Buying a new midsize pickup truck can be a challenging task. It’s one of the busiest vehicle segments, with many factors to consider. The most popular model is the Toyota Tacoma. As America’s favorite midsize truck, there’s a lot to like about it. However, some trim levels are much better than others. There are a few reasons to buy the base model Tacoma over any other version of the truck. What’s so good about the 2023 version of the Toyota Tacoma SR?
2023 Toyota Tacoma Base Model Is Affordable
The first and most obvious reason to buy a 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR base model is its affordability. According to car and driver, the SR version starts at $28,585, a surprisingly affordable price. Considering other options in the Tacoma lineup, the SR version is much more reasonably priced. For example, the top-end TRD Pro model costs just over $48,000, but models that are a step up from the base model are even more expensive. The SR5 is over $30,000 and the TRD Sport is $35,495, both much more expensive than the base model. As a result, anyone looking for an affordable version of the most popular midsize pickup can’t go wrong with the 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR.
Standard and optional engines
One of the downsides to buying most base models is usually the stock engine. For the 2023 Toyota Tacoma, the SR and SR5 versions use a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque. For most truck buyers this is underpowered and they would prefer at least a V6 engine. The taller versions of the Tacoma have a standard 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Fortunately, the more powerful engine is also optional for the base models. That means paying for the cheapest Tacoma will only cost a little more to get the same engine as the top-of-the-line models. According to ToyotaIt’s about $500 extra with 2WD and almost $4,000 with 4WD.
2023 Tacoma Standard Features
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Another of the best things about the 2023 Toyota Tacoma base model is the standard features. For a truck that costs less than $30,000, technology and driver aids are surprisingly plentiful. For example, the work truck has 16-inch steel wheels, a sliding rear window, a composite bed, moveable bed slats, and power-adjustable/heated mirrors for added functionality. Tacoma SR has a seven-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, satellite radio, three USB ports and a Wi-Fi hotspot for added comfort and convenience. When equipped with the optional V6 engine, the base model also has a remote vehicle lock/unlock control and dual-zone automatic climate control. Finally, standard driver aids include forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control.
Reasons to Buy the 2023 Toyota Tacoma Base Model
Bottom line, there are several reasons to buy the base model 2023 Toyota Tacoma. While the SR trim isn’t quite as luxurious as the alternatives, it has everything most midsize truck buyers need. In addition to being affordable, it’s nice that the Tacoma has a lot of standard features and driver aids, plus you can get the optional V6 engine. The main reason for many buyers to buy a higher model is a more powerful engine. With the Toyota pickup, that’s completely unnecessary, since the base model can be equipped with the 278-horsepower V6.