After spending 12 months and 29,051 miles behind the wheel of the 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, we’re not entirely convinced.
The 2023 Tundra TRD Pro faced a tough road ahead. As full-size off-road trucks are becoming more popular, this third-generation Tundra — the loudest version in the lineup — had to contend with fierce competition from the likes of Ford, Ram, and Chevrolet. Toyota had to pull out all the stops.
When Toyota finally unveiled the new Tundra, it seemed like the company was ready for the challenge. Objectively, the third-generation Tundra is an impressive truck. The broad, imposing grille, the distinct headlights, and the flared wheel arches make even the base Tundra look sporty and aggressive. On the inside, a large screen, molded dashboard, and chunky control knobs represent a giant leap forward from the previous generation, bringing the Tundra’s interior design into the modern age.
As for the powertrain, Toyota made a bold move by ditching the V-8 engine, opting instead for a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 as the standard engine. For high trims like the TRD Pro, a hybrid version is also available, delivering plenty of power.
To get a feel for Toyota’s latest half-ton truck, we selected a 2023 Tundra TRD Pro for a year-long evaluation. Living near the Mojave Desert, close to our Los Angeles headquarters, we opted for a Tundra with the right equipment for Baja-style roads. It came equipped with Fox Shox 2.5-inch internal bypass remote-reservoir shocks, a 1.1-inch lift kit, skid plates, a beefy front sway bar, Falken Wildpeak A/T all-terrain tires, and a locking rear differential. There were no major options available when ordering the TRD Pro, so our only choice was the $425 Solar Octane orange paint and a few dealer-installed accessories, which pushed the final price from the base price of $68,520 to $71,998.
Over the past year, we found six features of the Tundra that we loved, but also four aspects that left us frustrated.
What We Loved About the Tundra
The Solar Octane orange paint job is not for the faint of heart. One of my first adventures in the Tundra was a spring weekend trip north of Los Angeles in search of wildflowers. Upon spotting a hillside blanketed in bright yellow blooms, I parked on the side of the road. I stepped across to the opposite shoulder, taking in the sight before me. The bright orange “Tundra” logo against a wall of yellow flowers made for a striking visual, almost blinding to look at. Prolonged exposure to this vibrant color was overwhelming, much like staring too long at a blacklight poster in the back of a Spencer’s Gifts store as a kid.
After a year of parking a bold, exciting, and eye-catching orange Toyota in my driveway, I’ve noticed my parking spot feels a little drab now — a testament to just how stunning the Tundra’s presence is.
The TRD Pro’s design amplifies the boldness of its paint. The truck features aggressive digital camo fender flares, a full black grille with integrated TRD lighting, and black BBS wheels that give it a fierce look. The 18-inch forged BBS wheels and Falken AT/3W tires almost look too small in the massive wheel arches, and it’s clear this truck needs a tire with a taller sidewall to match its presence.
Inside, while some materials — like the satin black plastic surrounding the central windshield and air vents — are somewhat lackluster, the overall design is attractive. It has a cockpit-like feel, especially compared to other trucks in its class. This could come at the cost of reduced outward visibility, but in comparison to something like a Ford F-150, I always feel like I’m sitting in a command center when I’m in the Tundra.
Toyota’s interior is also incredibly comfortable. The seat bases are soft but supportive enough to keep me from tiring on long trips. The seats provide ample support for my broad frame, ensuring I remain secure behind the wheel even on winding mountain roads. The only downside is the seat cooler, which is surprisingly noisy, like sitting next to a small fan.
But the real standout inside the Tundra is its 14.0-inch touchscreen. This horizontally mounted screen is incredibly responsive and easy to use for both the driver and the passenger. It also offers a bright, glare-free interface, making it easy to use Apple CarPlay and control various apps without hassle.
Despite all these positives, the true highlight of the Tundra TRD Pro has to be its 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain. With 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque (89 more horsepower and 178 lb-ft more than the base V6), it’s paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system. The TRD Pro is fast enough in daily driving to leave me feeling satisfied and never disappointed.
I’ve loaded it with 1,500 pounds of gravel on multiple trips to the local landscape supply store. The Tundra’s off-road suspension can feel a little cumbersome, but it never feels like a burden. Likewise, when towing a Polaris RZR Pro R Ultimate through the desert, the Tundra handled its 4,400-pound load as if it were almost weightless.
When Toyota introduced the hybrid version of the Tundra, they made it clear that fuel efficiency wasn’t their main priority — performance was. The EPA estimates the truck at 18/20/19 mpg city/highway/combined. In real-world driving, the Tundra was only able to achieve an average of 15.0 mpg. Comparatively, the more powerful and heavier 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor, which we also own, averaged 13.6 mpg over 21,042 miles. But we also found that driving the Tundra carefully — avoiding rapid acceleration, adhering to speed limits, and skipping the A/C — helped us achieve a respectable 23.0 mpg over 526 miles during a specific fuel economy test.
What We Disliked About the Tundra
After a year of driving, I’m typically able to overlook the minor imperfections of a vehicle. However, the Tundra’s wide turning radius is just maddening. At 49.8 feet, it’s 3 feet larger than the Ram in the same class, and it drove me crazy. Every time I had to make a U-turn, visit the grocery store, or — heaven forbid — navigate a drive-thru or car wash, I’d have to make multiple attempts to complete the turn.
If the Tundra’s excessive turning radius is the most frustrating characteristic, its suspension is the biggest letdown.
On paper, the TRD Pro looks ready for action with its desert racing-inspired design, Fox Shox, lift kit, and visible skid plates. However, the Tundra’s suspension is not only underwhelming off-road, but it also feels sloppy on paved roads. It’s surprisingly soft, and the body rolls uncontrollably, leading to car sickness in more than one passenger. The suspension is also too rough on anything but the flattest roads.
When I tested the Tundra against the 2022 Ford F-150 Raptor on some off-road trails, the difference in suspension performance was stark. The Raptor’s smooth ride not only outshone the Tundra off-road but also made the Tundra feel uncomfortable on winding mountain roads leading to a trailhead.
The Tundra’s tires are also prone to premature wear. Our first set of Falken Wildpeak A/T3W tires, installed at the factory, needed replacing after only 9,000 miles. The second set lasted 11,000 miles before requiring a change. We then upgraded to aftermarket Falken Wildpeak A/4W tires, which showed almost no wear after 10,000 miles, with tread depth remaining nearly at 100% when we returned the truck.
Thanks to ToyotaCare covering the remaining maintenance costs, the $2,957.40 we spent on new tires was the only significant cost we incurred while keeping the Tundra running. In comparison, the Ford F-150 Raptor required $0 in maintenance over a full year, with its factory tires lasting over 21,000 miles.
Would We Recommend the Tundra?
When the Tundra TRD Pro first arrived at my doorstep, I was excited. This would be my first truck, and it promised adventure, power, and incredible off-road performance. The freedom and convenience a truck offers made me realize just how much I enjoy having a vehicle with a bed, and I couldn’t imagine going back to a sedan or SUV. It’s no wonder trucks are America’s best-selling vehicle.
My road trips in the Tundra have been fantastic — especially a trip with my wife to Leslie Canyon in eastern Oregon, which ranks as one of my favorite adventures. Though it’s not for everyone, I love the Tundra TRD Pro’s design, often pausing to admire how cool it looks parked roadside or in photos.
This is why I want to say: Despite the Tundra TRD Pro’s many shortcomings, the usefulness it provides and the joy I’ve had on weekend adventures and road trips more than make up for the frustration in daily driving. But I can’t quite say that. Its tire wear, average