2023 Tacoma TRD Review

The term TRD is associated with extraordinary automotive performance. Having a TRD badge on a Toyota Tacoma means that you get a capable and dependable truck that is fun to drive. There are three TRD models, and we’re going to review them for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma.

Features

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma represents the 3rd generation of Toyota’s consumer-favorite midsize pickup truck. It was last refreshed in 2020 and it currently features 7 trim levels; 3 of which come with the prestigious TRD badge.

They are the 2023 Tacoma TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro. The Sport is for enhancing the Tacoma’s drive on-tarmac, while the other two are meant for trailblazing. This year’s models get new color options.

Powertrain and Numbers

The 2023 Tacoma TRD models come standard with the 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 278 hp and 265 lb-ft. This engine is paired with either a 6-speed automatic or a stick-shift manual transmission that sends this power to a 2- or 4-wheel drive system.

As a result, the Tacoma TRD trucks can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just about 7.7 seconds. As far as towing and hauling are concerned, the 2023 Tacoma TRD Sport does best at 6800 and 1525 lbs respectively. It is followed by the TRD Off-Road at 6400 and 1155 lbs.

The Tacoma TRD Sport is also the most efficient as it can do up to 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The next best thing is the Tacoma TRD Off-Road which can do 18 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway. The TRD Pro can do 17 mpg city; 21 highway.

The Tacoma’s interior looks reasonably modern for the time and has superb build quality. It is a functional cabin with niceties such as soft-touch materials, even though it is meant to be a workhorse truck. It seats up to five people spaciously; the headroom and legroom are decent.

While the highlight of this or any other pickup is the truck bed, the 2023 Tacoma (including its TRD models) feature adequate in-cabin storage in the form of cubbies. As a bonus, you also get cargo room beneath the rear seats.

The following are the trim levels of the 2023 Tacoma TRD:

2023 Tacoma TRD Sport
The 2023 TRD Sport features dual-zone climate control, push-button ignition, keyless entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.

There’s also an 8-inch touchscreen that works with a set of 6 speakers. It is compatible with Android and Apple smartphones, wireless Bluetooth technology, and SiriusXM radio. There are 3 USB ports, and wireless smartphone charging as well.

The safety equipment includes forward-collision warning, automated emergency braking (w/pedestrian detection), lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and more. Blind-spot monitoring (w/rear cross-traffic alert) is optional.

2023 Tacoma TRD Off-Road
The 2023 Tacoma TRD Off-Road ups the game by offering an upgraded instrumentation panel, and a power-sliding rear window (on the double-cabin), and by unlocking some optional extras. Since this is an off-road oriented model, it makes several changes to the exterior as well.

2023 Tacoma TRD Pro
The Tacoma TRD Pro is the ultimate mid-size pickup truck that offers add-ons such as an upgraded rear-view mirror, and a TRD Pro shift knob and floor mats. You also get black TRD Pro leather-trimmed front seats that are heated.

Now you also get a powered sliding moonroof and satellite navigation. The safety department gains rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring (w/rear cross-traffic alert). There are significant changes to the outside as well.

2023 Tacoma TRD Sport

2023 Tacoma TRD Off-Road

2023 Tacoma TRD Pro

Exterior and Driving

The Tacoma is a handsome truck and the TRD models are the most unique out of all its trims. Truck bed sizes of 6- and 5-ft are available depending on the trim of your choosing. You get LED DRLs, skid plates, and a gray-colored grille upfront on the TRD Sport and Off-Road models.

These also come with 17- and 16-inch alloy wheels respectively. The Tacoma TRD Pro features LED headlights, DRLs, taillights, and foglights. It also comes with a custom front grille with camera, black badging, a hood scoop with a graphic, and some more changes.

The colors available on the 2023 Tacoma TRD are:

Be sure to check out which colors are available on the trim of your choice.

The driveability of any TRD vehicle should be astounding. The Tacoma TRD Sport is meant for maximum performance on paved roads. The other two models can cater to off-tarmac settings just as well.

Testers have described these trucks to be exciting to drive. They say that the Tacoma and its TRD models can handle like none of their rivals can. Despite the Tacoma being a big truck, it won’t feel like one when you drive it.

The comfort levels are also to be commended despite the trucks being meant for killing it on the jobsite.

Reliability and Warranty

The Tundra 2023 and its TRD models get a score of 82 out of 100 in predicted reliability from JD Power. This puts it in the “Great” category. Consumer Reports also expects it to be more reliable than its peers. Its buyers have also praised the truck’s dependability.

Toyota offers a pair of warranties in case things go south. The first is the limited warranty that’s good for 3 years/36k miles; the second is the powertrain components warranty that covers you for 5 years/60k miles. You also get complimentary maintenance for 2 years/25k miles.

Verdict

It is no surprise that the 2023 Tacoma TRD should be a great buy, no matter which model you pick. If you want to tear up the tarmac, then the Sport should be the best – it also has the best numbers. Otherwise, the Off-Road and Pro models are ideal for the trail.

To get the 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD in Woods Cross, North Salt Lake UT, Centerville UT, and Bountiful UT, check out Performance Toyota Bountiful here.