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The Toyota Sequoia is a three-row, full-size SUV built on the platform of Toyota’s Tundra pick-up truck. The new generation, which will be available for the 2023 model year, will stay the same. The rest is the same: the new model has a much more modern look than the second-generation Sequoia, which was around for over a decade. The new Sequoia is equipped with the Tundra iForce MAX Hybrid Powertrain. This powertrain combines a 3.4 liter V-6 engine and an electric motor to produce 437 horsepower. It has a three-row cabin with up to eight people and a large touchscreen. The modernization of the Sequoia gives it a better opportunity to compete against rivals like the Chevy Truck or Ford Expedition. However, its interior space and cargo compartment need to improve their practicality.
What’s new for 2023?
The Sequoia was redesigned in 2023. It rides on the same chassis as the new Tundra Land Cruiser and LexusLX600. The only hybrid version is available. It also features a fresh look both inside and outside.
The Limited trim is the most affordable in the line-up. It’s only one step up from the SR5, but it has a lot of extra goodies included as standard. These include a larger touchscreen of 14.0 inches, a powered liftgate, 20″ wheels, heated and cooled front seats, and a power-folding third row.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Sequoia is equipped with the iForceMAX hybrid engine that is optional on the Tundra. The powertrain consists of a twin-turbo 3.4-liter engine and an electrical motor, which produce 437 horsepower and 583 pounds-feet torque. The Sequoia SUV also gets the 10-speed automatic from the Tundra. Four-wheel-drive is optional but standard on the TRD Pro off-road model. The Sequoia Capstone four-wheel drive we tested reached 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds and the quarter-mile mark in only 14.3 seconds. This is faster than the GMC Yukon Denali that we previously tested but slower than the Ford Expedition Timberline. TRD Pro comes with off-road gear such as upgraded Fox shocks, a skid plate in front, a locking differential at the rear, and 18-inch forged wheels with 33-inch tires. The Sequoia was a comfortable and quiet vehicle during the first test drive. However, its driving characteristics on the road could have been more satisfactory. The extra-wide feel on the road can make it challenging to stay in a lane, something we have also complained about with other large SUVs. Its featherweight steering can also cause it to feel twitchy while cruising. We’ll test the Sequoia at our track when we can and update this article with the results.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The hybrid system makes the new Sequoia more efficient than the previous model. The rear-wheel-drive models have an EPA rating of 21 mpg in the city, 24 mpg on the highway, and 22 mpg combined. Four-wheel drive reduces these numbers to 19 mpg in the city, 22 on the road, and 20 combined. When we have it, we’ll test the Sequoia on a real-world highway fuel economy of 75 mph. Visit the EPA website for more information on Sequoia’s fuel economy.
Interior, Comfort, Cargo
This new generation of Sequoia continues the ample interior with a standard third row. Standard is a second-row bench with an eight-passenger seating capacity. Optional second-row captain chairs reduce the number of seats from eight to seven. The headroom in the second row is restricted, especially when the panoramic sunroof option is selected. Interior trims are available in various levels, from leather to cloth upholstery. Wood and chrome accents also vary as you move up the price scale. The higher trim levels include features such as heated and cooled seats for the second row, a panoramic roof, and a premium audio system. The Sequoia has a smaller cargo space than its rivals. The rear seat is in use, and only 12 cubic feet are available for cargo. Folding the third row doesn’t create a flat floor.
Connectivity and Infotainment
The old Sequoia touchscreen has been replaced with the large 14.0-inch screen found on the Tundra. The screen is standard in all models except the base SR5. It uses Toyota’s latest infotainment system, which includes smartphone mirroring and other connectivity features such as a Wi-Fi Hotspot and music streaming options.
Safety and driver-assistance features
The Sequoia comes with all of the available features for driver assistance as standard. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s ( NHTSA ) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s ( IIHS ) websites for more information on the Sequoia crash test results. The following are the key safety features:
- Automatic emergency braking and standard forward collision warning
- Lane-keeping assistance and legal lane departure warning
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Toyota’s powertrain and limited warranties are comparable to many full-size SUV competitors. Toyota offers complimentary scheduled maintenance, which is a nice extra.
- Three-year warranty or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranties are valid for five years or 60 000 miles
- Maintenance is free for the first two years or up to 25,000 miles
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