The vast majority of TTAC readership is well acquainted with the manufacturer propensity to throw paint-n-wallpaper at a particular model in the years following its introduction, hoping the resultant noise made in the press from dweebs like myself will keep the thing top of mind when shoppers hit the dealer lots in search of new metal.
That game continues for the ’23 model year (and will do so until the sun explodes) with Toyota introducing new packages on the Tacoma, Tundra, and Sienna. We’ve rolled them into one news post rather than subjecting you to three.
Starting the triumvirate is a new styling package for the not-old-at-all Tundra, a model which was completely overhauled last year with a dandy new hybrid powertrain that belts out 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. A new SX package capitalizes on the color-keyed styling trend which has popped up on numerous pickups. Here, matching trim appears on the doors and bumpers, while some badges have been binned in an apparent nod to minimalism. We think they are just saving on plastic nameplates but whatever. This is one of those packages which is layered on top of an existing trim, SR5 in Double Cab or CrewMax models in this case, and can be had with a 4×2 or 4×4 drivetrain.
If slightly smaller trucks are more your speed, the venerable Tacoma also gets the SX treatment with similar styling addenda, though black overfenders are applied here for a butch stance. Side mirror caps, badges, and wheels are all dipped in inky black paint. Like the Tundra, the SX package can be had on Access Cab or Double Cab trucks in 4×2 or 4×4 varieties. There is also a new Chrome package which is essentially an inversion of the SX pack, an option that predictably ladles on the bling which once again proves there’s no plate like chrome.
Finally, families in the audience may wish to learn more about the 25th Anniversary model being flung in the direction of Toyota’s kid-friendly Sienna minivan. Limited to 2,525 examples (guffaw), this van builds on the XSE trim by infusing it with some of the interior trappings of the high-zoot Limited model. Premium JBL-branded audio kit, wireless device charging, leather seats, and satnav are all on board. Ottomans sprout from the second-row chairs, apparently. Spotting this van in traffic should be easy thanks to those 20-inch wheels plus front and rear fascias with a slightly more aggro bent.
See? Told ya this single post would be easier on the noggin than three separate ones.
[Images: Toyota]
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I admire the optimism of car manufacturers who introduce new models/trims when they can barely make the current ones.
It’s actually a way to pad the bottom line on the vehicles they’re able to produce.
Toyota makes vehicles better than anyone. Are you just trying to stir up trouble, or do you really know nothing at all about cars?
Attention editors. I’ve waiting weeks for you to cover this https://youtu.be/VooS_oEY6IE
Jeep owner drops vehicle for oil change. Idiot employee starts the vehicle by putting his foot on the clutch from outside then releases clutch and car kills fellow mechanic. Owner of the vehicle gets sued for 15 million. Crazy Michigan laws. If this stands we are all worse off.
That’s about the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. But if the case is getting the kind of attention in Michigan that it deserves, I’d think the legislature would be taking a look at the underlying law…stat.
Don’t forget the “nightshade” editions. Oh baby hold me back! Limited premium color selection, blacked out wheels and trim. MMMMM
I’ll add that I found it amusing a couple years ago to see a RAV4 with a $175 item on the window sticker for . . . . . Black out badges! The AWD, model level tag, and hybrid badges were black instead of chrome. Well worth the money!!!! ;-)
My Bolt had a similarly priced item on the window sticker for replacing the gold Chevy bowties with black ones. Looks a lot better and in all likelihood didn’t affect the ultimate sale price of the car (which I bought back in the days of huge discounts).
The olden days! Prolly ne’er to return…!
“there’s no plate like chrome”
Well done, Mr. Guy. :-)
When someone who loves Eggs Benedict is advised by his dentist to procure chrome dentures to guard against the acidic effects of the sauce in the dish, because there’s no plate like chrome for the hollandaise!
Ditto. I guffawed.
Has anyone else seen one of those new Siennas from the back? The stylist was trying WAY too damn hard.
Yeah, it’s a bit overwrought. The nice thing about them is the hybrid powertrain, rated at 36 city / 36 highway.
I’m waiting for the mid-cycle refresh of the Tundra. Maybe they’ll fix that ugly front end, and give it a real bumper, instead of a grille that goes all the way to the bottom.
Yes, we’ve seen WAY TOO MUCH Toyota stuff as readers and consumers of this site!
Every damned TIME WE LOAD A PAGE!
Hint, Hint! ;-)
Why is it that the most successful automotive companies start with a T?
Triumph, Tata, TVR, Trabant, Th!nk… I’ll give you Tucker, Tesla and Toyota…
Well duh, if you have limited cars on a lot you put this on all of them. It’s like printing money.
about 7/8ths of the current Tundra is OK looking, but that front end, wow. WTF were they thinking? It makes the Lexus Spindle look good, and that’s saying something.
Toyota stylists have a secret fetish for whale sharks.
I think Goblin Shark is closer for the Tundra.
Kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/goblin-shark