When Toyota final launched a brand new Sequoia, the primary iPhone had simply been revealed and Microsoft simply launched Home windows Vista, so to say the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is lengthy overdue could be an understatement. The brand new Sequoia arrives because the full-size non-premium SUV section is presently dominated by the American automakers. Final 12 months, Normal Motors delivered over 1 / 4 million automobiles on this section between its Chevrolet and GMC manufacturers whereas Ford got here in a distant second with round 82,000 models. Nissan put in a valiant effort to promote greater than 22,000 models. Toyota may solely muster simply over 8,000 copies of its getting old Sequoia. To place that in perspective, Jeep offered over 5,000 Wagoneers and it was solely on sale for 3 full months.
After a few years of minor updates, Toyota faces a tall order to compete with section leaders just like the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition and newcomers just like the Jeep Wagoneer and the Nissan Armada. By adopting updates from the Tundra pickup, together with a brand new twin-turbocharged hybrid i-Drive MAX engine with 437 horsepower, Toyota believes it may possibly increase Sequoia gross sales to round 35,000 models per 12 months.
DrivingOnRoad flew out to Toyota’s US headquarters exterior Dallas, Texas to search out out if the enhancements to the 2023 Sequoia lastly make it a aggressive choice within the full-size section.
Exterior: Tundra Macho
Like earlier fashions, this third-generation Sequoia is closely primarily based on the Tundra pickup truck, so the design language is comparable. That is superb by us, as the brand new Tundra appears correctly aggressive. The huge entrance grille adjustments relying on the trim degree, with the flagship Capstone trim (pictured beneath) getting a blinged-out honeycomb sample and plenty of chrome components. With large two-tone 22-inch wheels, the Capstone exudes luxurious and extra, bordering on Lexus ranges. Patrons who desire a extra macho Sequoia can go for one of many decrease trims with both the TRD Sport or TRD Off-Highway Packages, which give the SUV a darker, imposing vibe.
Should you spend each weekend taking the household on an outside journey, the Sequoia TRD Professional provides probably the most aggressive styling with a Heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” grille, embedded TRD mild bar, marker lights, black 18-inch TRD wheels, and a roof rack. In our opinion, the Sequoia TRD Professional is probably the most spectacular mannequin visually.
That being mentioned, a few of the decrease trims nonetheless look incredible in TRD Sport guise. Toyota’s shade palette accommodates some nice choices, together with White, Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Silver, Lunar Rock, Magnetic Grey, Blueprint, Military Inexperienced, Midnight Black, Smoked Mesquite, Supersonic Crimson, and the TRD-exclusive Photo voltaic Octane.
Engine, Efficiency, Towing: All-Hybrid, All-Highly effective
Each Sequoia no matter trim makes use of the identical powertrain, a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 paired to a 10-speed automated transmission with a motor-generator fitted throughout the bell housing. Which means the Sequoia, even in base trim, is a hybrid. However do not consider this as an overgrown Prius; Toyota included the hybrid system to enhance its functionality. The i-Drive Max setup supplies 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. That is extra commonplace hp than any automobile on this section and extra torque than any of its rivals interval.
This drivetrain is so excellent that you’re going to utterly neglect about Toyota’s previous V8. The V6 emits a soothing growl and the 10-speed automated transmission delivers seamless shifts which are Lexus-like of their refinement. By way of functionality, the Sequoia can tow as much as 9,520 kilos in 2WD SR5 configuration, which is simply barely beneath what the Expedition and Wagoneer can pull. No gas financial system figures had been accessible on the time of this writing, although we consider the Sequoia might be class-competitive. The Tundra hybrid, for reference, achieves 19/22/21 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed.
Driving Impressions: Torque For Days
From behind the wheel, the Sequoia’s familial connection to the Tundra is instantly obvious. The 2 share a body-on-frame structure that additionally underpins the Lexus LX and world Toyota Land Cruiser. This isn’t a small automobile by any stretch of the creativeness, however easy steering and managed physique roll help in making it really feel much less substantial and cumbersome. In actual fact, our restricted time on the highway left us pondering the Sequoia is now probably the most composed automobile within the non-premium full-size section. Highway noise is barely intrusive on decrease trims, however the Capstone will get acoustic glass up entrance that brings down the decibels to a extra acceptable degree. All trims embody a extra trendy multi-link rear suspension, which felt much less bouncy than the Tundra as a result of having extra weight over the rear finish.
As we alluded to earlier, the Sequoia’s drivetrain is creamily clean, with solely the occasional awkward shift throughout deceleration. Mash the throttle, and the Sequoia can simply spin the rear tires in slippery circumstances because of 583 lb-ft of twist. The transmission delivers well timed downshifts when obligatory, solely not often getting buried in prime gear. It is secure to say the Sequoia is among the many most civilized full-size SUVs.
When the highway ends, the Sequoia impresses with its accessible TRD Professional trim degree. This mannequin provides a entrance skid plate, Fox inner bypass shocks, a locking rear differential, and a TRD exhaust that delivers a extra noticeable growl. Toyota had an off-road course the place we may put the Sequoia via its paces, tackling obstacles that few homeowners are more likely to try. We solely entered four-wheel-low in a single part that concerned closely wheel articulation, although that was at Toyota’s behest, and we consider the Sequoia would have been simply superb in four-high.
The Sequoia has by no means been probably the most strictly succesful TRD Professional mannequin within the lineup; that honor would probably go to the 4Runner or Tacoma as a result of their smaller dimensions. That being mentioned, when you’ve got a big household that you simply like to tackle tenting or mountain climbing journeys, the Sequoia TRD Professional ought to show to be a reliable companion.
Inside: Function Robust, Area Challenged
After we final drove a Sequoia, we lamented how a lot plain plastic crammed the cabin and the way tiny the infotainment display screen was. This new mannequin is a wholly completely different story. Even the bottom SR5 mannequin appears like a top quality merchandise with commonplace eight-way energy material seats or elective SofTex leatherette. The SR5 comes commonplace with an eight-inch touchscreen that includes eight audio system and wi-fi CarPlay/Android Auto. We might go for the bigger 14-inch display screen, which comes commonplace on all different trim ranges. This is identical display screen used within the Tundra, and it is vastly higher than what the Sequoia had beforehand and what many rivals offer you.
By way of supplies, the Sequoia ranges from utilitarian to outright luxurious. We have be completely superb with the heated and ventilated SofTex seats within the Restricted, although the real leather-based within the Platinum and Semi-aniline leather-based within the Capstone are much more spectacular. The Capstone provides open-pore American Walnut trim that takes the Sequoia to Lexus-level decadence.
Although the Sequoia is a large automobile with a large footprint, the inside house is barely hampered by the body-on-frame design and the positioning of the hybrid battery underneath the rear seats. For starters, the second row is smaller than some rivals and doesn’t slide ahead or backward. Entering into the third row, which can also be a bit comfortable, requires a tumble-forward motion that might not work with a baby seat in place. This concern is much less noticeable in fashions with the second-row captain’s chairs.
The Sequoia’s third row doesn’t fold flat into the ground because of the hybrid battery positioning, that means Toyota needed to get intelligent within the cargo space. This SUV encompasses a new Adjustable Cargo Shelf System that may be adjusted to create multi-tiered storage. Although this method appears like an answer to an issue that Toyota itself created, we predict it may show helpful to households. The Sequoia additionally will get a class-exclusive sliding third row, although we see much less utility right here as a result of we may solely get comfy with all of it the best way again. As for cargo quantity, it ranges from 11.5 cubic ft to 86.9 with all of the seats folded.
Verdict, Trims, & Pricing: Packing In The Worth
The 2023 Sequoia begins at $58,300 for the bottom SR5 trim with 4×4 including $3,000 to the value. That is considerably greater than the American rivals (minus the Wagoneer) and round $10,000 greater than the Nissan Armada, although the Sequoia has extra energy and commonplace options. Whilst you climb up the trim ladder, Toyota’s worth proposition stays constant as a result of the Sequoia provides extra gear with out the necessity for expensive packages.
We predict the Restricted is probably the most compelling choice, beginning at an inexpensive $64,700 and including premium options like ventilated entrance seats, heated steering wheel, surround-view digital camera, and an accessible panoramic moonroof. The Platinum appears like a premium step with heated and ventilated rear captain’s chairs, actual leather-based, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, and an ordinary panoramic roof, however it begins to get expensive at $70,900.
Should you’re keen to spend that a lot on a Sequoia, we might recommend spending a bit extra to get the ultra-luxurious Capstone ($75,300) or the off-road succesful TRD Professional ($76,900), which is the one trim to incorporate 4×4 commonplace.
The Sequoia’s strengths embody a potent hybrid powertrain, comfy on-road manners, robust functionality, and spectacular expertise. Its weaknesses solely exist when in comparison with different full-size SUVs, which boast extra passenger and cargo house. If these areas are much less of a priority for you, the Sequoia could possibly be an ideal match. Toyota’s enhancements to this new Sequoia create an evening and day distinction in comparison with the previous mannequin. Should you’ve been ready to improve, now’s the time.