Why the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport is the Perfect All-Rounder Truck
When it comes to mid-size pickup trucks Toyota has long been a major player in the game. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport keeps this tradition alive with its rugged design versatile capabilities and reliable engineering. Whether you're looking to haul your gear for weekend adventures or just want a reliable truck for everyday driving the Tacoma TRD Sport is worth considering. It’s no surprise the Tacoma is a popular choice among truck enthusiasts. In this review we'll dive into everything you need to know about the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport from performance features to potential drawbacks.
Design and Exterior
One look at the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport and you’ll know it's built for action. Toyota’s TRD (Toyota Racing Development) lineup is designed with performance and off-road capability in mind and the Tacoma TRD Sport stands out with its aggressive styling. It's the perfect mix of rugged and sleek making it an attractive choice for those who want a truck that looks as good as it performs.
Standout Features
- Hood Scoop: The hood scoop adds a sporty touch though it's mostly for aesthetics and doesn’t serve a functional purpose.
- 17-inch Alloy Wheels: These wheels give the Tacoma a bold stance and provide durability for both on-road and light off-road conditions.
- Color Options: The Tacoma TRD Sport is available in a range of colors including Voodoo Blue Super White and Midnight Black Metallic which makes it customizable for those who like to express personality through their ride.
LED Lighting
Standard LED headlights and daytime running lights give the Tacoma TRD Sport a modern touch. The sleek light design is functional improving visibility at night and adding a nice design element to the truck's front end. However there are no fog lights unless you upgrade so that might be something to think about if you live in areas where fog is common.
Tailgate Design
The Tacoma TRD Sport also features a removable and lockable tailgate. It's sturdy and designed for tough work but the tailgate does not have the power-lift function that some other trucks in this segment offer. While the manual operation is no big deal for most truck owners the power-lift feature would have added an extra touch of convenience.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Inside the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport you'll find a surprisingly well-appointed cabin. It may not be luxury-level but it’s comfortable practical and packed with tech features that make the driving experience easier. This is a truck that’s as comfortable on long road trips as it is on a rugged trail.
Seating and Space
The seats in the TRD Sport are sport cloth and provide decent support for long drives though some may find them a bit stiff compared to more cushioned alternatives. There’s also dual-zone climate control to keep both driver and passengers comfortable but it’s only available in higher trims. The backseat in the Double Cab model is a bit cramped for adults on longer trips but should work fine for kids or shorter distances.
Infotainment System
A big highlight for tech lovers is the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. It comes standard with Apple CarPlay Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility. The interface is easy to navigate and responds quickly. However it’s worth mentioning that some competitors offer bigger screens with more intuitive controls. Still the Tacoma’s system is reliable and does the job well.
Sound System
The Tacoma TRD Sport comes with a 6-speaker sound system but you can upgrade to a JBL premium audio system if you want a better sound experience. If you’re a big music fan this is one upgrade you might want to consider as the base sound system lacks some bass and clarity at higher volumes.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
What really makes the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport stand out is its blend of on-road performance and off-road capability. It’s not just a truck for hauling it’s a truck for adventure.
Engine and Transmission
The Tacoma TRD Sport comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. This is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. While the engine delivers solid power some drivers may feel the transmission is a bit slow to shift. In fact some reviews have mentioned that the Tacoma’s transmission can feel a bit outdated especially when compared to some of its rivals that offer 8-speed or even 10-speed transmissions.
Alex Collantes a Tacoma enthusiast notes “The Tacoma TRD Sport handles pretty well for a truck of its size but sometimes you feel the shifts especially when you’re accelerating quickly. It’s not a dealbreaker but something to be aware of if you’re looking for super-smooth performance.”
Ride Comfort and Handling
On the road the Tacoma TRD Sport provides a firm ride. This is especially noticeable on rougher roads but the TRD-tuned suspension does help absorb some of the bumps. It’s not going to feel as smooth as some of its competitors that prioritize comfort over ruggedness but it handles well for what it is.
Off-Road Capability
While the Tacoma TRD Sport isn’t as off-road focused as the TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro trims it still holds its own on light trails and dirt roads thanks to features like the sport-tuned suspension and standard rear-wheel drive. You can opt for four-wheel drive if you plan on doing more serious off-roading.
Towing and Payload
Another area where the 2023 Tacoma TRD Sport shines is its towing capacity. When properly equipped it can tow up to 6800 pounds. That’s more than enough for a small trailer or a couple of ATVs. The payload capacity is 1440 pounds which is fairly standard for the segment.
Drawbacks
One downside here is that the Tacoma TRD Sport doesn’t have the advanced towing aids that some competitors are starting to offer. For example Ford’s Ranger offers pro-trailer backup assist which makes towing much easier especially for beginners. The Tacoma’s towing experience is more traditional so it might take a bit more skill to handle large loads.
Fuel Economy
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport offers decent fuel economy for a midsize truck but it's not class-leading. You can expect about 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with rear-wheel drive. Opting for four-wheel drive will reduce those numbers slightly.
Is It a Gas Guzzler?
For some truck buyers fuel economy is a big concern and the Tacoma falls behind competitors like the Ford Maverick which offers a hybrid option or the Chevrolet Colorado with its turbo-diesel engine. While the Tacoma isn’t a gas guzzler by any means it could benefit from more fuel-efficient powertrain options.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
The 2023 Tacoma TRD Sport comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense P suite of driver assistance features. This includes:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert
- Automatic high beams
- Dynamic radar cruise control
What's Missing?
While the safety features are solid one thing to note is that some competitors offer more advanced driver assistance technology. For instance Honda Ridgeline has a more comprehensive list of safety tech including features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert as standard on more trims.
Pricing and Value
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport starts at around $37,000 which places it in the middle of the pack compared to other midsize trucks. Toyota’s reliability reputation definitely adds value but you might find more features in similarly priced models from Ford or Chevrolet.
Is It Worth the Price?
For those who want a reliable versatile truck that can handle both daily driving and weekend adventures the Tacoma TRD Sport is a great option. However if you’re looking for more modern tech or a smoother ride you might want to look at competitors. Still the Tacoma’s resale value is one of the best in the segment which makes it a smart long-term investment.
Conclusion
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport is a solid choice for anyone in the market for a midsize truck. It’s reliable versatile and offers decent performance both on and off-road. There are some drawbacks like the outdated transmission and average fuel economy but these are small trade-offs for a truck that’s built to last. For the price you're getting a truck with a reputation for longevity and a design that stands out from the crowd.
As Alex Collantes says “I’ve owned Tacomas for years and the 2023 TRD Sport continues the legacy. It's not perfect but for what you’re getting it's one of the best options out there.”
If you're in the market for a truck that balances rugged performance with everyday usability the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport deserves a spot on your shortlist. Whether you're towing heading off-road or just commuting the Tacoma TRD Sport has you covered.