While the standard Toyota Tacoma starts off with the right recipe for success, it’s a little weak. To get the most out of your truck as a daily driver, off-roading mule, or work vehicle then, you’ll want to spend an extra $2,300. Trust us, this 2023 Toyota Tacoma upgrade is necessary. 

What are the 2023 Toyota Tacoma engines? 

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma kicks things off with a standard 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with 189 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. It has lower SR and SR5 trim levels and is a bit underpowered. 

According to TheCarConnection, the standard engine is a little frustrating because it’s slow. It requires you to plan your maneuvers in advance to provide extra time for passing others and merging into traffic. Plus, it doesn’t have a fuel economy advantage. 

But for $2,300, you can upgrade to the potent 3.5-liter V6 engine with 278 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. This engine is standard with every other trim level. Also, it’s available with the optional six-speed manual transmission. 

The manual transmission is known for being more precise and engaging than the six-speed automatic transmission, which can be clumsy. 

With the V6, the 2023 Tacoma can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.6 seconds. The standard engine can get to 60 mph in roughly 10.9 seconds. With the V6, the Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 lbs and carry a payload of up to 1,685 lbs. 

The 2023 Tacoma gets an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. The 2.7-liter engine gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and up to 23 mpg on the highway. 

What 2023 Tacoma trim is best? 

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR5 is an excellent option to consider if you don’t need stout off-roading upgrades. It can provide savings and still has modern features, such as an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and keyless entry/ignition. 

It rides on 16-inch alloy wheels, has a composite bed with cleats, a power sliding rear window, a power adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, a wi-fi hotspot, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. 

The 2023 Tacoma TRD Off Road adds stout off-roading equipment without breaking the bank. It has a standard locking rear differential, Bilstein shock absorbers, and an advanced off-road traction control system with terrain settings and rock crawl. 

Plus, it features a wireless phone charging pad, chrome rear bumper, black textured fender flares, and a 120-volt outlet in the bed. 

When will the Tacoma get new engines? 

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma could mark the final year of the current generation. But the 2024 model could have the same engine options. The next-generation Tacoma is on the way, but Toyota hasn’t shared if the new model will debut as a 2024 or 2025 model. 

The new Tacoma Hybrid could be in the works. This would give it an improved fuel economy and an edge against the upcoming Ford Ranger Hybrid and the Jeep Gladiator 4xe. But this hasn’t been officially announced. 

Also, there are rumors that suggest the Toyota Tacoma EV is in the works. This model could come out a few months after the updated gas-powered option. The Tacoma EV concept looks like a regular model with a smaller grille that’s covered. 

Stay tuned for the latest Tacoma updates. A brand-new truck is on the way. But until then, upgrading to the V6 engine will make a tremendous difference.