adds weight to the truck, which in turn raises the Tundra’s gross vehicle weight rating, lowering towing capacity. Across the board, it reaches 1,940 pounds.

Toyota doesn’t specify as many tow cameras as the Chevy Silverado or GMC Sierra, but the Tundra still has a few tricks up it’s sleeve. The towing system can automatically detect the length of the trailer and take it into account when recalibrating the blind-spot monitoring system. The driver can also choose from a list of common trailers — boat, car, trash can, etc. — or create a profile with their own custom trailer. You can also customize the crane/haul driving mode by specifying the weight of the trailer.

A new straight-line assist feature ensures the trailer will move exactly where the truck is pointing when it reverses, without steering input from the driver. When I tried the tech, the trailer was pretty much like a truck, but I tilted the steering wheel to full lock just to see what would happen. When I activated the system, the steering wheel returned straight ahead before I even had time to think about hitting the accelerator.

The technology isn’t as powerful as Ford’s backup assist, which uses buttons on the dashboard to eliminate confusion as to where to drive, allowing drivers to easily steer the trailer around corners and into storage areas. However, it will definitely be helpful for those who just need to get off the boat trailer.

As for advanced driving aids, Toyota offers many of the standards on every trim. Pre-collision braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and lane departure warning are all here, and the latter now comes with steering assist if you get off track. Also on tap are automatic high beams and road sign assistance. Blind-spot monitoring, however, is standard only on the upper trim.

2023 Toyota Tundra Interior

On the inside, the Tundra has a bold dashboard embellished with prominent air vents and a thick, smooth centerpiece that connects the door panels. The materials used in the center console, dashboard, and doors are much better than those used in the previous generation. Of course, the quality also improves with the trim levels, with the 1794 edition top of the line with attractive wood accents.

All models have a versatile center console with plenty of storage space and a large center bin. While a pair of analog gauges and a small driver information display are standard on the instrument panel, the top trim has a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The Tundra comes in two body styles with three different cargo bed lengths. The extended cabin (aka Double Cab) is available with a 6.5 or 8.1-footbed. Crew Taxi (aka

Giant touchscreens that measure at least 12 inches are now available in almost every full-size pickup truck – except for the Nissan Titan. While an 8.0-inch touchscreen is standard on the Tundra, it can be upgraded with a horizontally oriented 14.0-inch touchscreen that beats what’s on offer on all other trucks.

It features useful volume buttons as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but there are no tuning buttons and the controls on the steering wheel have limited functionality. A subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot is also offered.

An analog gauge with a 4.1-inch display is standard for the instrument cluster but a 12.3-inch full digital option is available. Other features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, Wi-Fi connectivity for up to 10 devices, and a voice-activated assistant that can handle key tasks like finding points of interest, adjusting audio settings, or making phone calls.

2023 Toyota Tundra Exterior

The Tundra is capable of towing up to 12,000 pounds, which is slightly less than other full-size trucks. The F-150, for example, can tow up to 14,000 pounds. The Tundra also has a maximum payload capacity of 1940 pounds. Again, some of the other half-ton pickups can carry more weight in their cargo beds, with the Ford maxing out at 3250 pounds.

2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid

The fact that Toyota presents “i-Force MAX” as a euphemism for “hybrid” is a hint that efficiency may not be the main goal here. We still don’t have the EPA number for the hybrid, but the truck’s own calculations from its trip computer put a similar mileage on the nonhybrid, which says teens are tall in mixed driving.

We guess the i-Force MAX picks up 1 or 2 mpg in the city but doubt it does any better than the 22-mpg highway for a nonhybrid 4×4. The hybrid will go into EV mode at highway speeds, but with just 48 horsepower motivating the 6000-pound truck, it doesn’t take much throttle to crank up the V-6.

Both powertrains are silent, channeling some of the synthesized engine sounds to provide a bit of drama as you dig deeper into the throttle. So, whether in Eco or Sport+ mode, there’s a prominent growl when you step on the gas pedal. That’s not bad. And with the windows down, now and then you hear the sound of the turbo spinning upwards.

Toyota hasn’t released a price yet, but given its approach to another redesign, we think it’s going to land where you’d expect it to be—compared to other half-ton full-size trucks. Toyota admits it doesn’t expect to sell more domestic trucks, because if the 2007 Tundra can’t, what will happen? So, three strategic concessions: only air springs on the rear axle rather than all four corners, no generator function with the hybrid, no full-time four-wheel-drive system usable on the pavement.

Because will these things convince longtime Ford buyers to switch to Toyota? On the other hand, will their absence drive loyal Tundra drivers to other brands? Probably not. If the 2007 Tundra is ahead of its time, this is the moment—as long as it will last.

Toyota’s third-generation Tundra is a massive upgrade from its predecessor. With a hybrid powertrain, butch design, new rear suspension, and tons of cab technology, the 2022 Tundra is a huge upgrade over its predecessor.

After more than a decade, the new Toyota Tundra is finally here. And after spending a day with Toyota’s third-generation full-size truck in Texas, I can confirm it drives better, offers more utility, and looks great, to boot.

2023 Toyota Tundra Trim

The Next-Gen 2023 Toyota Tundra will be available in SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, 1794, and TRD Pro trims, with TRD Off-Road and Sport packages available in several trims. The Double Cabin model can be equipped with a 6.5 or 8.1-footbed. The Crew Max model has more interior space and comes with a 5.5-foot bed, although you can also opt for a 6.5-footbed for maximum functionality.

Each Tundra model has a unique grille, although the differences between the trims can be slight. Think quirky badges, chrome instead of paint, etc. Regardless, each Tundra grille is indeed chunky, with proportions more akin to what you’d expect to see on a heavy-duty truck.

Toyota Tundra 2023 Off-road

Only available with the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, the Tundra TRD Pro has 33-inch Falken Wildpeak tires wrapped around 18-inch wheels. A set of 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass shocks with live rear piggyback reservoirs at every corner, and the front of the truck gets a 1.1-inch lift over the lower Tundra trim. Other TRD highlights include an improved front stabilizer bar, aluminum skid plate, rear locking differential, and Toyota’s MultiTerrain Select and Crawl Control.

One glaring omission? Towing hook. That’s right, on the off-road special trim there are no tow hooks. Regardless of how good your driver is, you will get stuck or you will pull your friends out.

So where are you going to put your rope? You’ll take off the bumper if you hook it in there and it’s really unsafe to use a crane hitch. Toyota’s rationale boils down primarily to aerodynamics and efficiency, but as a seasoned off-roader, this decision puzzled me.

As for the TRD Pro’s capabilities, I’ll have to take it to my house line to tell you more. The course that Toyota put up for testing was very easy and did not challenge the truck at all. However, I can tell you that the once noisy Crawl Control, which works like low-speed cruise control, is now very quiet.

Read next: 2023 Toyota Avalon: New Toyota Avalon Reviews, Pricing, and Specs

Toyota Tundra 2023 Payload

The current maximum payload is 1,940 pounds, and nearly a ton of stuff goes into the new aluminum-reinforced composite bed – a “get the whole plane out of the black box” approach to bed upholstery. Toyota still offers carpet and spray cloth as accessories.

Why? Because a certain group of people asked for it. We won’t say who, but they are the ones who make a lot of money selling your sheets. (They’ll also be installing a three-inch lift kit, among other accessory portfolios.) The beds are available in 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8.0-foot lengths, and Tundra buyers can now fit them 6.5 feet.

2023 Toyota Tundra Powertrain

The Tundra offers two powertrain options, both based on the same twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6. Yes, the popular 5.7 liter Tundra V8 is finally out. On the 2022 Tundra, the base option, branded iForce, makes 389 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque and really beats the old V8 number.

Upgrade to the iForce Max and get 437 hp and 583 lb-ft, plus a hybrid system where the electric motor-generator between the engine and transmission can act as an engine starter, restoring energy during braking and providing thrust when accelerating and pulling. It can also start the truck itself at low speeds (up to 18 mph). The standard transmission on the 2022 Tundra is a 10-speed automatic.

2023 Toyota Tundra Engine

While many of Tundra’s competitors offer four or five engine options, Toyota has two. The standard configuration is a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6, although it is available in two conditions. The base Tundra SR has 348 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque, but all together reduces those numbers to 389 hp and 479 Nm. This engine has linear power and plenty of agility in the mid-range.

A 10-speed automatic transmission is associated with this engine, which is a huge improvement over the older six-speed trucks. The gearbox, fortunately, shifted a few gears when I needed more power, but otherwise remained smooth while driving. Two-wheel drive, the Tundra is expected to return to 18 mpg in the city, 23 mpg on the highway, and 20 mpg combined. Subtract one from each category for all-wheel drive.

The star of the show is Toyota’s iForce Max engine paired to the aforementioned 3.5-liter electric-assisted V6. The standard V6 Biturbo isn’t short on power, but the hybrid makes 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. the torque added by the electric motor is very prominent; this truck literally rips when you put it down.

At parking speed, the Tundra will run on pure electricity, but when my right foot asks for more, the petrol engine will fire. Release the throttle and the Tundra will revert to electric drive, and all those transitions will be smooth. It doesn’t vibrate like some hybrids and reminds us that Toyota really knows what it’s doing with gasoline-fueled power plants.

The 10-speed transmission works well with the hybrid setup. Gentle regenerative braking changes the feel of the pedals, and in a full-size truck like this, it takes some getting used to. Unfortunately, Toyota has yet to release hybrid fuel economy figures.

Hybrid trucks are nothing new; Ford is offering the F150 with a petrol-electric powertrain. The big difference is that Ford also packs the F150 with a built-in charger available that can provide 2.4 or 7.2 kilowatts of power for work tools or other electric toys. You won’t find anything. like that in the tundra.

The 2022 Tundra is the only full-size pickup not available with a V8 engine but is only offered with a twin-turbo V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission, the engine is available in two different displacements, the standard version expanding to 389 horses. and 479 lb-ft of torque.

The Hybrid version has an electric motor integrated into the transmission, enabling pure electric driving at low speeds, and the combination produces a combined output of 437 horsepower and 583 foot-pounds. Another change from its predecessor is the rear suspension which previously used a leaf spring arrangement.

The Tundra now uses a softer coil spring rear suspension which improves its ride and handling characteristics. This is evident with the version we drive. Toyota continues to offer the popular TRD Offroad and TRD Sport packages.

The first includes off-road suspension, skid plates, and unique wheels. The latter has a lower suspension and 20″ wheels. Those seeking maximum off-road capability will want the TRD Pro, which features an elevated suspension and unique shocks, as well as a special set of 18-inch black alloy wheels mounted on aluminum tires.

Is Toyota Coming Out With A Diesel Tundra

Mainly because Toyota does not offer diesel engines in their vehicles in this country. I see this as a definitely interesting time. The timing is important as the next-generation Tundra 2022 will launch this fall. The new Tundra trucks will start arriving at local dealerships later this year. As for the 2023 Toyota Tundra, it seems that a diesel engine type will also be available because it is very worth it.

Toyota Tundra 2023 MPG: Will Toyota Improve Tundra MPG

Toyota’s decision to give the Tundra a twin-turbo V-6, along with a more powerful hybrid variant, versus the V-8 is expected to pay dividends in terms of fuel efficiency. We will evaluate the Tundra’s real-world fuel economy on our 75 mph highway route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, once we get it at our headquarters. For more information on the Tundra’s fuel economy ratings, visit the EPA website.

2023 Toyota Tundra Price

We don’t know how much the 2023 Tundra will cost yet, but we think it will be a bit more expensive than the previous model, which starts at $36,620. However, we think the mid-level Limited trim with the TRD Off-Road package, which brings an electronically locked rear differential, unique wheels, upgraded suspension, and other extras, is to be had.

• SR $38,000 (est)
• SR5 $40,000 (est)
• Limited $47,000 (est)
• TRD Pro $53,000 (est)
• Platinum $54,000 (est)
• 1794 Edition $54,000 (est)

While it still lags behind its aforementioned competitors in terms of onboard capabilities and technology, the new Toyota Tundra is still vastly improved. Hopefully, the Tundra’s lower position will be reflected in its price, which has yet to be announced. The standard V6-powered Tundra should be in dealerships before the end of the year, with the hybrid arriving next spring.

2023 Toyota Tundra Release Date

Production of the Tundra 2023 is still not certain, but we can confirm that this will be handled at Toyota’s factory in San Antonio, Texas, where the outgoing Tundra is built and is likely to arrive at the end of 2022.