Road Test: 2023 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 Double Cab

I don’t think I have ever driven up to a drive-through window while testing a pickup truck and been told that my truck was “gorgeous.”

But when the truck in question is a bright orange 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro that seemed to make heads turn every where I went, I guess it was only a matter of time.

The Tacoma 4×4 Double Cab we tested had a base price of $49,700, but the TRD Pro package on our tester added $11,625 to the bill, and an as-tested price of $63,388.20.

This option adds a very long list of enhancements both to the exterior styling – including that eye-catching Solar Octane colour – and interior features such as wireless charging, a power moonroof, heated exterior mirrors, blind spot monitoring system and much more.

Powertrain: The Tacoma TRD Pro is powered by a 3.5-litre V6 engine paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. It delivers 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque, and with Toyota’s 4×4 system and large off-road tires, the Tacoma is ready to go just about anywhere you need it to.

And when properly equipped, the Tacoma can tow up to 6,800 pounds.

Toyota rates the Tacoma’s fuel consumption at 12.9 litres per 100 kilometres, and I returned an average of 14.2 L/100 km.

Exterior: The Tacoma TRD Pro tester is really hard to miss! The bright orange paint is pretty much a guarantee you will never lose your truck in a parking lot – or in the wilderness – again.

A few specific features for the TRD Pro include LED Headlamps, Rigid Industries LED Fog Lamps, Heritage “TOYOTA” front grille and black fender flares.

The Tacoma also has scuff plates for off-roading, and they are badged with the TRD logo on the tester.

I was a little surprised to see the nice black wheels on the TRD Pro are only 16-inchers, but they are outfitted with 265/70R16 tires that make them look much larger.

At the back, the black badging and step for truck bed access are in nice contrast to exterior colour.

Interior: The TRD Pro package on our tester ups the interior’s game a little with the addition of leather seats.

Overall, the cabin is comfortable with room for five. Back seat occupants get a decent amount of space, and the seat bottoms flip up for increased storage. The middle section of the rear window is power operated on the TRD Pro package.

Most controls remain old-school with buttons and dials, and I am just fine with that. That includes a dial to the right of the steering wheel to select two-wheel or four-wheel drive.

Infotainment: The 8-inch infotainment screen offers touch functionality, and is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also features satellite radio, navigation, and a seven-speaker JBL audio system.

I found the system easy to navigate and operate but spent most of my week with the Tacoma in the CarPlay screens, which are easily connected via a cable or wirelessly.

It also comes with wireless charging for compatible devices.

Drive: The one thing that stood out for me was that the ride on the Tacoma was actually quite harsh in my opinion. Now, perhaps this was because I had just gotten out of a butter-smooth pickup from another automaker. Nevertheless, there was some jostling going on inside the cabin.

There’s also a lot of noise in the cabin from the engine, but I do not suspect those who would be looking to buy a TRD Pro Tacoma would mind that too much – or even the rough ride.

This truck is not really meant for city driving but has the pedigree to be taken off-road. The TRD Pro package also includes TRD-tuned rear leaf springs.

Conclusion: A new Tacoma is on the way for 2024, so that might make one hesitant to buy one now. That being said, the current version of the Tacoma – at least in the TRD Pro package I tested – probably has everything you need if you aren’t willing to wait.

And while that vibrant orange colour might not be for everyone, it is certainly a way to stand out among the crowd.

Even in its current form, I find the 2023 Tacoma to be the best-looking of the competition in its segment, and this despite some models being newer. The Toyota also has a lot of safety features and that V6 engine gets the job done.

2023 Toyota Tacoma 4×4 Double Cab
Price as tested: $63,388.20
Freight: $1,930.00
Configuration: Front engine/4X4
Engine/transmission: 3.5-litre V6/ 6-speed automatic
Power/torque: 278 horsepower/ 265 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Regular (79.9 L)
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 12.9 L/100 km
Observed fuel economy (L/100 km): 14.3 L/100 km
Warranties: 3-years/60,000 km (basic)
Competitors: Ford Ranger, GMC Canyon, Honda Ridgeline, Nissan Frontier
Website: Toyota Canada