The Toyota Tacoma remains the indisputable leader in the midsize pickup truck segment. For 2023, Toyota is drawing a close on the current-generation model, with an all-new Tacoma planned for 2024. If you’re shopping for a new Tacoma, our buying guide is designed with you in mind.
Highlights of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma
- Midsize body-on-frame pickup truck with room for up to five.
- Available in Access and Crew Cab body styles
- Standard rear-wheel drive; available all-wheel drive
- Two engine choices: 2.7-liter four-cylinder; 3.5-liter V6
- Two bed choices: 5-foot or 6-foot-2-inch bed sizes
- A long list of driver-assist tech equipment
- Multiple packages for customization
- Robust towing capabilities
Changes for 2023
Toyota introduced the third-generation Tacoma in 2016. Since then, this pickup truck has undergone modest changes.
For 2023, the Tacoma gains a pair of appearance package options with the SR5 grade. Elsewhere, we see minor equipment changes in the remaining grades.
Engines and Transmissions
Customers have two engine choices with the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. The SR and SR5 grades come with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. This engine works with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Optional with the base grades, but standard elsewhere is a 3.5-liter V6 engine. This one makes 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Here, customers may choose either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Seven Grades for the Choosing
For 2023, the Toyota Tacoma comes in seven models or grades. These are SR, SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro.
The SR grade is available in two-door Access (extended) Cab configuration with a 6-foot bed or a Double Cab with a 5-foot bed. The SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road supply the same arrangement but make either a 5- or 6-foot bed available with the Double Cab.
The Trail Special Edition and TRD Pro are both Double Cab models only with a 5-foot bed and standard part-time four-wheel drive. Lastly, the Limited edition comes with Double Cab and either a 5-foot or 6-foot bed.
Tacoma SR
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR comes with an impressive set of standard features, all for a starting price of $27,750. These include cloth upholstery and four-way manually adjustable front seats, as well as a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa integration. The system also includes a six-speaker stereo, Bluetooth connectivity, three USB ports, and satellite radio. Voice recognition technology allows for hands-free control of the system. In terms of safety, the Tacoma SR comes equipped with forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high-beam headlights, providing peace of mind while driving.
Available Packages and Upgrades:
Utility Package includes:
– Adds black door handles, mirror caps and bumper, and fixed rear window
– Removes rear seats and rear cup holders
– Removes variable intermittent windshield wipers
SR Convenience Package includes:
– Remote keyless entry
Tacoma SR5
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR5 grade comes with a starting price of $30,430 and offers several upgraded features compared to the base SR trim. These include an 8-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, as well as a leather-wrapped steering wheel and fog ligh ts for improved visibility in certain driving conditions. Optional features include navigation and a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat for added comfort and convenience. These features make the SR5 a step up from the base model and provide drivers with additional amenities at a reasonable price point.
Available Packages and Upgrades:
SR5 Appearance Package (4-cylinder) includes:
– 16-in. dark gray alloy wheels
– Color-keyed over fenders
Parking Sonar and Navigation Package (V6 only) include:
– Premium Audio, Dynamic Navigation with a 3-year trial, and Destination Assist with a 1-year trial
– Rear parking assist sonar Technology Package (V6 only) includes:
– Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
SX Package (V6 only) includes: black 16-in. alloy wheels, over-fenders, mirror caps, door handles, and badging
Chrome Package (V6 Double Cab 5-Ft. Bed only) includes: chrome-finished 18-in. alloy wheels, outer door handles, exhaust tip, tailgate “TACOMA” insert, and leather-wrapped shift knob
Tacoma TRD Sport
The Tacoma TRD Sport ($34,660) model comes with a starting price of $34,160 and includes several upgraded features compared to the previous models. The TRD Sport includes proximity keyless entry, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and a leather-wrapped shift knob for added comfort and convenience. It also features wireless device charging, push-button start, and dual-zone automatic climate control for an elevated driving experience. The TRD Sport’s sport-tuned suspension adds to its performance capabilities. Optional features include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and heated front seats, which can enhance safety and comfort while driving. Overall, the TRD Sport model offers a great balance of performance and luxury features at a reasonable price point.
Available Packages and Upgrades:
TRD Premium Sport Package (Access Cab) includes:
– Heated front seats, auto headlights, Premium Audio, Dynamic Navigation with a 3-year trial, Remote Connect with a 1-year trial, Destination Assist with a 1-year trial, and Service Connect with a 10-year trial
TRD Premium Sport Package (Double Cab) includes:
– Leather-trimmed heated front seats, Premium JBL Audio (A/T only), Dynamic Navigation with 3-year
trial, Remote Connect with 1-year trial, Destination Assist with 1-year trial, Service Connect with a 10-year trial (A/T only), auto headlights, and a moonroof
Advanced Technology Package (Double Cab) includes:
– Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) with a camera, rear parking assist sonar, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), and color-keyed power outside rearview mirrors with turn signal indicators
LED headlights with Daytime Running Lights (DRL) and black-bezel LED fog lights
Premium Audio, Dynamic Navigation (Double Cab A/T) with a 3-year trial, Remote Connect with a 1-year trial, Destination Assist with a 1-year trial, and Service Connect with a 10-year trial
Premium Package (Double Cab M/T) includes: leather-trimmed seats with heated front seats, auto headlights, moonroof, Premium Audio, Dynamic Navigation with a 3-year trial, and Destination Assist with a 1-year trial
Tacoma TRD Off-Road
The Tacoma TRD Off-Road edition ($35,940) is designed for off-road adventures and starts for $35,440. This model includes several off-road-specific features, such as an off-road-tuned suspension, a locking rear differential, and Bilstein shocks, which provide improved handling and control on rugged terrain. Models equipped with automatic transmission and four-wheel drive also feature low-speed crawl control and selectable multi-terrain modes for added capability in challenging conditions.
The TRD Off-Road model is available with optional LED headlights and fog lights, which can improve visibility in low-light situations. Additionally, the model can be equipped with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear parking sensors, which can enhance safety and convenience while driving. Overall, the TRD Off-Road model is a great choice for drivers seeking a capable and adventurous pickup truck.
Available Packages and Upgrades:
TRD Premium Off-Road Package (Access Cab) includes:
– Heated front seats, auto headlights, Premium Audio, Dynamic Navigation with a 3-year trial, Remote Connect with a 1-year trial, Destination Assist with a 1-year trial, and Service Connect with a 10-year trial
TRD Premium Off-Road Package (Double Cab) includes:
– Leather-trimmed heated front seats, Premium JBL Audio (A/T only), Dynamic Navigation with 3-year trial, Remote Connect with a 1-year trial, Destination Assist with a 1-year trial, Service Connect with 10-yeartrial (A/T only), auto headlights, and a moonroof
Advanced Technology Package (Double Cab) includes:
– Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM) with a camera, rear parking assist sonar, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Tacoma Limited
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma Limited model ($40,505) is the top-of-the-line trim level, starting at $40,005, and is packed with premium features. The Limited model features leather upholstery and heated front seats for added comfort and a six-speaker JBL premium stereo for a high-quality audio experience. Moreover, the Limited model comes equipped with a moonroof, rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a surround-view parking camera system, which provide added safety and convenience while driving. Certainly, these features make the TRD Limited a luxurious and highly capable truck that is suitable for drivers who desire top-of-the-line amenities.
Available Packages and Upgrades:
Nightshade Special Edition Package includes:
– 18-in. dark smoke wheels, black wheel locks and lug nuts, exhaust tip, mirror caps, fog light bezels, badging and door handles, and carbon-style black grille
Mudguards
Tonneau cover
Trail Special Edition
The 2023 Toyota Trail Special Edition ($40,970) boasts several distinctive features, including a front grille emblazoned with the iconic “TOYOTA” nameplate and bronze-finished accents that pay homage to the brand’s heritage. The vehicle also comes equipped with 16-inch bronze-finished wheels, which feature a “TOYOTA” center cap and are wrapped in rugged Goodyear®2 Kevlar®12 All-Terrain tires for superior performance in any conditions.
In addition to its stylish exterior, the Trail Special Edition offers practical features such as a chrome rear bumper and lockable bed storage that includes insulation on the driver’s side, making it perfect for use as a cooler. There’s also a 120V outlet located in the bed for added convenience.
Inside, the Trail Special Edition is outfitted with comfortable fabric-trimmed seats that feature tan stitching, and the driver’s seat is 10-way power-adjustable with 2-way lumbar support, while the front passenger seat is 4-way adjustable.
Available Packages and Upgrades:
Technology Package (V6 only) includes:
– Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Tonneau cover
SR5 Dynamic Navigation Package
Tacoma TRD Pro
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD ($47,185) is the highest trim level in the Tacoma lineup. This TRD model comes with several features that enhance its off-road capabilities, such as a TRD-tuned suspension and exhaust, a front skid plate that protects the vehicle from rocks and debris, LED fog lights that improve visibility in foggy conditions, and a multi-terrain monitor that displays crucial information about the vehicle’s terrain.
No packages or upgrades are available.
Key Competitors
The Toyota Tacoma is the best-selling model in the segment, easily outselling its nearest competitor by at least a 2-to-1 margin. The midsize pickup truck segment is comprised of such models as the Ford Ranger, Jeep Gladiator, and GM’s twin trucks – the GMC Canyon and Chevrolet Colorado. Two other models in this segment include the Nissan Frontier and the Honda Ridgeline.
Buying Recommendation
We believe that there are two “must have” features with every Tacoma. First, the Double Cab offers the roomiest interior and space for five. On the other hand, the Access Cab has a rear-hinged rear door, one less seat, and jump seats at that. Second, the V6 offers a level of power commensurate with this type of truck. If the base engine was turbocharged, it would be our choice, but it comes naturally aspirated.
For the budget-minded shopper, the SR5 grade with the V6 engine and Double Cab is an ideal place to start. However, if you’re planning serious off-roading, any of the TRD models are worth considering.
One more option is to wait for the new model’s arrival in 2024. That one will offer a standard turbo engine and a hybrid variant. We believe its size will parallel the current model with a more modern interior and advanced technologies available.
See Also — Deciphering the Language of Pickup Trucks
Photos courtesy of Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.
