10 Amazing Features of the 2023 Toyota Tacoma Interior You Can't Miss
When it comes to mid-size pickup trucks few names ring louder than the Toyota Tacoma. It's rugged reliable and carries that "just-tough-enough" vibe we all love. But here's the kicker: while the Tacoma is famous for its off-road prowess, what about its interior? I know what you're thinking: "It's a truck how fancy can it be inside?" Well buckle up because the 2023 Toyota Tacoma's interior brings more than you'd expect and we’re about to dive deep into every detail. We'll even throw in a few jokes (because who doesn’t love a good laugh while learning about cars?). Oh and shoutout to Alex Collantes for offering his expert take on the Tacoma’s cabin in real life!
Exterior Meets Interior: First Impressions
Step into the 2023 Tacoma and you'll immediately notice that it’s got that classic no-nonsense vibe with a sprinkle of modern flair. Sure this isn’t some luxury sedan but Toyota has worked hard to make the inside just as appealing as the outside.
The Cabin Layout: Spacious? Not Exactly.
Let’s start with the elephant—or should I say slightly overweight raccoon—in the room: space. If you’ve driven a Tacoma before you probably know that space isn’t exactly what you’d call generous. The front seats are comfortable but if you’re thinking about cramming your six-foot-four buddy in the back, well, good luck! Alex Collantes said, "It’s like trying to fit a big ol’ grizzly bear into a suitcase." It’s a great truck for two, maybe three adults... if you’re really good friends.
Seat Comfort: Better Than a Park Bench
Despite the space constraints the seats themselves are surprisingly comfortable. Toyota has thrown in some premium materials for the 2023 edition. The cloth upholstery on lower trims is durable but opt for higher trims like TRD Off-Road and you get leather options.
Why You’ll Love the Seats:
- Ergonomically designed: Great lumbar support (because your back deserves love too)
- Leather trim (on higher trims) that screams “I'm tough but sophisticated”
- Heating options for the front seats: perfect for those cold mornings
Why You Won’t:
- Rear seat legroom can be a tight squeeze for taller passengers
- No ventilated seat option — come on Toyota even my dad’s 2005 sedan has those!
Technology Features: It's Got What You Need
Moving on to the tech side of things the Tacoma definitely isn’t playing catch-up. It might not have the level of tech you find in luxury SUVs but it’s more than adequate for most drivers. Let’s take a look at what tech treats you’ll find inside.
Infotainment System: Functional and Intuitive
The Tacoma comes with a 7-inch touchscreen as standard while higher trims get an 8-inch upgrade. It’s responsive easy to use and comes with Apple CarPlay Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Honestly in a world where cars are starting to feel like oversized smartphones Toyota’s approach is refreshingly simple.
Key Features of the Infotainment:
- Intuitive interface: Easy for technophobes and tech geeks alike
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: No one likes a complicated phone integration system
- Built-in navigation on higher trims: Because getting lost is so 2010
What Could Be Improved:
- The graphics feel a little... outdated. It’s like Toyota grabbed some clip art from 2012.
- Sometimes the screen can lag a bit when you’re multitasking (a minor annoyance but worth mentioning)
Alex Collantes agrees: “It gets the job done and that’s what counts. I’ve never gotten lost in the Tacoma even though the graphics aren’t exactly blowing me away."
Sound System: Jam Out or Drive in Peace
The base sound system is decent but if you’re the type who likes to blast your tunes while heading off the beaten path (or just down the highway) Toyota offers an upgraded JBL audio system in higher trims. And let’s just say it’s a noticeable upgrade.
JBL Sound System Perks:
- 9 speakers (including a subwoofer) that give you clean crisp sound
- Clear at high volumes for when you want to drown out the noise of your kids in the back seat
Downsides:
- Base sound system isn’t exactly concert-quality (but let’s be real: it’s a truck you’re not starting a band)
- JBL system only comes with higher trims so you gotta shell out a bit more
Storage: Where Do You Put All Your Stuff?
Look it’s a truck. And while most of us assume trucks have all the space in the world for hauling stuff you might be a bit disappointed by the Tacoma’s interior storage.
Glovebox & Center Console: Functional but Not Massive
The center console is decently sized but don’t expect to store anything more than the essentials (like your phone wallet and maybe a small sandwich). The glovebox is—how do I put this delicately—there.
Where You Can Store Your Stuff:
- Under-seat storage: Pop the seats up and you’ll find extra room for tools or smaller items (just don’t forget they’re there!)
- Door pockets: They exist but don’t expect to fit more than a bottle and some snacks
Cupholders: Because Who Doesn’t Need Their Coffee?
Good news for caffeine lovers: the Tacoma has plenty of cupholders. Whether you’re in the front or the back everyone gets a place to stash their coffee soda or giant 44oz water bottle.
Climate Control: Keeping Things Chill (or Toasty)
The Tacoma offers dual-zone automatic climate control so you and your passenger can each choose your ideal temperature. No more arguing over whether it’s too hot or too cold (hopefully). Plus the 2023 model features rear vents for back seat passengers—a much-needed update from previous models.
Pros:
- Dual-zone climate control: Everyone’s happy
- Rear air vents: Finally the back seat isn’t a sauna
Cons:
- Rear vents are only available on higher trims
- No automatic climate control on the base model
Trim Levels: Which Tacoma Fits Your Style?
The 2023 Toyota Tacoma comes in multiple trims so let’s break down what you can expect from each one when it comes to the interior.
Tacoma SR: Bare Bones but Functional
The SR trim is all about simplicity. You get cloth seats basic climate control and a 7-inch touchscreen.
Tacoma SR5: Stepping It Up
With the SR5 you get a few more features like keyless entry and the option for a larger touchscreen. The upholstery is still cloth but it feels a bit more refined.
Tacoma TRD Sport: A Bit Sportier
The TRD Sport brings sport-tuned suspension and more aggressive styling. Inside you’ll find a leather-wrapped steering wheel and some extra tech features.
Tacoma TRD Off-Road: Ready for Adventure
In the TRD Off-Road you get leather seats plus heated front seats. Perfect for those chilly mornings in the mountains.
Tacoma Limited: Top-of-the-Line
As the name suggests this is where you get all the bells and whistles—leather everything heated seats and the JBL sound system. If you’re looking for luxury in your Tacoma this is the one.
What About Safety? Tacoma Keeps You Covered
Toyota is serious about safety and the 2023 Tacoma comes with a host of safety features under the Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) suite.
Standard Safety Features:
- Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection (because you never know when someone’s going to wander into the road)
- Lane departure alert (perfect for keeping you on track when you’re distracted by your co-pilot’s endless road trip playlist)
- Dynamic radar cruise control (because no one likes constantly adjusting the cruise control)
Potential Drawbacks:
- Sometimes the lane departure warning can be overly sensitive. I swear it once yelled at me for sneezing.
- The adaptive cruise control works great but can feel a bit jumpy in stop-and-go traffic.
Alex Collantes had a good laugh about the lane departure feature saying, “It’s like having a really nervous backseat driver.”
Final Thoughts: The Tacoma Is Tough but It’s No Rolls-Royce
Let’s be honest: no one’s buying a Tacoma for its interior alone. This truck is designed for people who need a rugged off-road-ready vehicle. But for 2023 Toyota has done a solid job balancing toughness with some comfort and convenience. It’s not perfect but it’s functional and for a mid-size pickup that’s exactly what most drivers need.
If you’re in the market for a truck that can handle off-road trails while still keeping you relatively comfortable inside the 2023 Tacoma might be your perfect match. Just don’t expect to stretch out too much in the back seat.
Key Takeaways:
- Comfortable seats (as long as you’re in the front)
- Plenty of tech features including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Storage space is somewhat limited inside but the bed’s always ready for hauling your stuff
- The infotainment system could use a bit of a visual update but it’s easy to use
It’s tough it’s practical and it’s a Toyota. What more do you really need?