The Toyota Tundra has long been overshadowed by its American counterparts in the full-size pickup truck market. However, with its recent redesign and the addition of a hybrid model, the Tundra is poised to close the gap.
Our long-term test of a 2023 Tundra Hybrid Limited CrewMax revealed a smooth-riding, powerful, and feature-packed truck that rivals its domestic competitors.
The Tundra’s hybrid powertrain, which combines a twin-turbo V-6 with an electric motor, delivers seamless and responsive performance. While some critics have noted mediocre interior materials, the truck’s ride and handling have drawn praise.
With a maximum towing capacity of 11,000 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,940 pounds, the Tundra is capable of handling heavy loads.
Our test vehicle was equipped with a range of options, including a heated leather steering wheel, LED bed lights, and a 360-degree camera system, which pushed the price to $63,193. While this may seem steep, it’s comparable to similarly equipped domestic rivals.
Over 40,000 miles, our Tundra averaged 17 mpg, slightly below its EPA combined rating. However, its fuel economy was still better than that of a hybrid Ram 1500 we previously tested. We also noted some minor issues, including a weird windshield distortion and a recall for a potentially faulty fuel line.
Despite these issues, the Tundra proved reliable and capable, with sales figures indicating a serious increase in popularity. While it may not outsell its American counterparts, the Tundra has certainly “leveled up” and earned its place in the market.