Fans are eagerly waiting for the redesign of the best-selling mid-size truck. Unfortunately, we believe the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is coming unchanged. Small front grill updates from 2020 are the last changes we saw on this pickup. It seems like the company is waiting for the next generation to deliver a new look. On the other hand, options will be refreshed, so the waiting should be less painful.
The biggest change for the 2023 Tacoma could be the new TRD Pro package. The truck is part of the original lineup, which was expanded by adding Sequoia to the squad. This version is the best off-road truck in the market, fighting with the Chevy Colorado ZR2. By the way, this pickup is heading to the new generation, while it is a matter of time when will Ford launch the Ranger Raptor. Toyota is proactive, and update of the TRD Pro features would be a good thing to buy time before the new Tacoma debuts.
Finally, rumors about the hybrid truck are louder every day. Experts wrote off a diesel engine and a greener solution makes more sense. Seeing things happening in other segments, we strongly believe the 2023 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid is possible.
Engines and Specs
While we are still trying to figure out if the 2023 Toyota Tacoma redesign is going to happen, you can be sure that two main powertrains will stay under the hood of the truck. The entry-level version exploits a 2.7-liter four-cylinder plant with 160 hp and 180 lb-ft of torque. A manual transmission is under the question mark, but Toyota will probably keep it for buyers looking for the classic stuff. Meanwhile, automatic is a more popular solution. Both gearboxes have six paces.
Two-wheel drive is standard. Besides all-wheel drive, you have an option to upgrade the ride with a six-pot mill. A 3.5-liter engine is reliable and potent. Still, 2023 Tacoma will need to catch up with the competition in terms of towing capacity. 278 hp and 265 lb-ft are nice outputs, but the hauling potential is not as good as for the main rivals, especially Colorado, which is ready to tow 7,700 pounds.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid vs Diesel
A couple of years ago, there were no doubts which setup would be a priority. An oil burner can tow a lot and Toyota needs it to be competitive with Chevy. Now, Jeep Gladiator is also there with a diesel engine. But, the Japanese company wrote off every chance of this happening on Tundra truck, and we don’t need to wait for the official statement for the Tacoma diesel.
Instead, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma Hybrid is the priority. The carmaker is a leader in this segment. Its crossovers and SUVs are performing great, especially if you take a look at the gas mileage. Toyota made its mid-size three-row Highlander hybrid return 35 mpg combined. But, the Tacoma Hybrid will need to be capable to tow, not just to save gas. That is why truckers would like to see a diesel before a hybrid. However, with all the regulations and restrictions, it is hard to believe in 2023 Tacoma diesel.
Spy photos credits: TFL Truck