By: Krish Persaud
September 18, 2023
The 2023 Toyota Tundra CrewMax Hybrid Capstone is a remarkable testament to Toyota’s unwavering commitment to blending power, luxury, and versatility. This truck isn’t just a machine; it’s a companion for your adventures, a faithful workhorse, and a statement of style. Thanks to Toyota Canada Inc., we had the opportunity to experience what all the buzz was about.
Under the hood of this Supersonic Red Toyota Tundra CrewMax Hybrid Capstone is a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V-6 i-Force Hybrid engine paired with a refined 10-speed automatic transmission. It’s like a symphony of power, producing 437 horsepower and a substantial 583 lb-ft of torque. When you step on the gas, it doesn’t just move; it glides. Whether you’re merging onto the highway or navigating through the city, the power delivery is as smooth as silk.
Let’s talk about adventure. The Toyota Tundra CrewMax Hybrid Capstone isn’t just a city slicker. It’s a rugged explorer, too. Hill-start assist control (HAC) gives you the confidence to conquer steep terrain. Drive Mode Select offers three different modes: Sport when you want to feel the thrill, Eco for efficiency, and Normal for everyday cruising. Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist makes towing a breeze. Part-Time 4WD ensures you’re ready for any terrain, and the Trailer Brake Controller keeps you in control, even with heavy loads in tow.
Stepping inside the cabin, the Black&White Semi-Aniline Leather seats immediately catch your eye. These luxurious materials not only exude quality but also reinforce the idea that a truck can offer comfort. The well-bolstered seats strike the perfect balance between short and long trip comfort. The 14-inch infotainment screen serves as an intuitive command center, making tech proficiency unnecessary. Syncing your Apple or Android device with it is seamless. However, the 1200-watt 12-speaker sound system could use more clarity in the upper and mid-frequency range, though it remains decent for most needs.
Utility isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s a way of life. The 5.5-foot bed is your trusted partner for hauling and organizing your gear. Toyota offers a variety of bed accessories and configurations, so you can make it your own. With a robust towing capacity of 11,171 pounds and a payload capacity of 1,940 pounds, the Tundra Hybrid CrewMax Capstone is your heavy-duty ally. Whether you’re towing your boat to the lake or loading up construction materials, this truck gets the job done.
Safety is a priority, not an afterthought. Intuitive Parking Assist with Auto Braking helps you squeeze into tight spots with ease. The Panoramic View Monitor provides a 360-degree view of your surroundings, making maneuvering effortless. With eight airbags, including knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, you’re cocooned in safety. Plus, blind spot monitoring keeps an extra eye out for vehicles in your blind spots while driving. The Tundra does feel a bit large, so triple-check your surroundings before making your next moves.
In terms of fuel efficiency and sustainability, the Toyota Tundra CrewMax Hybrid Capstone has a fuel consumption rating of 12.7L/100km in the city, 10.5L/100km on the highway, and 11.7L/100km combined. During our tests, we averaged 11.2L/100km over a week of mixed driving, which included a combination of spirited and normal acceleration.
When measured against rivals such as the Ford F-150 Platinum, GMC Sierra Denali, and Ram 1500 Limited, the Toyota Tundra CrewMax Hybrid Capstone distinguishes itself with its innovative hybrid technology. The Tundra hybrid features a single motor-generator system with a clutch connecting a motor-generator to the engine, allowing them to work together for mechanical power. It can operate in electric-only mode and automatically switches to the internal combustion engine as needed. The vehicle has a 1.87-kilowatt-hour battery located beneath the rear seats, which constantly discharges and recharges during normal driving, with a digital gauge for monitoring.
While technically possible to operate without the battery, it’s not practical due to potential fault codes and is best to keep everything connected for optimal performance. While some competitors, including the Ford F-150, offer their own hybrid variants, the Tundra’s unique ability to seamlessly blend power and efficiency truly makes it stand out. In a market where striking the right balance between performance and eco-consciousness can be challenging, the Tundra Hybrid demonstrates that these two qualities need not be mutually exclusive but can harmoniously coexist.
Toyota offers a range of configurations for the Tundra, starting at $51,450 for the 4×2 Double Cab Regular Bed and extending to our tested CrewMax Capstone, which comes well-equipped with a starting price of $90,690. Whether you’re seeking luxury or value, there’s a Tundra model to suit your preferences.
In a world filled with powerful trucks, the 2023 Toyota Tundra CrewMax Hybrid Capstone isn’t just another choice; it’s the answer for those seeking a perfect fusion of power, luxury, and adaptability. This isn’t merely a truck; it’s a trusted companion for all your journeys. With its groundbreaking hybrid technology, luxurious features, and remarkable versatility, the Tundra Hybrid CrewMax Capstone presents an irresistible proposition. Whether you’re navigating urban streets or exploring new horizons, rest assured that the Toyota Tundra CrewMax Hybrid Capstone is poised to redefine and enhance your trucking experience.
