Toyota Tundra Limited TRD Off-Road Review: Work All Day, Tailgate All Night
Love to take the backroads? The 2023 Toyota Tundra Limited's TRD Off-Road badges are eye-catching, but its safety and comfort puts it in the daily driver category.
Erica Mueller
|
Off Road Ready, But with All the Comforts
If you like to leave the pavement as much as I do, the TRD Off-Road badges on this 2023 Toyota Tundra Limited are sure to catch your eye. This trim level features extra wide fender flares, LED headlights and tail lights, 18-inch TRD wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, and some pretty cool badging that makes this truck look extra tough.
But it’s not just a rugged off-road beast. The Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, priced at about $50K, makes a great family car or daily driver, too, and will transition well from work to play.
Related: 2023 Toyota Sequoia Has Hot New Looks, Including a Paint Job Rivaling Oklahoma State’s Orange
This Army Green is a beauty wherever it goes, even if it is difficult to photograph in a green field against green trees. Photo: Erica Mueller
Yes the Engine is Smaller, but it’s More Powerful
While a lot of truck enthusiasts who haven’t even driven the new Toyota Tundra are whining about the nixing of the V8 engine, I can assure you the controversy is unfounded, and there is nothing to fear. This 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission delivers plenty of power, speed, and torque to have a little fun.
There are 2 engine options to choose from. The i-FORCE 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 generates 358 horsepower and gives you 406 lb.-ft. of torque while the i-FORCE MAX 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid boasts 437 horsepower and up to 583 lb.-ft. of torque. The TRD Off-Road Tundra Limited pictured here had an all-gas engine and traveled around 13.8 miles per gallon of fuel. Not the most efficient truck, but definitely fun to drive!
The 2023 Tundra TRD Off-Road has a robust frame and a maximum towing capacity of over 10,000 pounds, making it well-suited for hauling heavy loads and towing trailers, boats, or RVs. The hybrid engine is specially tuned to give you the extra torque needed for towing.
Related: Why Girls Love Trucks and How the Best Trucks Make Us Feel
SMILE! The Toyota Tundra’s grille is controversial, but I think it looks happy. Photo: Erica Mueller
The Toyota Tundra’s Exterior is Unique
I think of all the trucks on the market today, the Tundra has the most unique front-end design. It really stands out coming down the road, and I like that. It has a massive grille, but it’s not audacious. The exterior lines remind me of a sculpture, which is a huge improvement over the previous generation’s balloon animal-like appearance.
The Toyota Tundra’s TRD Off-Road’s massive 18-inch TRD wheels and beefy all-terrain tires give the truck an assertive stance that sets it apart from the other trims.
The TRD Off-Road package adds reinforced suspension, skid plates, and an electronically locking rear differential to give you a super comfortable ride on pavement and great articulation off-road. The Multi-Terrain Select system allows you to adjust the truck’s settings to suit the terrain, and the Crawl Control feature provides excellent low-speed control, making tricky off-road situations more manageable. Rocky trails, muddy paths, or sandy dunes? The Tundra TRD Off-Road feels right at home.
Related: Everything You Need to Know about the Toyota Tacoma
This Limited trim features a 14″ multimedia screen, leather-trimmed seats, and a nice JBL sound system. Photo: Erica Mueller
Inside, it’s all Comfy and Cozy
Inside the cabin, the carmaker has made substantial improvements in terms of comfort, quality, and technology. The Toyota Tundra TRD Off-Road features comfortable, spacious leatherette seats, along with an ergonomic dashboard layout for distraction-free driving. The multimedia system is user-friendly and includes a large touchscreen display with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The optional Tundra TRD Off-Road package equips the truck with a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and more. These features enhance safety and provide peace of mind during off-road adventures.
The backseat of the Toyota Tundra is super roomy but does not have a flat-load floor. Photo: Erica Mueller
What You Need to Know About the Toyota Tundra: Pricing and Features
The 2023 Toyota Tundra is available in various trim levels, each offering different features and customization options to cater to a wide range of preferences and needs.
With a starting price of $38,965, the SR is the base model Tundra. This truck offers all the essentials, including the powerful V6 engine, an 8-inch multimedia screen, a reinforced composite bed, and the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance features.
Building on the SR trim, the SR5 trim starts at $44,470 and adds more comfort and convenience features, like a larger touchscreen multimedia system, smartphone connectivity, and available off-road packages that you can’t add to the base model. This one comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, selectable tow/haul modes, and a hitch receiver and trailer brake controller package.
Probably the most popular trim is the Limited. This sweet spot for both budget and amenities starts at $50,565 and offers leather-trimmed seats, a premium audio system, and advanced safety features. You’ll also get upgraded to 20-inch alloy wheels and a 14-inch multimedia screen.
Platinum is where it’s at! For about $60,775, this trim adds a more upscale feel to the Tundra with features such as premium leather seats, a sunroof, and a high-end audio system. The power-tilt panoramic sliding moonroof comes standard, as do the 10-way adjustable power front seats.
I’m not sure why this isn’t just called the Texas Edition, but the Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition, which starts at $61,460, screams “ranch owner” from the moment you open the door. Named after the ranch where the truck’s factory is located, the 1794 Edition offers similar luxury features to the Platinum but with a distinct Western-themed design.
The TRD Pro is the ultimate off-road performer in the Tundra lineup. Starting at $70,920, it comes equipped with even more off-road enhancements than the optional TRD Off-Road package, which you can add to other trims. The TRD Pro includes upgraded shocks, unique styling elements, and an aggressive off-road stance. Fox shocks, a 1.1-inch front lift, and a front LED light bar complete this beast of a machine.
If you really like a luxury trim, Toyota now offers the Capstone edition, which starts at $77,645. This truck has 22-inch machined-finish alloy wheels, soft leather-trimmed seats, and a two-toned black and white interior with walnut wood-grain accent trim. It’s something you just have to see to appreciate.
Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter! Additionally, A Girls Guide to Cars may earn a commission from affiliate links in this story.
Car Shopping
Need a new car? Whether shopping for a new car or a used car we recommend using our car shopping service.
Tire Shopping
Need new tires? We recommend Tire Rack.
Car Repair
Need to get your car repaired? We recommend Repair Pal. Exclusively just for Girls Guide to Cars readers, call (877) 323-1708 to speak to RepairPal Car Genius for FREE automotive repair advice and if needed to find the right shop for you!
