Toyota first put the Tacoma out in 1995, and since then, it has displayed over 25 years of excellence, gaining a reputation for being one of the most reliable pickups on the road. Some in-the-know pickup owners would say that if you can find a used Toyota Tacoma for sale with less than 100,000 miles on it, you’ve found yourself a real gem. They’re just that durable.
This truck is for the doers, the workers, the builders, and the go-getters. It empowers drivers to handle tough jobs, haul heavy loads and go where they need to go. It’s gone through so many renditions over the years, at times featuring a slimmer profile and a clearly work-ready design and at other times taking on a more aggressive off-road-ready look. Toyota has made sure to keep up with the current needs of drivers, adding modern infotainment, technology, and driver assist features to provide entertainment and peace of mind. Now, Tacoma fans are anxiously awaiting the 2023 Tacoma, which has some fun surprises in store for buyers. Here’s a look at some of the special trims and packages you can get.
The SR5 SX Package
Tacoma drivers have earned a reputation for customizing their vehicles. From updated tires to front bars that are majorly upsized, you never know what a Tacoma driver might add to their car. Toyota responds to that creative spirit by building on its already popular SR5 and adding the SX Package to it.
The SX Package is available on SR5 trucks carrying the V6 engine. This bold, eye-catching package boasts a stunning dark look with black overfenders and black wheels taking the place of the previous standard wheels. You’ll also notice a blackout trim on this package and bold black badging. Plus, you’ll find small but impressive details like a blackout treatment on the exterior windows and black lug nuts to go with the new wheels. This package also has gorgeous new graphics to round out the look. All in all, it builds upon the beloved SR5 with a more sophisticated but also rugged look that is sure to turn heads.
The SR5 Chrome Package
The SR5 Chrome Package will be available to trucks carrying the V6 engine and donning the double cab configuration with the five-foot bed in 4×4 and 4×2 models. It’s certainly a stunning package and, as its name suggests, is a little flashy. You’ll immediately notice the 18-inch chrome-finished alloy wheels as well as other exterior updates like chrome-finished handles on the doors and even a chrome-finished exhaust tip as well as an insert in the tailgate. The interior receives some attractive improvements here, too, like a leather-wrapped shift knob.
Tow Package
Drivers can still expect a great tow package on the 2023 Tacoma. This package comes standard on V6-powered vehicles and can be added to trucks powered by the four-cylinder engine, too. It empowers drivers to pull up to 6,800 pounds in some model grades. It also boasts a Class IV towing receiver hitch, which has a total GTW (total weight of the trailer and its cargo) capacity of up to 10,000 pounds. It’s also got an engine oil cooler and transmission fluid cooler, both of which help to prolong the engine and transmission’s life. Another feature of this package that makes it ready for heavy towing and hauling jobs is the 130-amp alternator, which helps produce a higher output at lower speeds and boosts battery life. You’ll also see trailer sway control on this package which prevents your trailer from swaying––a critical safety addition for anyone who tows trailers on a regular basis.
SR5 Trim
The SX package, as stated before, builds upon the popular SR5 trim, which contains certain luxuries like a leather-trimmed steering wheel. Those who choose the V6 engine for their Tacoma SR5 will also get Smart Key operation, which allows you to unlock your car remotely and even start the engine. The SR5 with a V6 also has a ten-way power adjustable driver’s seat to help the driver get that perfectly comfortable driving position and two-way lumbar support to prevent back pain and fatigue on long drives.
TRD Pro Trim
The TRD Pro is carried over from previous model years as well but saw upgrades for the 2023 year. Some of these include bold new color options, like Magnetic Gray Metallic. You’ll also notice a blacked-out hood scoop, black overfenders, a color-keyed rear bumper, and other attractive details on the outside. But beyond looks, you get off-road-ready upgrades, like a lifted TRD-tuned suspension that creates better ground clearance and better navigation over rough roads. It has enhanced approach and departure angles along with a protective aluminum front skid plate. You’ll also see the impressive Multi-Terrain Monitor that warns of upcoming obstacles on the large touchscreen.
Trail Special Edition Trim
The Trail Special Edition trim was a popular holdover and has also been upgraded for off-road enthusiasts. It’s got a higher driving position and suspension for better ground clearance. You’ll notice improved approach and departure angles here as well as aggressive Goodyear all-terrain tires that offer excellent traction. It has the same skid plates as this year’s TRD Pro to offer undercarriage protection. There are also some convenient adventurer features like lockable bed storage for keeping your gear safe while you trek off for a day’s hike, along with insulated driver’s side storage that can act as a cooler for your refreshments. Plus, it boasts a 120V power outlet to let you power up all the equipment you need for that camping trip.
TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road Trims
These performance-focused trims are a lot of fun and just right for the Tacoma driver looking for a little more speed and responsive steering. The TRD Sport gets sport-tuned shocks for boosted agility, while the Off-Road has an off-road-tuned suspension and other features for better command on tricky surfaces.
However, each of these trims shares some cool features. Each TRD gets great wheels––the Sport has 17-inch wheels, and the Off-Road has 16-inch wheels, along with excellent LED fog lamps and available LED headlamps. Both get the ten-way power adjustable seat you saw on the SR5, along with the Smart Key.
Something New and Something Old (But Still Great)
Toyota knows its customer base. They understand that people love the many renditions of the truck and all the fun ways to customize it. The Tacoma is meant to be your canvas that you can build on to reflect your personal style and lifestyle. The SR5 SX and SR5 Chrome Packages are some fun new additions for the 2023 model year. They definitely launch the car into a new category of sophistication and class with head-turning style, not to mention cool features that improve driver experience, to boot.
Toyota will always reward its loyal drivers by retaining the trims that have proven to be fan favorites. So we still see the TRD Sport for those who want something performance-focused, we’ve got the Trail Edition for those who love to get out and explore, and we’ve got the elegant and impressive SR5 still in the mix. It’s always great to see all the ways Toyota builds upon the durable, reliable, and versatile foundation of this truck. We are sure next year will only reveal more of Toyota’s genius.
