What Do the Top Trims of the 2023 Toyota Tundra Get You?
For the 2022 model year, the Toyota Tundra got a major update. After being in its second generation since 2010, we now have the third-gen Tundra. And I’ve had the chance to drive the two top trims of this full-size truck. Those are the 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone and the Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.
What are the top trims of the Toyota Tundra?
As a full-size truck, the two top trims of the Tundra are the TRD Pro and Capstone models. And I’ve got to say; these trucks have some stark differences between them. If you are familiar with Toyota’s TRD products, they are typically focused on off-road performance. The Toyota Tundra Capstone seems to be a Lexus in disguise.
Either way, both pickups start at over $70k, which means they aren’t cheap. But I have had some seat time behind the Tundra TRD Pro and Toyota Tundra Capstone, so I do have some insights to share.
What does TRD Pro mean on a Toyota Tundra?
A Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is a full-size truck with legitimate off-road chops. It is larger than the midsize Tacoma, but it can still handle rugged terrain. At the Midwest Automotive Media Association spring rally, I got to take the Tundra TRD Pro off-road and drive it on the street. Its electronically controlled locking rear diff and FOX shocks certainly help take on the rough off-road course.
You also get things like all-terrain tires and the old-school Toyota badging that folks seem to love. Perhaps what I most appreciated about the 2023 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro is its i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 engine. This powertrain makes 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. There might be some questions about its longevity, but there’s no question on its power delivery and driving dynamics.
Overall, if you want an off-road truck, a TRD Pro Toyota could make a solid argument.
What is the highest tier Tundra?
The top trim of the 2023 Tundra is the Capstone. And to put it mildly, this is not your grandfather’s truck by any stretch. I had the opportunity to test the Toyota Tundra Capstone for a week, and it honestly gives Lexus vibes.
The model I drove had air suspension for added comfort, leather seating and walnut trim, and plenty of other luxury goodies. Much like the TRD Pro Tundra, it also comes standard with the hybrid V6 engine.
According to Car and Driver, another interesting change Toyota made to the Capstone Tundra is the acoustic glass. In theory, this should help you feel more isolated from the outside world. While I was impressed with the sound damping in this Tundra, I couldn’t help but think Toyota pumps engine noise into the cabin.
Even with the V6 engine, push the accelerator down to reach highway speeds, and you might think you have a traditional V8 under the hood. Simply put, this vehicle looks like a truck, and even in its top trim, it still sounds like a truck. And that is for better or worse.
