11May
In some countries like the USA, Tacoma is a bestseller in the midsize pickup truck segment. That means it is to the North American market what the Hilux is to Nigeria. While the Toyota Hilux isn’t sold officially stateside, both the Tacoma and Hilux are available in Nigeria. Tacoma was actually the bestselling midsize truck in America for the 2022 model year, after moving a total of 237,323 units.
To appreciate the market lead of the truck Americans fondly call “Taco,” consider that Toyota sold an impressive 148,126 more Tacos than the second-best-selling midsize pickup – Chevy Colorado. For the 2023 model year, Toyota offers the Tacoma in six distinct trim levels: SR, SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro.
The Toyota Tacoma has been a beloved staple in the midsize truck market for over two decades. With its rugged design, off-road capabilities, and reliability, the truck has captured the hearts of outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and hardworking individuals alike. The 2023 Toyota Tacoma promises to continue this legacy and take it even further with new and improved features. Below, we discuss everything you need to know about the 2023 Toyota Tacoma.
See also: The Completely Redesigned 2024 Toyota Tacoma Is Ready For Nigerian Roads, But You Have To Pay More
2023 Toyota Tacoma Design
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma boasts a bold and aggressive design we're pretty sure will turn heads. The front grille has gotten updated with a hexagonal shape and a more prominent Toyota emblem. The headlights are now LED and have a sharper, more angular design.
The tailgate has got redesigned to feature the Tacoma nameplate in large, bold letters. The overall look is modern and sleek while still maintaining the ruggedness that Tacoma is known for.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Engine And Performance
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma offers two engine options. The base engine is a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque. This engine comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The other engine option is a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Tacoma marries this engine to a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed automatic transmission.
One of the most exciting updates to the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is the new TRD Pro model. This model comes equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine, four-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission as standard.
It also has a TRD Pro skid plate, TRD-tuned off-road suspension with FOX shocks, and all-terrain tires. The TRD Pro model is designed to take on the toughest off-road terrain with ease.
When Toyota rolls out the 2024 Tacoma this May, the truck will have a manual option complete with a clutch. There also will be a hybrid Tacoma, motivated by the V6-powered i-FORCE MAX. By the way, you know that TRD is short for Toyota Racing Development, right? Good.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Technology
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma has an updated infotainment system with a standard 7-inch touchscreen display. The system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Higher trims come with an 8-inch touchscreen display and a JBL premium audio system.
Toyota accompanied the newly introduced larger touchscreen with a few other tech updates, such as keyless entry and a power driver's seat. The climate system is easy to control and gives off effective cooling and, well... heating.
Safety features have also gotten improved for the 2023 Toyota Tacoma. All models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Higher trims come with additional safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Interior
The interior of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma has also received updates. There were talks of a fully-redesigned 2023 Tacoma, but the reality is minor updates on the exterior and interior. Notably, Toyota introduced two black and Chrome accented cosmetic packages to go with the SR5 trim.
The new Tacoma seats are now more comfortable and supportive, and the cabin is quieter thanks to improved sound insulation. Higher trims come with leather-trimmed seats and a power-adjustable driver's seat.
The fully adjustable 10-way driver’s seat is a standard feature on the V6-powered models, improving the comfort of drivers of almost all shapes and sizes during long-distance trips.
The Tacoma's interior is also practical, with ample storage space and a variety of charging ports. The rear seats have a 60/40 split and can get folded up to reveal additional storage space.
When we talk about improved sound insulation, it includes the thicker side-window glass that significantly reduces wind noise. Tacoma isn't the best performer in this aspect compared to the car-like Honda Ridgeline and Chevrolet Colorado.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Off-Road Capabilities
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is designed to handle difficult off-road terrain, making it an excellent 4X4 for Nigerian roads. The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models come equipped with crawl control, which automatically adjusts the vehicle's speed and throttle to maintain a steady pace on challenging terrain.
These models also have a locking rear differential, which helps evenly distribute power to the wheels, ultimately providing better traction on uneven surfaces. We can categorically tell you Tacoma is a tough off-road-capable non-full-size pickup.
The emphasis on off-road capabilities in the design of the new Tacoma has one notable downside – the tall step-up height, which could be a bit difficult for grandpa or a skirt-wearing mom who has to pick up the kids from school with dad’s truck.
In any case, the TRD Pro model also comes with a Multi-Terrain Monitor, which provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings, making it easier to navigate through tight spaces and challenging terrain.
2023 Toyota Tacoma Price and Availability In Nigeria
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma hit the market in late September 2022, with a manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP) of $29,915 to get started with the base-level SR trim. You might note that the official MSRP for the truck stands at $28,250, but the aforementioned price includes the destination fee and popular options.
Of course, prices for the 2023 Tacoma increase as you add more options or move up the trim levels. In other words, you’d do well to arm yourself with a budget of at least ₦25 million to purchase the 2023 Toyota Tacoma in Nigeria, given the popular black market exchange rates plus the cost of logistics and import duties.
If you wish to import from abroad and can leverage the official exchange rate, then we expect ₦16 million to ₦16.5 million should leave the truck in your garage in Kaduna or wherever you intend to drive it in Nigeria.
Ultimately, the Tacoma nameplate is one of Toyota's success stories, bringing the Japanese marque more money than the 4Runner and the Tundra. One of the reasons we don’t mind dropping that ₦25 million for this truck is the numerous available aftermarket products allowing you to spruce up or personalize your Tacoma to your heart’s content.
Final Word On The 2023 Toyota Tacoma
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma is an exciting update to an already beloved truck. Its bold design, improved technology, and off-road capabilities make it a worthy contender in the midsize truck market. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply need a reliable and capable truck for work, the 2023 Toyota Tacoma is sure to impress.
Summarily, the 2023 Tacoma is the latest iteration of the popular midsize truck. It features a bold, aggressive design, updated technology, and improved off-road capabilities. The Tacoma offers two engine options: a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter V6 engine.
The TRD Pro model has been added to the lineup, providing even more off-road capabilities. The interior has also been updated with more comfortable seats and improved sound insulation. 25 million naira can get you the base model, inclusive of popular options, in Nigeria but you could save a couple million naira if you import directly from countries like the USA and don’t need to source funds via the black market.
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