The Toyota Sequoia is designed for families that want the space of three-row SUV, but also want to be able to take the family on an off-roading adventure. Unlike most three-row SUVs, the Sequoia is based on a body-on-frame truck platform, that’s shared with the Toyota Tundra, which gives it the extra capability that it needs to tackle nearly any terrain you come across.
It’s easy to see the connection between the Tundra and Sequoia, which features a face that is close to the Tundra. It’s a major improvement over the last generation Sequoia, since it now looks more rugged. For buyers that want to take it a step further, there’s the TRD Pro version with its wide fender flares, off-roading tires and fake hood vents. No matter which version you choose, the 2023 Sequoia is a good looking full size SUV.
Under the hood, the Sequoia is only offered with one powertrain. It’s powered by the iForce Max powertrain, which mates a 3.4-liter V6 to an electric motor for a combined 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Yes you read that correctly, the Sequoia is a hybrid only big SUV, which helps set it apart from its rivals.
The hybrid powertrain is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and buyers can choose either rear- or four-wheel drive. The Sequoia TRD Pro comes standard with four-wheel drive.
The TRD Pro not only looks the part, but also easily grabs the title as the most off-road ready version, since it gets Fox dampers, a locking rear differential, a front skid plate and forged 18-inch wheels with 33-inch tires.
On the road, the Sequoia’s powertrain is and punchy with a 0-60 mph time under 6 seconds. The Sequoia gets off the line with ease, even with all your friends along for the ride. That seems like a huge feat for such a big SUV. Not all is great though, since the suspension doesn’t provide the smoothest ride on the pavement. It’s live rear axle lets even the smallest bump in the road throw off what should be a comfortable ride. The steering is also a bit too light and combined with its big footprint, the Sequoia’s handling can feel a bit all over the place.
The Sequoia can tow up to 9,310 pounds, which is pretty on par with its rivals, like the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. Where it does stand out though is its fuel economy ratings. The Sequoia is rated at 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive version is rated at 19/22/20 mpg.
Inside the interior feels pretty close to the Tundra, which is a good thing. There’s a 14-inch touchscreen that runs Toyota’s latest infotainment system. The embedded navigation system uses Google Maps, making it really easy to operate. In front of the driver, there’s a fully digital instrument cluster, which makes the Sequoia feel a lot more modern than the last generation. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included.
On the safety front, the Sequoia comes standard with all the driver assistance tech features that you’d expect, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring.
The Sequoia features three rows of seats, but the third row might be a tight squeeze for taller passengers. Headroom in the third row could be better, but it’s a compromise, since that’s also where the hybrid system is placed. The third row can slide forward to provide more cargo space or back to provide a little more legroom. Unfortunately the third row does not fold flat.
The pricing for the 2023 Toyota Sequoia starts at $61,460, while the rugged TRD Pro version is priced at $79,160.
At the end of the day if you’re looking for a three-row SUV that has room for the whole family, can tow a boat and keep the fun going when the pavement ends, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is your SUV.
