Buyers interested in buying a new full-size pickup will likely look to the 2023 Toyota Tundra. With a new design, sleek new features, and a trusted brand name, it’s a great choice. The Tundra uses a hybrid powertrain, but is that the only option? Has the automaker ditched its standard ICE non-hybrid options for its biggest pickup this year? Are all 2023 Toyota Tundra hybrids?
What are the engines in the 2023 Toyota Tundra?
According to edmunds, the 2023 Toyota Tundra uses a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine in its first five models. Capable of producing up to 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, this standard engine is powerful for its low starting price. In addition, it uses a 10-speed automatic transmission and is available with rear or four-wheel drive.
The following Tundra models come with this unit under the hood: SR, SR5, Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition. As a result, not all Tundras are hybrids. However, some of the latest versions of full-size Toyota trucks may be hybrids.
Standard on the higher TRD Pro and Capstone trims is the same engine paired with a battery-electric hybrid system. Combined, they offer an output of 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Opting for the higher-end trims provides more power and many additional features.
However, Limited, Platinum, and 1794 Edition trims can also use the hybrid powertrain. Optionally, buyers can add the most powerful and fuel efficient engine configuration for approximately $5,500. A 2023 Toyota Tundra Limited without the battery-electric hybrid system is $50,360 and with one is $55,810.
Does a hybrid Tundra get better fuel economy?
The main reason most people buy a vehicle with a hybrid powertrain is for the added fuel economy. Especially with trucks, increasing gas mileage by a small amount is a big win. According to car and driver, the two-wheel-drive Toyota Tundra with its EPA-estimated standard engine averages 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway. Four-wheel drive reduces each number by just one.
However, the C/D’s test route recorded the hybrid variant delivering just 19 mpg combined. Plus, Edmunds said during his test ride; He clocked the four-wheel-drive, non-hybrid powertrain averaging just 15.2 mpg. That number only grew to 16.9 mpg during its highway-packed test drive. The Tundra is not a fuel-efficient model, regardless of the engine configuration the buyer chooses.
Although the hybrid setup gets better gas mileage, it’s not a huge improvement. The main reason most buyers should choose it is for the extra power.
Can a hybrid Tundra tow more?
RELATED: How much does a fully loaded 2023 Toyota Tundra cost?
According to direct cars, the non-hybrid 2023 Toyota Tundra can tow more than the hybrid alternative. When both are properly equipped, the non-hybrid tops out at 12,000 pounds of towing capacity, while the hybrid falls short at 11,450 pounds. The same goes for payload capacity, which tops out at 1,940 pounds for the standard V6 and just 1,680 when combined with the electrics. As a result, the non-hybrid setup with less horsepower and torque is better for towing and hauling.
Are all 2023 Toyota Tundra models hybrids?
Bottom line, not all 2023 Toyota Tundras are hybrids. Most versions of the full-size pickup use the non-hybrid V6 engine. Only the high-end luxury TRD Pro and Capstone models come standard with a hybrid configuration. Outside of those models, you’ll always find a standard 3.5-liter V6 under the hood. However, buyers can optionally purchase the hybrid powertrain on any trim besides the SR and SR5 models.