One of the most popular mid-size trucks is getting a remodel, of course, it is the 2023 Toyota Tacoma Diesel. Tacoma is also one of the older pickups by Toyota. It is even older than the Tundra. Tacoma has been around since 1995. From the start, it was one of the bestselling trucks, even on the US market.
It checked all the boxes and was able to do a lot. Competing with the likes of Ford, Ram, and GM for the trophy of the best truck maker. Current Tacoma is a bit stale, to be honest. It has been on the road since 2015, and frankly, it is time for a much-needed update. The new 2023 Tacoma Diesel could get tweaked a lot. Most of the changes would come in the form of cabin redesign. That is where things are mostly out of style and technology can be a bit ancient. On the outside, we can expect smaller moves, like headlights getting redesigned and giving it a more aggressive look. Under the hood is where things get interesting.
Tacoma’s current powertrain is also old and could use a refresh, also a diesel variant is definitely on the table. But it remains to be seen which parts of the world will be able to enjoy it. Hybrid and electric Tacomas are not a problem for Toyota. As we all know, Toyota has been making battery-run vehicles since the dawn of time. So let us dig deeper into the review and see what is in store for us with the upcoming 2023 Toyota Tacoma Diesel.
Stepping into the current Tacoma cabin is going to take you on time travel. This interior is too outdated and needs to be changed altogether. As we all know, trucks are not just simple workhorses anymore. They are a style statement, and people like to use them for their everyday agenda. This means that the pickup has to be stylish as well as functional. This is not very hard to achieve, but designers must put on their thinking caps.
Starting with seats, which were not as comfortable as they look. Toyota needs to forget all about the very popular racing-type seats. They are all about looks and zero function. Making seats with better and proper cushioning is mandatory. Giving them some ergonomics and having lumbar support is what makes the ride comfortable.
What is the point of having a great-looking interior if it is not comfortable at all?
Heated and ventilated seats are a must at this point. Many manufacturers are introducing this feature and hopefully, it comes as standard because it is not too big of an investment. The instrument panel doesn’t look great at all. Putting some leather or some other material besides cheap plastic would do wonders. There are four major air vents on it, and several to the sides. This should maximize the potential of really good air conditioning. There should be some knobs and buttons on the panel, so it is not fully minimalistic. On the steering wheel as well, buttons are present. This adds to the safety and keeps the driver focused on what is in front of him. Constantly looking to the side to change a setting can be life-threatening.
The dashboard is presumably all digital. This is a nice step towards the future and we welcome it. The infotainment unit is 8 inches standard, but with different trims, it could get bigger probably. Connectivity is standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. We are still uncertain whether Toyota will put a panoramic roof inside the new 2023 Tacoma Diesel. Ambient lighting is something that can add to the luxury of the cabin.
There is much need for driver aid software. Almost every vehicle nowadays has some form of it. Pedestrian detection, collision alert, automatic braking, and other features are needed. Perhaps even tailor-made hands-free driving software. Something similar to SuperCruise. But none of this is yet official.
On the outside, the new 2023 Toyota Tacoma Diesel looks aggressive and modern. There is a specially designed hood with an air inlet in the middle. It is very sporty and distinguishes it from other Tacomas. The tires are beefy which makes us think this is an off-roading truck. Wheel rims are 18 inches standard but with certain trims, it can go up to 20
Lightweight aluminum alloy is used to shave off weight with rims and the front mesh. This can improve the power-to-weight ratio and increase performance in a lot of ways. Headlights are more linear than before and they use the latest LED technology. Bumpers are less prominent but look more contemporary. Ride height seems increased from the previous version. The cargo bed is standard 5.5 feet.
This is one of the rare mid-size trucks with only manual transmission. Hopefully, Toyota keeps this option on the table along with the ever-popular automatic transmission. There are several powertrain options that buyers can pick from.
First up there is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder with 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque.
There is a more powerful 3.5 liter V6 with 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard but you can choose all-wheel drive.
A turbocharged version might be available, the same one from Lexus NX350. It is a turbocharged four-cylinder 2.4-liter engine with 275 horsepower.
The hybrid version should couple an electric motor with a V6 still we don’t know which exact one.
Unfortunately, the 2023 Tacoma diesel version might not be happening after all. The current environmental regulations make the production of such engines too expensive. This would make Toyota jump through more hoops than they want to.
We can expect to see the new 2023 Toyota Tacoma on the road in late 2022. The starting price would be around $28.000. But with different trims and amenities, it can spike up to $46000 with the TRD Pro package for example.
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We saw a Toyota truck for sale on our way home, and my husband and I are interested in the Tacoma model. as you said in your post, Despite its age, the Toyota Tacoma is the sales leader for a good reason. It has a well-deserved reputation for longevity and durability, which helps the vehicle maintain a high market value yearly. It comes in various forms, including a handful geared toward off-road enthusiasts. These words encourage me to pursue the dream car we want to have while driving here in Logan, UT road every day.