2023 Toyota Tacoma Interior: Why It's the Perfect Adventure-Ready Pickup
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is one of those trucks that seems to just get better every year. With a reputation for reliability, toughness, and off-road prowess, it continues to lead the midsize truck segment. While its performance and capability are often the stars of the show, the interior of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma deserves its own spotlight. Packed with features designed for both rugged off-road adventures and daily driving comfort, the Tacoma’s interior offers the best of both worlds. However, while Toyota has done an excellent job with the interior, there are still a few things that could be improved. In this review, we will dive deep into every nook and cranny of the Tacoma’s interior, discussing both the highlights and the areas that could use a bit of refinement.
Overview of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma's Interior Design
When you step inside the 2023 Tacoma, you’re greeted by a well-crafted cabin that emphasizes functionality without sacrificing comfort. The dashboard design is clean and intuitive, with all buttons and controls within easy reach. It’s clear Toyota wanted to create an interior that matches the rugged personality of the Tacoma, but one that’s also refined enough for daily use.
The materials used in the interior range from durable plastics to more premium touches like soft-touch surfaces and available leather upholstery. This mix of materials reflects the Tacoma’s ability to handle both tough terrain and city streets. However, some might feel that the base model’s interior is a bit too utilitarian, as Toyota has opted for harder plastics in certain areas to emphasize durability over luxury.
The Seating Experience
One of the key aspects of any vehicle’s interior is the seating, and the 2023 Tacoma offers a variety of seating configurations depending on the trim level. In the lower trims like the SR and SR5, the seats are upholstered in a durable fabric that feels sturdy enough to handle years of wear and tear. Higher trims such as the TRD Sport and Limited offer leather-trimmed seats, adding a touch of luxury to the cabin.
The driver’s seat is designed for comfort and support, especially important for long off-road trips. The higher trims come with a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat that makes it easy to find the perfect driving position. However, some taller drivers might find the seating position a bit awkward due to the lower-than-expected seat height, which could make it uncomfortable on longer drives.
Passenger space is another area where opinions are mixed. The Access Cab model comes with smaller rear seats, which might feel cramped for adults, especially on longer trips. If you regularly carry passengers in the back, the Double Cab configuration is a better choice, offering more legroom and a more comfortable rear-seat experience.
Alex Collantes, a long-time Toyota fan and off-road enthusiast, says, "I love the Tacoma, but the back seats in the Access Cab feel like an afterthought for adults. For kids or quick rides, it's fine, but for long trips, it’s definitely worth upgrading to the Double Cab."
Seat Materials and Comfort
As mentioned earlier, the Tacoma's seat materials range from durable fabrics in the lower trims to leather in the higher trims. While the fabric seats are designed for heavy-duty use, they might not be as comfortable as some competitors that offer plusher materials in their base models. The leather seats in the Limited and TRD Pro models feel more upscale and provide an added layer of comfort, especially on long drives.
However, it's worth noting that the Tacoma's seats tend to be a bit firmer than what some people might prefer. If you're used to softer seats, you might find the Tacoma's a bit stiff for long road trips. But for off-road driving, the firm seats can provide better support.
Heated and Ventilated Seats
In terms of features, the 2023 Tacoma doesn’t skimp on modern comforts. Heated front seats are available starting with the TRD Off-Road trim, and if you opt for the Limited or TRD Pro trims, you’ll also get ventilated front seats. This is a fantastic feature if you live in a region with extreme temperatures, as the ventilation can keep you cool during those scorching summer days.
Potential drawback: While heated and ventilated seats are great features, they’re only available on the higher-end models. If you’re considering the base SR or SR5, you’ll miss out on these creature comforts unless you upgrade.
Cabin Space and Storage
When it comes to storage, the Tacoma provides plenty of practical solutions for both the driver and passengers. There’s a large center console bin, useful door pockets, and additional storage compartments spread throughout the cabin. However, in-cabin storage in the Tacoma isn’t as plentiful as some of its competitors, like the Honda Ridgeline, which offers more creative storage solutions.
The rear seats in the Double Cab can also be folded down to create additional cargo space, a feature that many Tacoma owners appreciate. But, the Access Cab's smaller rear seating area and limited storage space might be a dealbreaker for some buyers who need more flexibility.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma comes with a 7-inch or 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, depending on the trim level. The system is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, which is great for those who want to integrate their smartphones seamlessly into the driving experience. In addition, the Tacoma offers Amazon Alexa compatibility, allowing you to control your smart home devices from the truck.
The infotainment system is relatively easy to use, with a straightforward interface and large buttons. However, some drivers might find that the screen resolution and responsiveness aren’t as good as what’s offered by some rivals. Toyota has made strides in its tech offerings, but the infotainment system can feel a little dated compared to competitors like the Ford Ranger or Chevrolet Colorado.
Sound System
In terms of audio, the standard six-speaker system is adequate, but if you want better sound quality, Toyota offers a JBL premium sound system in higher trims. The JBL system delivers crisp audio, making it a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles.
Potential drawback: The standard sound system might leave some drivers wanting more, especially when compared to the base sound systems in some competitors, which offer better audio clarity and bass.
Interior Features and Technology
One of the best features of the Tacoma’s interior is the abundance of tech and convenience options. Here’s a list of notable features that make the Tacoma stand out:
- Dual-zone automatic climate control (TRD Sport trim and above)
- Push-button start and keyless entry (starting with TRD Off-Road)
- Wireless charging pad for smartphones (available on select trims)
- Multiple USB ports for both front and rear passengers
- Power rear window (Double Cab models)
While these features certainly enhance the Tacoma’s overall appeal, they are often reserved for the higher trims. The lower trims, such as the SR and SR5, come with more basic features, which might be a letdown for those who expect more tech even in the base models.
Build Quality and Materials
The 2023 Tacoma's interior is rugged and built to withstand the demands of off-road use. The materials used in the lower trims are designed for durability, with harder plastics dominating much of the cabin. While this is great for longevity, some drivers might feel that the use of hard plastics detracts from the overall premium feel, especially when compared to rivals like the Honda Ridgeline, which offers more soft-touch materials.
In the higher trims, Toyota has done a good job of integrating more premium materials, such as leather and metallic accents. However, even in the top-tier TRD Pro, some areas still feel a bit too utilitarian, which could be seen as a drawback for those looking for a more upscale interior experience.
Alex Collantes adds, “I love that the Tacoma is built tough, but I think Toyota could step up the game with some of the interior materials, especially in the base models. It’s rugged, but it doesn’t have to feel like a work truck all the time.”
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
In terms of safety, the 2023 Tacoma comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense P, which includes a suite of driver-assistance features such as:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert
- Automatic high beams
- Dynamic radar cruise control
These features are standard across all trims, which is a major plus. However, unlike some competitors, the Tacoma doesn’t offer more advanced features like lane-keeping assist or a surround-view camera unless you move up to the higher trims. The lack of these advanced features in the lower trims might be a downside for safety-conscious buyers.
Driver Assistance Technology
The 2023 Tacoma comes equipped with several helpful driver-assistance features, but some of the more advanced tech is only available in the top trims. For example, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard in the Limited and TRD Pro models, but they’re not available in the lower trims.
Potential drawback: While the safety features in the base models are solid, the Tacoma doesn’t offer some of the more advanced driver-assistance features that have become more common in this segment. For instance, adaptive cruise control, which adjusts speed automatically in traffic, is missing from the lower trims.
Final Thoughts: Is the 2023 Tacoma’s Interior Right for You?
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma strikes a good balance between rugged durability and everyday comfort. Its interior is designed with the off-road adventurer in mind, but it doesn’t forget about the daily driver. While the seating could be more comfortable for taller passengers and the base trims offer more utilitarian materials, the higher trims bring enough comfort and tech to make this midsize truck a top choice for many.
Pros of the 2023 Tacoma’s Interior:
- Durable materials designed for off-road use
- Available heated and ventilated seats
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Ample storage options
Cons of the 2023 Tacoma’s Interior:
- Cramped rear seats in Access Cab models
- Harder plastics in lower trims
- Lack of advanced tech in base models
In conclusion, if you’re someone who prioritizes durability and off-road capability, the 2023 Tacoma’s interior will meet your needs. However, if you’re looking for a more premium feel or a tech-heavy cabin, you may want to opt for one of the higher trims or consider some of the Tacoma’s competitors. Regardless of your choice, the Tacoma continues to deliver where it counts, offering a solid interior for both adventure and everyday driving.