The 2023 Toyota Tacoma has slipped behind newer rivals for comfort, but it hangs tough off-road. The Tacoma is a mid-size pickup truck that squares off against the Ford Ranger and Nissan Frontier, among others. Many buyers may be attracted to the Tacoma for its durable reputation, which is backed up by spectacular resale value. In what may be its last year before a redesign, the 2023 Tacoma gains a couple of new trim packages for the SR5 grade.
Chunky good looks are the Tacoma’s asset. Its bulky lines are familiar by now, but the 2023 Tacoma remains a tough-looking truck matched by impressive capability. The blunt front end wears a big Toyota badge—and an even bigger one if you opt for TRD Pro trim with its semi-retro “TOYOTA” lettering. Each trim has its own wheel designs, which range from basic steel on the SR up to stylish alloys wrapped in chunky rubber on TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road versions.
Hugely capable off-road, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma strikes out as a comfortable commuter. All models except the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro come standard with rear-wheel drive, though a simple part-time four-wheel-drive system is widely available. TRD Off-Road models add a host of four-wheeling bits including a locking rear differential, crawl control (a rather loud but effective system that automatically lopes the Tacoma along at ultra-low speeds), and a slew of traction control modes. TRD Pro versions toss in Fox shocks and a higher ride height for more serious going.
Ride quality varies from trim to trim, though all are fairly plush by truck standards, thanks to their big sidewalls and the long wheelbase. The Tacoma’s steering requires a fair amount of effort, a sensation exacerbated by the bulky, thick-rimmed steering wheel.
Most Tacoma trucks use a 278-hp 3.5-liter V-6, which has to be wrung out even in low-demand in-town use. Opt for the standard inline-4 and you’d better have a lot of patience. It’s smooth, but it puts out just 159 hp, which would make for a lousy power-to-weight ratio in a compact sedan let alone a hefty pickup.
The 6-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, but it is too eager to ratchet up a cog or two too high for optimal efficiency, so you may find yourself stabbing the throttle with regularity. Tapping the “ECT Power” button on the dash tells the gearbox to be less eager to upshift, but you’ll have to press the switch every time you hop in. The 6-speed manual transmission available on some TRD configurations is a slick, smooth unit worth seeking out if you don’t mind rowing things yourself.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma uses a lot of fuel, it’s not great. Both the 4- and 6-cylinder versions will realistically perform about the same in real-world situations. With the V-6, the Tacoma checks in at 19 mpg city, 24 highway, 21 combined. Four-wheel drive dents those figures to 18/22/20 mpg, and the manual transmission rates just 18 mpg combined. With the base engine, expect 20 to 21 mpg combined.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma comes with plenty of crash-avoidance tech, but its crash-test scores are mediocre. It may not be the best choice, even though we applaud Toyota’s inclusion of standard automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warnings, and automatic high-beam headlights. Unfortunately, an “Acceptable” score from the IIHS in the demanding right-side small-overlap test erase that good news. The NHTSA hasn’t updated its scores for the latest model year.
Inside, the Tacoma has a busy but still interesting look that may make it the most stylish in its class, though the bar here is low. Wide swathes of black and gray plastic somehow look good here thanks to interesting graining and occasional stretches of soft-touch material. It may be big, but the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is far from spacious. The dent-resistant bed composite comes in 5- and 6-foot lengths, and Toyota offers a range of bed liners and rubber mats.
An awkward seating position and tight rear seat mean the 2023 Tacoma is a lousy family hauler. There’s just no way to get truly comfortable inside the Tacoma, especially compared to rivals such as the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado that have a far better seating position for the driver. The Tacoma’s front bucket seats are low to the ground, even when adjusted all the way upward. Grab the optional sunroof and even drivers of modest stature will find the roof closing in on them. Rear-seat space isn’t great, either, though an infant carrier fits better here than in many competitors thanks to relatively wide rear doors.
A wide range of choices help ensure that there is a 2023 Toyota Tacoma for everyone. A 3-year/36,000-mile warranty is standard, though Toyota will pay for the first oil change. The Tacoma is offered in a huge range of choices, starting with work-oriented SR trucks that started around $27,750. While not plush, these trucks come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility via an 8.0-inch touchscreen as well as a host of crash-avoidance features including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
The SR5 adds a convenient power-adjustable driver’s seat and it’s the gateway for far dressier interior and exterior trim. Opt for the V-6 engine, four-wheel drive, and a crew-cab body, and Toyota will present you with a bill for nearly $38,000. Things escalated quickly from there.
Suddenly, the TRD Off-Road, which costs a bit over $39,000 with four-wheel drive and the automatic transmission, seems like a smart buy especially if you plan to go off-road. Keep going through the slightly luxurious Limited trim and you’ll wind up at the TRD Pro, which can crest $50,000 with options. Still, its Fox shocks and leather-lined interior would be hard to replicate for that kind of money in aftermarket gear.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is as capable as ever. With die-hard reliability, decent performance, and updates that keep the Tacoma competitive; it remains at the top of the mid-size truck class. Available in a multitude of sizes, powertrains, and options, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is one tough taco with something for everyone.
TRD Off-Road, which costs a bit over $39,000 with four-wheel drive and the automatic transmission, seems like a smart buy especially if you plan to go off-road. Keep going through the slightly luxurious Limited trim and you’ll wind up at the TRD Pro, which can crest $50,000 with options. Still, its Fox shocks and leather-lined interior would be hard to replicate for that kind of money in aftermarket gear.
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is as capable as ever. With die-hard reliability, decent performance, and updates that keep the Tacoma competitive; it remains at the top of the mid-size truck class. Available in a multitude of sizes, powertrains, and options, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is one tough taco with something for everyone.
