Amy Plemons is the Executive Producer of CarPro and an experienced car reviewer.
This week I bring you the 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone CrewMax equipped with Toyota's fantastic new i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine. The Capstone is only available in the CrewMax 5.5-foot bed configuration for 2023.
Exterior
Make no mistake, this truck is BIG. My test vehicle stands out in Supersonic Red which looks great with 22-inch Dark Chrome alloy wheels. Capstone badging on the front doors denotes its high-ranking status in the lineup
The Capstone's color-keyed outer frame and chrome inner grille pattern is flanked by LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights. You'll also find an active aero front spoiler up there.
In the back you'll find Tundra lettering stretched across the tailgate, along with premium LED taillights.
I was very thankful for two things. The fact that the HUGE tow side mirrors power extend and fold (optionally). Believe me, I'm sure this saved me from leaving a mark on this beauty. The second thing I was very grateful for were the Capstone's standard power running boards - which are a must for something with this much ground clearance.
Powertrain
Toyota's new i-FORCE MAX continues to get my rave reviews, as it should. The powertrain delivers impressive power and acceleration. A 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine delivers 437-horses and 583 pound-feet torque. (I have to say the badging on the hood looks super cool, too!)
This engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. This model is also equipped with 4W Demand part-time 4WD with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case.
Interior
The Capstone grade is Toyota's most luxurious trim and it shows. The two-toned interior is well-built and well-designed with soft-touch materials and other quality trim pieces. Toyota's added interest to a large dash with nice stiching. A really cool feature too is the backlit “CAPSTONE” badge in the trim on the passenger-side of the dash.
The semi-aniline leather-trimmed 10-way power front seats are roomy and very comfortable. Seats in the front and second rows are heated and ventilated on the Capstone grade.
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A large heated steering wheel features easy-to-access driver assist and audio controls. Above it, you see a 12.-3 inch colorful digital display and Toyota uses every inch of it. I find it to be on the busy side with a font that I wish was larger.
The wide center console is huge with space for a wireless phone charger, two cupholders and the leather-wrapped gear shifter. It's also where you'll find controls for the multiple drive modes and drivetrain system, along with an electronic parking brake and auto brake hold.
There are two features that stand out the most to me - aside from the fantastic overall quality of the interior.
One is the 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen. It runs Toyota's new multimedia system (hooked up to a 12-speaker JLB sound system) which is fantastic with great graphics and map quality. It's responsive and quick as well and so too is the 'Hey Toyota' feature. It's compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as Amazon Alexa. It's also capable of over-the-air updates. Speaking of connectivity, you'll also get 5 usb ports between the front and rear.
The second highlight for me is the magnificent panoramic sunroof. It lets so much natural light it's simply amazing.
Other things of note: the interior grab handles which like the running boards are really nice to have, the Capstone-badged floor mats and the nice multi-textured door panels.
The Capstone grade comes with a standard 10-inch head up display as well as a panoramic view monitor. Dual zone climate and a wireless charger are also standard.
The second row bench seat is equally as roomy with plenty of creature comforts for passengers like heated and ventilated seats, AC vents (though they don't have their own digital controls), USB ports. nice seat back pockets, manual rear sunshades, an optional power rear window and four cupholders. Two in a drop-down center armrest and the others at the back of the extremely large center console designed to be in reach of back row passengers.
The 2nd row does feature stadium seating so beware you'll lose some headroom. But leg room remains spacious and there is plenty of space for a middle seat passenger.
Note there is back panel rear seat storage but no under seat storage in the hybrid Tundra models.
Utility
The Capstone is outfitted with a 5.5-foot bed, and that's the only way it's offering. The aluminum-reinforced composite truck bed is equipped with LED lights, a 120V/400 watt AC bed outlet. It features an easy lower and lift tail gate and a taligate release bump switch in the driver's side taillight. Other features include a cab-mounted cargo light.
The Capstone also has a tow rear hitch with an integrated 4/7 pin connector.
Ride and Drive
The Tundra's ride and drive is smooth, comfortable and enjoyable. It's smooth multi-link suspension is enhanced by optional AVS Load-leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension. Acceleration thanks to the 437-horsepower is terrific. Visibility is great too given the ride height, even with its large hood. There a are a number of drive modes (including TOW/HAUL) as you'd imagine with a 4X4 pickup. I didn't take it off the beaten path, but rather kept to the street and highway.
Safety
The 2023 Tundra features TSS 2.5 (not the newest 3.0 system which does not change for 2024.) TSS 2.5 includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full-speed dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, and Road Sign Assist.
Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Trailer Merge Warning is also standard as i Trailer Backup Guide.
Options
Options on my test vehicle include the PVM+BSM Tow Mirrors ($290), the AVS- Load Leveling Rear Air Suspension ($1,045) and the special paint hue ($425). That brings the total MSRP as equipped to just shy of $79,000 which is inline with what you'll pay for a luxury pickup these days.
Verdict
The 2023 Toyota Tundra Capstone is really a no compromise pickup. You don't have to compromise on capability or luxury - it gives you both which makes it a hugely versatile pickup designed to take you wherever you need to go with an outstanding powertrain to get you there.
- What I liked most: The upscale interior, comfort, tech, panoramic roof, and must-have running boards.
- What I would change: Add digital AC controls for the rear seat.
- MSRP: Base pirce: $75,245. As equipped: $78,800.
- Fuel Economy: 19 city/22 highway/20 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,385 miles.
- Weight: 6,185 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full Size mounted under body.
- Length-Width-Height: 233.6-in./80.2-in./78-in.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 32.2 gallons with the filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Supersonic Red.
- Towing Capacity: 10,340 pounds.
- 2023 Tundra CAPSTONE iFORCE MAX: An outstanding pickup truck that will take you from a day on the job to a night on the town.
- Warranty: 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty, 60-month/60,000 mile powertrain warranty, 60-month/unlimited mileage corrosion warranty, 2 years Toyota Care, 2 years roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: San Antonio, Texas.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
