Redesigned for 2022, the Toyota Tundra is pretty much unchanged for the 2023 model year. We tested a Tundra 4×4 Double Cab SR recently, one of the entry-level versions of this work truck.
But fear not, if this version is not to your liking, the automaker offers the truck in 20 (!) different variations.
Our tester has a base price of $51,790, but options and fees push the final price to $57,553.20.
The optional package is the $3,700 SR5 group, which adds LED daytime running lights, heated leather wrapped steering wheel, LED fog lamps, and tow package with a heavy-duty tow hitch receiver.
That is in addition to standard items such as 18-inch styled steel wheels, fabric upholstery, bi-beam LED headlamps, truck bed header rails, a tilting/telescoping steering column, windshield wiper de-icer, automatic climate control and the Toyota Smart Key System with Push Button Start.
Powertrain: The Tundra has plenty of power thanks to a twin turbo 3.5-litre V6 engine under the hood. If produces peal horsepower of 348 and 405 pound-feet of torque. It features start-stop technology and is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
The engine gives the Tundra a towing capacity of up to 3,760 kilograms.
The four-wheel drive system in the Tundra can be controlled via a switch in the centre console, giving the driver the choice of 2WD, 4WD high or 4WD Low.
Toyota says the Tundra has an average combined fuel efficiency of 12.2 litres per 100 kilometres, but I was well off that mark with it, coming in at 18.2 L/100 km.
Exterior: The Tundra is overall a nice design.
The front end features a very large grille that grabs all your attention and has nicely integrated fog lights into it.
The large headlight assemblies on either side are equally impressive.
At the rear, unlike some other trucks on the market, there’s no fancy transformer action that turns the rear hatch into a step or anything. But when it’s up, the Tundra name is firmly pressed into its sheet metal, flanked by large vertical taillights.
While it is high off the ground, it didn’t prove too much of an issue to get into and out of, even without a step to assist.
Toyota offers the Tundra in choice of Double Cab or CrewMax body configurations, with regular or long beds. Our tester was the Double Cab variant, which does have some limitations, which I will explain later.
Interior: Inside the cabin, driver and front passenger are provided with ample room and it’s a modern cabin. Our tester had fabric seats, which were comfortable and supportive.
The horizontal dash layout gives lots of room for the instrument panel and centre stack, which blend in nicely together. It’s a clean look overall, with a minimal number of buttons, all of which are neatly organized.
Access to the second row of seats is challenging, with a small door and very tight legroom, so as a work truck with several larger people using this, that could prove challenging.
The rear seat cushions do flip up to provide extra storage space that also keeps items out of the view of prying eyes.
Infotainment: The dashboard features an 8.0-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system, and each Tundra comes with the Toyota Multimedia system.
This is Toyota’s newest interface and I found it to be quite intuitive and easy to operate, very much like a smartphone we are all used to at this point. It comes with wireless integration for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It’s a very good system for a pickup truck, even if the audio quality maybe wasn’t always the best.
Drive: The Tundra 4×4 Double Cab SR has a good amount of power on offer, and there’s no real lag to speak of when it comes to the turbo.
Power delivery is smooth off the line and when called upon for passing moves on the highway.
The ride can be a little bumpy at times, but that is to be expected in a pickup truck.
Despite its size, the steering feel is quite light and responsive, which does make the Tundra easy to manoeuvre.
2023 Toyota Tundra 4×4 Double Cab SR
2023 Toyota Tundra 4×4 Double Cab SR
2023 Toyota Tundra 4×4 Double Cab SR
2023 Toyota Tundra 4×4 Double Cab SR
Conclusion: A solidly designed and developed truck from Toyota. While our tester was maybe not as luxurious as some other recent pickup trucks tested, the Tundra 4×4 Double Cab SR still looks pretty good and will serve its owners well, whether that be on a job site or as a truck for those who spend a lot of time at the cottage or other weekend activities.
2023 Toyota Tundra 4×4 Double Cab SR
Price as tested: $57,553.20
Freight: $1,930.00
Configuration: Front engine/Four-wheel drive
Engine/transmission: 3.5-litre twin turbo V6/ 10-speed automatic
Power/torque: 348 horsepower/ 405 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Regular (85 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 12.2 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 18.2 L/100 km
Warranties: 3-years/60,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Dodge Ram 1500, Ford F-150. Nissan Titan, Chevrolet Silverado
Website: Toyota Canada