Pickup Review: 2023 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road 6MT

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Straight away: what a delightful little truck.

The world may change quickly, but the Toyota Tacoma sure doesn’t. Back for 2023 is the same old truck we knew and appreciated in 2022… and 2020… and 2015… and, underneath, as far back as 2005. And as we’ve said every time, that’s quite alright by us. Tried, tested, and true, the Toyota Tacoma stands as one of the best-trusted, longest-reigning kings of the light-pickup segment. 

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Of note for 2023 are minor trim adjustments and steps in pricing. A base Tacoma 6AT crew now starts from $44,634 including delivery; a minimum-spec manual TRD Off-Road 6MT (as seen here) from $47,274; a top-spec manual TRD Pro from $60,304; and a TRD Pro 6AT from $64,354. They’re pricey machines, but Toyota knows that it can cash in on reputation, and buyers know that they can do the same on strong resale values.

That reputation is multifaceted, and first up is mechanical solidity. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma continues to use Toyota’s 3.5-litre V6 engine mated to your choice of six-speed automatic or manual transmission, depending on trim. Natural aspiration keeps power linear and averts any concern over turbocharger maintenance or high-compression stresses. Still belt-driven after all these years, drivers will hear plenty of satisfyingly truck-like fan noise under load. Power is rated at 278 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. 

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This V6 can be mated to your choice of six-speed transmissions: an automatic across the range, or a wonderful manual on select TRD trims. Both are tucked right up between the frame rails, maximizing breakover clearance and protection as they feed into the dial-controlled two-speed transfer case (2H, 4H, 4L). Though not the most efficient, the automatic tries to be with a conservative tune that can leave for some annoying gear-hunting. It’s a setup that feels its age. 

The manual is the real star, however, with a stick that drops right into the top of the gearbox without the disruption of any cables, rods, or linkages. This renders a fabulously tight and tactile shift, with clear feeling of position and gear engagement. It’s a satisfying shift, a simpler maintenance proposition, and an attractive platform to teach newbies on. First gear is short for towing or crawling, and taken off-road, it’s one of the last proper ways to experience a technical trail. Better still, as a cult truck and the last proper six-speed in the segment, the last of these manual-equipped Tacos are quite certain to appreciate as enthusiast- and collector’s items. The Taco is getting old enough that a refresh is probably in the cards before too much longer, so it’s an option to get in on while you still can. 

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Brought together, these six cylinders and six gears add up to an NRCan-rated 12.7 L/100 km combined. Prospective buyers are cautioned that this figure seems optimistic, as do the stated ratings of 13.8 L/100 km city and 11.4 highway. Even with a tempered foot, my testing registered combined averages in the 16s — not far off from the 6.4-litre V8 Jeep Wrangler 392 that I was blasting around in the week before. If fuel economy is a concern, shoppers are advised to consider the Ford Ranger, or if a truck isn’t actually necessary, a smaller vehicle. The Toyota Tacoma is a thirsty machine. 

Inside, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma carries forward the familiar hard-plastic interior, complete with Toyota’s old infotainment. The native experience in this system isn’t unlike the ancient Garmin GPS that your parents haven’t updated since 2006, so drivers are advised to plug in and make use of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay projection from their mobile. 

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Safety is one point of growth for the Tacoma, and drivers can now enjoy the convenience of adaptive cruise control to ease their highway commutes. Legally mandated reverse camera is helpful, but delivers a lower-quality image than is available from Ford or Nissan. Reverse Lane-departure warning remains more annoying than helpful and will likely be disabled. 

Seating position is a sore point for some in the Tacoma, as that high floor and tucked-in drivetrain result in a flatter seated position than unfamiliar shoppers might expect of a truck. At 5’8, I have found success raising the seat all the way to get some bend back into my legs, though this also comes at the cost of bonking my knees on the steering column. Be sure to try one on for size before committing. 

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Rear seating in the Double (crew) cab Tacoma is stiff but respectable, if compromised by that high floor. Flip-up rear seating in the tested Access cab, however, should be seen as a last resort. 

The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is rated to tow trailers weighing up to 6,500 pounds, or to haul payloads of up to 1,440 lbs. Rails along the upper edges of the bed offer convenient adjustable tie points, and the 400-watt 120V outlet by the tailgate can power trades through moderate jobsite loads. Wheel wells are just over 40” apart, so standard forklift pallets will fit but plywood will have to sit above the humps. Underneath the rear end are classic leaf springs, a solid axle with locking diff (torquey 4.3 final drive ratio with manual; 3.9 with automatic), and drum brakes. 

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The Toyota Tacoma is a mature truck, and that will be a strength to the right buyer. Those shopping strictly on value are advised to check out our comparison with the updated Nissan Frontier, which closely matches the Tacoma’s performance with slightly more polish and more attractive pricing. Those interested in technology, and particularly who want the fatigue-mitigating convenience of advanced driver assistance can look to the Ford Ranger, though the Tacoma remains our preference between the two. 

The Toyota Tacoma stands proud as the last of the old breed of light-duty pickups. If that mechanical character and strong versatility appeals to you, it might be best to get cracking though — it’s hard to imagine that the Tacoma as we know it has much longer for this world. 

Check out the latest Toyota Tacoma model.