Used 2023 Toyota Tundra CrewMax

Undergoing its first generational redesign in 15 years for 2022, the Tundra returns more or less unchanged for 2023. The only noteworthy enhancement is that the highly popular SR5 grade now offers the SX appearance package. It features several dark accents, including wheels, door handles, plus interior and exterior trim elements.

Although Toyota mostly follows the traditional full-size-truck path with a body bolted to a boxed ladder frame, it also strays from tradition with its coil-spring rear suspension. This type of rear suspension, also found on the Ram 1500, delivers a softer, more composed ride. There’s a bit of a tradeoff in towing capacity, with the Tundra rated to tug a maximum of 12,000 pounds. The Ford F-150 can pull up to 14,000 pounds, while the Chevy Silverado 1500 can handle up to 13,300 pounds.

However, if big-time towing doesn’t motivate your truck ownership, the Tundra hits on all other cylinders. On the topic of cylinders, the Tundra is the only full-size truck without a V8 in its engine portfolio. Its two engine choices consist of its i-Force twin-turbo V6 and its i-Force Max twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain. A 10-speed automatic transmission is standard and includes an automatic limited-slip differential.

Also, finding a Tundra to suit your particular needs is easier with its two cab configurations, three cargo-box lengths, and rear-wheel drive (RWD) or the available 4-wheel drive (4WD). Seven trim levels cover all the bases, from a simple unembellished truck to a luxury family hauler.

We think we’ve established that the Tundra is a somewhat more civilized beast than most of its competitors. To that end, it delivers better ride quality than the average full-size pickup. You won’t so much appreciate the improved ride when the cargo box is loaded, but it’s very noticeable when the bed is empty. Overall, the Tundra is an everyday driver that is as comfortable on the highway as a big sedan.

For serious off-roading, we recommend the TRD Pro. Toyota bred this trim level for taking on dirt, mud, sand, and rocks. However, our suggestion is to go with our favorite Tundra grade, the SR5, and add the TRD Off-Road Package. It gains you all-terrain rubber, the TRD off-road suspension with Bilstein shocks, skid plates, an electronic locking rear differential, and other into-the-outback technology. You can add the TRD Off-Road Package to the Limited, as well.

The Tundra’s passenger cabin isn’t as rich in design or materials as what awaits inside the F-150 or Ram 1500, but it’s nevertheless well-designed and functional.

Toyota presents the Tundra as either the Double Cab or the CrewMax. Both feature four doors, but the rear doors on the Double Cab are half size. The rear doors on the CrewMax are full size and open into a much larger rear-seat area. Therefore, if your truck needs include hauling multiple passengers, the CrewMax is the better solution. Though, both cabs will fit five people.

Although the SR and SR5 make do with an 8-inch touchscreen overseeing the infotainment system, the Limited and higher trims get a honking-big 14-inch touchscreen. All trims feature proximity keyless entry, a power rear window, and multiple USB ports.

Our favorite SR5 grade offers the bigger touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and power-adjustable front seats as options.

i-Force Max: This hybrid powertrain combines a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor, colluding to generate 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.

Power running boards with Power BedStep: Providing manual and automatic settings, this feature extends and retracts the side running boards. At the same time, the BedStep that extends from under the rear bumper also deploys and retracts.

14-inch touchscreen: This bigger-than-Texas touchscreen commands the infotainment system in upper trims and is optional in the SR5. It’s paired with either a 6-speaker audio system or, in the top trims, a 12-speaker JBL audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included.

Multi-Terrain Monitor: Available in a package for some trims and standard in the TRD Pro, this is a surround-view camera for off-roading. It helps you negotiate tricky terrain without a spotter.

Easy lower and lift tailgate: Slowly lowering on its own, you can close this tailgate with one finger.

Toyota Safety Sense: Standard in all the Tundra grades, this bundle of safety and driver-aid technologies help protect you and yours. It includes forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Adaptive cruise control, lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, and high-beam assist are also part of the package.

Toyota may not provide a V8 for its Tundra, but the two powertrains it does offer are standouts. Both rely on a 10-speed automatic transmission to hustle engine torque to the wheels.

i-Force 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6
389 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
479 lb-ft of torque @ 2,400 rpm
Maximum towing: 12,000 pounds
Maximum payload: 1,940 pounds
EPA fuel economy: This engine delivers 19 or 20 combined mpg, depending on the truck’s configuration

i-Force Max 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid
437 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
583 lb-ft of torque @ 2,400 rpm
Maximum towing: 11,450 pounds
Maximum payload: 1,680 pounds
EPA fuel economy: This engine delivers 19 to 22 combined mpg, depending on the truck’s configuration

Final Word: Ride and Resale Value

If you can live with max towing capacity of only 12,000 pounds, the 2023 Toyota Tundra’s smooth ride and outstanding resale value make it an attractive option in the competitive full-size truck segment.