The current generation of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma was introduced during the model year 2016, and it has proven a popular pick for midsize pickups ever since. Along with the Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, Nissan Frontier, and Chevrolet Colorado, the Tacoma has firmly claimed its place in the pickup trucks pantheon.
And the Toyota Tacoma new model retains a lot of the same features which have made it so popular, with a few key changes for the new year. There is a new color option for the TRD Pro, a keyless entry into Sr5 models, and brand new packages for buyers to discover.
Below we will look at everything you need to know about the Toyota Tacoma new model. We will look at each aspect of the vehicle in detail so that you can make the best decision about whether the Toyota Tacoma build, engine, and interior are suited to you and your lifestyle.
Your 2023 Toyota Tacoma Buying Guide
What Are the Main Pros of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma?
- The Toyota Tacoma new model for 2023 offers excellent value for the price.
- TRD Models enable capable and steady off road driving.
- A rugged and robust pickup truck that isn’t short on style.
The new Toyota Tacoma embraces the strengths which have made it so popular, retains its attainable price point, and doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel.
What Are The Main Cons of the Toyota Tacoma New Model?
- The cab is a bit cramped and compact for a vehicle of this size.
- The transmission tuning could be improved.
- You may feel it’s a stiff drive.
The key issues when it comes to the 2023 model seem to emanate from an engine and transmission which could have benefited a refresh this time around.
What Specs Do You Need to Know?
Here is a breakdown of the main specifications you should expect when you buy a 2023 Toyota Tacoma.
- The Fuel Economy of the Toyota Tacoma is 20/23 MPG
- The Maximum Towing Weight is 3500 lbs.
- Maximum Payload is 1685 lbs.
- 4-Cyl 2.7 Liter Engine
2023 Toyota Tacoma Price
The Toyota Tacoma in 2023 remains an excellent value mid-size pick-up option with prices beginning at an MSRP of $27,250 for an SR 2WD Access Cab. At the top range, you can expect to pay $37,470 for the TRD Off Road Access Cab and $43,580 for the Limited 4WD Long bed Double Cab.
So, no matter which trim you go for, you can be confident at meeting a fair price for this popular pick up which has a record of sustaining a great resale value over the years.
2023 Toyota Tacoma New Features
So, what’s new for this year? Well, there’s a reason that the Tacoma remains the best-selling midsize pickup in the US and retains its place as one of the best trucks for resale value. And Toyota thankfully knows enough not to force a complete overhaul on one of their prize vehicles. But there are still some fantastic features on the Toyota Tacoma for pickups fans to get excited about!
- Toyota’s Chrome Package includes 18 inch alloy wheels!
- SR5 trim with V-6 engine now has a standard keyless entry feature.
- There is also an optional Blacked out SX option available on the SR5 trim.
- The TRD Pro trim now has a Solar Octane paint color.
Toyota Tacoma Engine and Transmission
Two of the biggest criticisms of the Toyota Tacoma have related to driving dynamics and a past its prime automatic transmission which can choose the wrong gear. Drivers have also noticed that the pickup truck is a stiff ride (although this doesn’t apply to the Toyota TRD Pro which includes Fox Shocks.)
The engine itself remains unchanged, with the same two options available:
- Standard 2.7 liter with 159 HP and 180 torque and six speed automatic transmission.
- 3.5 liter V6 with 287 HP and 265 torque.
The fuel economy on these offerings of course remains the same as earlier models.
What Safety Ratings Does the 2023 Toyota Tacoma have?
It is expected that the Toyota Tacoma new model should have all the same safety ratings as the previous model. This should give it an NHTSA rating of four stars. It should also mean that it will get good safety ratings on the IIHS Crashworthiness tests for everything apart from the Passenger side small overlap front test.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma also shares the same Toyota Safety Sense package as the previous year’s model. Meaning that the following safety features will be included as standard:
- Automatic emergency braking.
- Forward collision warning.
- Alerts for lane departure.
- Automatic high beams.
- Pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control.
Optional Safety Features for the vehicle include a panoramic view monitor system, rear parking sensors, blind spot monitoring, and rear cross traffic alert.
Toyota Tacoma Build and Trims
The 2023 Toyota is offered in two configurations –
- Access Cab with a 6.1 foot bed.
- Double Cab with either a 5 or 6.1 foot bed.
The available options for the Toyota Tacoma new model are:
- Toyota Tacoma SR
- The Tacoma SR5
- Toyota TRD Sport
- The TRD Off-Road
- Toyota Tacoma Limited Edition
- The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro.
Toyota Tacoma Interior
The access cab of the Tacoma can feel restricted and may be uncomfortable for larger drivers. The ergonomics of the seats and fixtures could also be further optimized.
In terms of interior covers and appearance, the standard Tacoma model has two manually adjustable front seats with cloth upholstery and a plastic steering wheel. The V6 model also offers drivers a dual-zone climate control.
Turning to higher trim levels means that you will benefit from leather upholstery in the interior, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, a powered moonroof, and a driver’s seat that is power adjustable.
Technology in the 2023 Tacoma Model
With the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, you will get either a standard 7 inch (or optional 8 inch) infotainment system. This will include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The entertainment system also includes:
- Touchscreen
- Smartphone integration
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Voice recognition
- Wi-Fi hotspot
- Satellite Radio
- 3 USB ports
- Six Speaker Stereo.
Higher-spec trim levels are also expected to include built-in navigation features. Other optional infotainment features available include:
- Wireless phone charging
- 6 speaker JBL sound systems.
SR5 trim models equipped with a V-6 engine will also have a keyless entry feature.
Which Toyota Tacoma Trim is Best for Off-Road?
Each Toyota Tacoma trim undoubtedly has some off-road capability inbuilt with a good approach, break-over, and departure angles as well as capable clearance. But if you are planning on using the vehicle mainly for off-road driving, then picking the TRD Off-Road or Trail edition will be the best choice. If you want the ultimate capability when traveling over rocky grounds then the TRD Pro would be the ultimate choice.
Summary: 2023 Toyota Tacoma Buying Guide
The Toyota Tacoma new model for 2023 doesn’t come with many revolutionary features and can’t boast a complete freshening up and overhaul. But that’s mainly because, in most areas, it really didn’t need one! However, both the transmission and drive feel are showing their age a little bit.
The Toyota Tacoma remains a reliable, strong, and attractive mid-size pickup option that should satisfy the driving requirements of most, either on the highway or off-road.
