Would I buy it again? 2023 Toyota Tundra review by former owner

The 2023 Toyota Tundra is just one model year removed from being all new as well as being one year after I bought one. Ideal time for me to take a fresh look and wonder if I’d buy it again.

For those who don’t know, the 2022 Tundra was completely redesigned and notably dropped the 5.7-liter V8 no longer as the engine of choice.

Instead there are two choices: a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 or a turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 with a hybrid battery. Both engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic.

The truck can be configured with a double cab (extended cab) or a crew max (crew cab) in either a 5.5’ or 6.5’ bed length even in the crew truck.

2023 Toyota Tundra Likes

Let’s start with the good.

After seeing the underside of the 2022 Tundra I bought, I think Toyota has done a great job on engineering the truck. It is solid throughout and I still believe it will be one of the more reliable trucks on the market. Everytime I drive one, the notion of great reliability comes into my head.

I also like the new interior, the split arm rests and door rests are a big win for me.

Behind the wheel, I really like the way it drives. Either engine choice is a winner in my book and I’ve never had a hard shift from the transmission.

Plus, the TRD off-road package adds the electronically locking rear differential, skid plates and a much quieter crawl control feature for really getting out of a stuck situation.

It also tows really well and has plenty of power for a full-size truck owner’s needs.

For owners concerned about safety, just ask any truck accident lawyer nearby and they’ll tell you the Tundra’s IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating for 2023 is one of the things that sets it apart from other full-size trucks.

Also, I’ve seen several examples of owners who had added new wheels and tires, color matched bumpers and more that really make the truck look great.

Dislikes

On to the dislikes about the truck and I was hoping some of these would have changed, but they haven’t.

First, I’m really not a fan of the front-end styling and I simply hate the rear bumper being capped. If you drop the tailgate, getting into the bed is very limited unless you have a bed step or are tall and limber to climb onto the lowered tailgate. That’s just ridiculous IMO.

Second, and a small item to some, the weather stripping still doesn’t meet up on the second-row windows. For $62,000, I think it should.

Third, the side-trim panel on the seat with the controls hasn’t been reinforced yet. Myself and hundreds of other owners have broken this plastic panel. I’d think with that many warranty claims, it would be reinforced.

Fourth, the infotainment software still leaves a lot to be desired for me. I don’t understand why there is no split-screen option. Listening to the radio and using a map requires you to click back and forth to change stations or see the map. What’s bizarre is that you can split screen in wireless Apple Carplay, but not with Toyota’s system.

Fifth, tow hooks. It isn’t that I need them everyday, but when I do need them, I REALLY need them. The new Tacoma has tow hooks, why can’t the Tundra?

Finally, not in the model I just tested, but the hybrid battery is located under the rear seats meaning you lose all that storage space. This placement demands reliable connectivity, making a high-quality automotive wiring harness essential for consistent performance in all driving conditions. The Ford F-150 Powerboost with the same engine and battery setup gave me all the storage space by mounting the battery under the cabin. I know Toyota is a very conservative company and they are concerned about possible battery fires, but c’mon. Figure out a better solution.

The bottom line

While the list of things I don’t like still dominates my thoughts, there are some trims of the 2023 Tundra I would buy. You’ll have to watch the video to find out.