2023 Toyota Tundra: Towing Capabilities That Stand Out from the Competition!

Work for Torque News, follow on Twitter, Youtube and Facebook.

It’s been a little over a year since the new generation of the Toyota Tundra came out and as more and more people buy them, they start to see that the 2023 Toyota Tundra indeed has better towing than other trucks of its class.

A little over 2 years ago, people had mixed emotions about the new 2022 Toyota Tundra. At first they didn’t know whether or not the hybrid drivetrain could really handle all that was promised by Toyota. Things took a turn for the worse after the entire wastegate problems that the turbos were having on some trucks. My cousin bought a 2022 Toyota Tundra 1794 Edition and ended up having to have the engine replaced and other maintenance on top of that all within the first 10k miles.

On the other hand, the owners who bought the new 2022 Tundra and did not have any problems praised the truck for how well it handled long distance heavy towing. They said that because of the quasi-instant torque that came with the hybrid drive train, they were able to go up hills with more ease than a conventional gas truck.

However now that it’s been a little over a year since the 2022 Toyota Tundra was released to the public, are people still feeling the same way? More and more truck options are becoming available with the electric trucks now making a stronger stance in the market. For the first time truck owner, or the owner who wants an upgrade from their older truck, are they turning to the 2023 Toyota Tundra?

The answer is yes! Tundra sales are on a slow but steady rise and with gas becoming ever so slightly cheaper, hybrids are looking more favorable. Electrics pickups have proven weak in the cold times. I have seen major auto YouTubers like Hoovie’s Garage and Jerrrigeverything bash their electric trucks for their unreliability in the cold weather. However, it seems that the main concern for first time truck buyers and truck owners who use their trucks to tow is the concern for towing capabilities.

Be sure to check out our latest article where we discuss methods to secure your 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid without waiting in allocation lines.

On Facebook’s 2022+ Toyota Tundra group, Kerry Gomez asked, “I recently traded in my 17 Toyota Tundra, and I went with a new Ram. I know probably one of the worst decisions I could have made. The Ram is nice but has quite a few issues. I'm seriously thinking of trading for a new Tundra. How's the power of the V6 motors? Any major issues I should be concerned with?”

It seems that this was also on the minds of a lot of owners when they were in their shopping phase. Remember that the 2023 Toyota Tundra is not a truck you pull overly heavy things with. For instance, it’s rated at a maximum towing capacity of 12,000 lbs. This rating makes it optimal for towing things such as flat beds with minimal weight on them, RV’s, Most pontoons, jet skis, lawn equipment, etc.

Let’s take a look at what current owners feel about the 2023 Toyota Tundra’s towing capabilities. Christopher Walter said, “I have a 30’ Rv. It has no problems with power. My only concern may be the payload/squat as a result. Mine isn’t bad unloaded but would need helper bags fully loaded.” Granted, almost all pickups tend to have a slight squat when having a maximum load. To off-set this, you would need to move the weight of the payload on the trailer depending on how heavy it is. You may also need to move the axle of the trailer if your trailer can do that.

Robbie Magill said, “I had a 2019 tundra, traded for a Ram, then a Ford, now in a 2022 Tundra. Best decision I’ve made. No issues at all, new tundra makes good power, and the interior is so much better. Make the switch!” It’s true, the 2023 Toyota Tundra has one of the best looking interiors on the market. With a huge infotainment screen, good quality materials, and easy-clean plastics, it makes it an ideal work truck which doesn’t compromise comfort.

It's safe to say that the 2023 Toyota Tundra is still going strong and seems to be the first choice for first time truck buyers and current truck owners who want a towing upgrade. My cousin got a new Tundra from the dealer and he loves it. He hauls his Armenian Shephard in the back and it serves him very well. If you want to know how to make your Tacoma more pet friendly, read our latest article.

What do you think? Are you more inclined to get a brand-new Tundra? Let us know in the comments below.

Harutiun Hareyan is reporting Toyota news at Torque News. His automotive interests and vast experience test-riding new cars give his stories a sense of authenticity and unique insights. Follow Harutiun on Twitter at @HareyanHarutiun and on Youtube at Toyota Time for daily Toyota news.

Submitted by Ben (not verified) on January 8, 2023 - 11:15AM

Permalink

The new Toyota tundra has proven inferior on all categories. Toyota really screwed the pooch on this one.

Submitted by Toby Southern (not verified) on January 8, 2023 - 8:26PM

Permalink

I bought a 2022 Tundra this past April. I tow a small fifth wheel. My last truck was a 2012 Tundra which was traded in on the new Tundra. I was unable to buy the needed brackets to mount the hitch in the bed because Toyota isn't telling the after market companies about the new Tundra. I did call Toyota numerous times but got no help!! I now own a 2021 Tundra 2WD that I love and it tows like a dream. Pretty Sad.

Submitted by Chris Matich (not verified) on January 9, 2023 - 5:20PM

Permalink

Ordered a 2022 loaded (auto leveling etc) Platinum in April. When a truck came available in September, it was the hybrid version. Told dealer didn't want it and then next day had non buyers remorse. Truck was still at dealership, went there and traded in my 2018 GMC. The Tundra was an absolutely beautiful truck and was WAY better than my GMC on the inside. Drove truck to get miles on it before using to tow our 24 ft camper. Hooked up trailer and truck squatted severely. I noted in the owners manual, while at dealership, you were able to disable the auto leveling system and KEEP rear of truck at that height. FALSE. Once moving the rear of truck would squat down severely again. I've pulled campers, race cars, construction trailers my whole life. I have never been this scared before, you had to use trailer brakes to control the trailer. Took truck/trailer to dealership, stayed all day and the "fix" was to adjust the bump stop. Told them not the problem, they assured me it was. Hooked up trailer, raised per manual, drove around lot and down it went again. Left camper and truck and took my old GMC as a loaner. The dealership couldn't solve the problem, even after consulting Toyota. In the end, the deal was reversed and I got my old GMC back. I had VERY little out of pocket when all said and done. The reversed deal was done over the phone as I told the dealership they didn't want to screw me and have my opinions known in the showroom. Have no idea what Toyota has missed on this. The powerplant was more than enough for my camper and mileage was good as well. Will I ever go back to Toyota? Maybe, but only after a true test drive with the camper!

Submitted by Russ Brown (not verified) on January 13, 2023 - 1:49PM

Permalink

I have had several Toyota Tundras all TRD Pros. I was skeptical when Toyota went away from the 5.7 V8. I traded my 2021 Tundra TRD Pro for the 2022 Tundra TRD Pro. I couldn’t be happier. It sounds awesome. It handles awesome. It tows better. And it gets better gas mileage.Toyota really outdid themselves!

Submitted by CRLLC (not verified) on January 17, 2023 - 12:57AM

Permalink

We've been looking into this and saw a lot of favorable things for the tundra even when compared to its diesel equivalents from the competitors. The only concern we have is that some owners are reporting that the hybrid system does not slow the load and that bigger brakes are probably needed. It would have been nice if it could as a substitute to the exhaust brake.