Tacoma

Make
Toyota
Segment
Sports Car

The bastion of dependability that is the Toyota Tacoma has arrived for the 2023 model year, sporting new packages for the SR5 trim. The rugged midsize truck is now available with a decidedly classy Chrome Package. Those who opt for this package will gain 18-inch polished wheels, while the door handles, exhaust tip, and tailgate badging also receive the chrome treatment. Inside, a leather-wrapped gear lever lends the cabin a premium touch.

If, however, you prefer your Tacoma to have a more adventurous look, there's the SX Package. More sinister than its siblings, the SR5 SX receives several black-colored styling appointments. The badging, side mirrors, fender trim, and even the lug nuts are finished in the dark hue. The wheels are painted black while the bed acquires unique graphics.

The Chrome Package is only available on V6-powered SR5 double cab variants with a five-foot bed. The SX Package has the same powertrain limitations but is available in access cab or double cab body styles. Both are available with 4x2 or 4x4.

Not much else has changed in the Tacoma lineup, but the range-topping TRD Pro does receive a unique color for the new model year. For 2023, the Tacoma TRD Pro will offer an exclusive Solar Octane shade, as seen on the larger Tundra. Elsewhere, V6-equipped SR5 models now come standard with proximity entry, adding further convenience to the ownership experience.

Rounding up the model changes for 2023 are upgrades to the Tacoma Trail Edition that was first seen in 2021.

For MY2023, it receives enhanced coil springs, raising the front ride height by 1.1-inches. Together with the air dam removal, the approach angle is rated at 34 degrees. The rear has been lifted by 0.5 inches improving the departure angle to 23.6 degrees.

A bit of styling attitude is afforded by the bronze-finished wheels and chunky Goodyear all-terrain rubber. The breakover angle now sits at 26.4 degrees, while the undercarriage is protected by skid plates borrowed from TRD models. Lastly, the Trail Edition also receives a locking rear differential.

The powertrains remain unchanged. Two options are up for grabs: the 2.7-liter four-cylinder with a decidedly miserable 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque or a 3.5-liter V6. The latter is better suited to the Tacoma, with its more muscular power figures. It produces 278 hp and 265 lb-ft - figures befitting a mid-sized truck.

While the four-pot is mated exclusively to a six-speed auto 'box, the V6 can be ordered with a six-speed manual transmission. In total, there are up to 34 available configurations, meaning there's something for everyone within the lineup. But, regardless of price or positioning, Toyota hasn't skimped on standard safety features. Every model is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense which includes lane departure assist, radar cruise control, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection.

Toyota is yet to announce pricing for the 2023 model year, but we don't expect it to differ too much from the current pricing scheme. Expect the range to kick off at around $27,000 and top out at around $47,000 for the range-topping TRD Pro.