The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a truck to assist at a worksite, enjoy going off-roading on the weekends, or want something comfortable to drive around town in, the Tundra has you covered. If you’re looking for a truck that can tow, the Tundra is a winner there as well.
With 12 different trim levels, the Tundra’s towing capacity ranges from 8,300 to 12,000 pounds. That means a Tundra can tow your boat for a weekend outing, a camper for an outdoor adventure, or your building materials for a work site.
Toyota Tundra’s Towing Features
The Toyota Tundra is designed with towing in mind. Advanced towing technology works with the engine to optimize towing performance. When a trailer is connected to the Tundra’s seven-pin connector, the computer automatically calculates the length of the trailer and adjusts the throttle response accordingly.
These improvements to towing capabilities set the newer Tundras apart from the older versions. If you remember not being impressed with the towing capacity of the Tundra in the past, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the improvements that have been made since the 2022 model overhaul. The 2023 model has the highest towing capacity yet, making it the perfect year to purchase a Tundra if you’re looking for a truck that can tow all your gear.
Engine and Performance
The 2023 Toyota Tundra keeps it simple with engine options. After all, if something works, you want to stick with it. All Tundras come equipped with either a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 or a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-6 hybrid, and both are paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine on the base trim of the Tundra, the SR, operates with 348 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. The other non-hybrid trims increase power slightly to 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.
The hybrid engine includes an electric motor that’s integrated into the transmission, creating the ability to drive using just electric power at lower speeds. The hybrid V-6 engine is the most powerful of all, generating 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.
The suspension of the Tundra received a major overhaul in 2022, and the 2023 version continues to utilize a rear coil-spring suspension system. This upgrade from the old leaf-spring design creates a much smoother ride and improves handling capabilities.
Towing Capacity by Trim Level
The towing capacity for a Toyota Tundra varies by engine and cab size. Since there are so many variations of the Tundra available to choose from, it’s important to know the towing capacities of each configuration to help you make your decision. If towing isn’t something you’re interested in, it might not be necessary to pay for one of the more expensive trim levels. On the other hand, if towing is something you plan to do often, you want to make sure you choose a trim level that meets your needs.
Tundra SR
The base model of the Tundra is the SR. Trim options include double cab or crew cab, 5.5-foot, 6.5-foot, and 8.1-foot bed options, and rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive capabilities. All versions of the SR have a towing capacity of 8,300 pounds.
Tundra SR5
The next model up offers eight configurations and slight variations between towing capacities. The following chart outlines the specific towing capacities.
| Trim Configuration | Towing Capacity (in pounds) |
| Rear-wheel drive, double cab, 6.5-foot bed | 12,000 |
| Rear-wheel drive, crew cab, 5.5-foot bed | 11,400 |
| Rear-wheel drive, crew cab, 6.5-foot bed | 11,270 |
| Rear-wheel drive, double cab, 8.1-foot bed | 11,370 |
| Four-wheel drive, double cab, 6.5-foot bed | 11,200 |
| Four-wheel drive, crew cab, 5.5-foot bed | 11,160 |
| Four-wheel drive, crew cab, 6.5-foot bed | 11,010 |
| Four-wheel drive, double cab, 8.1-foot bed | 11,090 |
Tundra Limited
The Tundra Limited is the first trim level that introduces the hybrid engine in the lineup. The following chart outlines the towing capacities for the various configurations.
| Trim Configuration | Towing Capacity (in pounds) |
| Rear-wheel drive, double cab, 6.5-foot bed | 11,400 |
| Rear-wheel drive, crew cab, 5.5-foot bed | 11,350 |
| Rear-wheel drive, crew cab, 6.5-foot bed | 11,230 |
| Four-wheel drive, crew cab, 5.5-foot bed | 11,120 |
| Four-wheel drive, double cab, 6.5-foot bed | 11,110 |
| Four-wheel drive, crew cab, 6.5-foot bed | 10,970 |
| Rear-wheel drive, crew cab, 5.5-foot bed, hybrid | 11,450 |
| Rear-wheel drive, crew cab, 6.5-foot bed, hybrid | 11,350 |
| Four-wheel drive, crew cab, 5.5-foot bed, hybrid | 11,170 |
| Four-wheel drive, crew cab, 6.5-foot bed, hybrid | 11,040 |
Tundra Platinum and 1794 Edition
The Platinum trim level sees the elimination of the double cab, as all versions of this model are crew cabs. The 1794 Edition has a unique Texas ranch-inspired theme with top-tier leather upholstery and a luxurious feel. The following chart details the various towing capacities for both the Tundra Platinum and the 1794 Edition.
| Trim Configuration | Towing Capacity (in pounds) |
| Rear-wheel drive, crew cab, 5.5-foot bed | 11,310 |
| Rear-wheel drive, crew cab, 6.5-foot bed | 11,180 |
| Four-wheel drive, crew cab, 5.5-foot bed | 11,050 |
| Four-wheel drive, crew cab, 6.5-foot bed | 10,890 |
| Rear-wheel drive, crew cab, 5.5-foot bed, hybrid | 11,380 |
| Rear-wheel drive, crew cab, 6.5-foot bed, hybrid | 11,290 |
| Four-wheel drive, crew cab, 5.5-foot bed, hybrid | 11,020 |
| Four-wheel drive, crew cab, 6.5-foot bed, hybrid | 10,960 |
Tundra TRD Pro
The Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Pro is the Tundra that’s designed for off-roading and sporty adventures. It includes features such as Fox 2.5-inch internal bypass remote reservoir shocks, additional underbody protection, a front anti-roll bar, and 18-inch TRD wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber. There’s just one option for the TRD Pro — a four-wheel drive crew cab hybrid with a 5.5-foot bed. The towing capacity is 11,175 pounds.
Tundra Capstone
This flagship truck includes top-of-the-line features, including a luxurious interior, 22-inch wheels, and standard power running boards. Like the TRD Pro, it only comes in a four-wheel drive crew cab hybrid with a 5.5-foot bed. The towing capacity for the Capstone is 10,340 pounds.
The 2023 Toyota Tundra is a great choice if you’re looking to tow recreational vehicles, equipment, or extra gear for a road trip. At Dublin Toyota, California, we’re happy to share our Tundra lineup with you to show you what they’re all about. Contact us today if you have any questions.
Image by Johnathan Ciarrocca is licensed with the unsplash license
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