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The 2023 Toyota Tundra SR is the base model for the full-size Toyota truck. So what! Nothing about this pickup is boring, bland, or useless. If your desired pickup is one of the most affordable foundational models, the Tundra SR could be the half-ton truck for you.

How does the SR trim start things off for the 2023 Toyota Tundra?

Sunset Behind a Tundra Off-Road Truck
Sunset Behind a Tundra Off-Road Truck | Toyota

Toyota covers all the basics and then some with the SR trim. This half-ton pickup truck includes:

  • 18-inch steel wheels
  • LED headlights
  • Composite bed
  • Proximity keyless entry and start
  • 8-inch touchscreen
  • Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Toyota Safety Sense 2.5
    • Forward collision mitigation
    • Adaptive cruise control
    • Lane-keep assist

This full-size Toyota truck is traditionally different

2022 Toyota Tundra truck bed
2022 Toyota Tundra | Joe Santos, MotorBiscuit

The tried-and-true method of building a truck that includes a fully-boxed ladder frame is part of every model of the Tundra. This is the traditional piece of this truck, and it brings the strength expected in this truck class.

When you’re looking for how this pickup is different you’ll find it in the coil-spring rear suspension. This suspension delivers a softer and more composed ride than what you find in most pickups.

This difference for the Tundra offers a smooth ride but creates a bit of a hit regarding towing. The Tundra offers a max tow rating of 12,000 pounds. Trucks with traditional leaf-spring rear suspensions, like the Ford F-150 and Chevy Silverado 1500, both tow more than the Tundra.

Which Tundra engine powers the SR trim?

The 2023 Toyota Tundra SR is only offered with the base powertrain. This gives you the i-Force 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The SR model of this full-size truck delivers 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

Using this powertrain for your Tundra SR offers payload numbers that reach 1,940 pounds and fuel mileage that can reach 20 mpg combined. With strong towing, good payload, and decent fuel mileage, this half-ton truck is a well-rounded performer in its class.

Is this version of the Tundra comfortable to drive?

A dark blue 2022 Toyota Tundra full-size pickup truck towing a Toyota Racing trailer on a highway at sunset
2022 Toyota Tundra | Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

Yes, the 2023 Tundra SR is the second year of this truck’s latest generation and it brings a marked improvement over the previous version of the Tundra. If seat comfort and interior noise levels are important to you in your truck, this half-ton Toyota truck can be an excellent pickup to drive.

Does the 2023 Toyota Tundra SR do anything better than other base model trucks?

Not really. The Tundra can’t claim the best-in-class for any category, but it can claim to be a well-rounded truck with an excellent package of features and plenty of strength. The Tundra SR should be on your list if you want a good truck that does many things well at a low price.

How much does this base truck cost?

White 2023 Toyota Tundra SR Promotion Photo
2023 Toyota Tundra SR | Toyota

The 2023 Toyota Tundra SR begins at $36,965. In the full-size truck class, this is an affordable starting price. The SR trim offers an excellent foundational truck.

If you want more from a half-ton truck but still desire the Tundra’s reliability, you’ll find a lot more equipment at higher trims of the 2023 Toyota Tundra.

Next, see which Tundra is recommended by Edmunds, or learn more about the 2023 Toyota Tundra in the video below:

This article was updated on 1/3/2023.

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