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2023 Toyota Sequoia SUV: Big and brawny redesign

2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro.

 

 

The full-size, three-row 2023 Sequoia is all new from the ground up and showcases a brawny redesign with plenty of power behind it. Available in five trims (SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and the top-of-the-line Capstone grade), it boasts a powerful twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain that produces 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, heavy-duty performance features, loads of space, and a solid offering of capable tech features.

Sequoia will be offered in 2WD or the available part-time 4WD system on SR5, Limited, Platinum, and Capstone grades. TRD Pro will be offered only in 4WD. The part-time 4WD system relies on a transfer case, controlled via a lever on the center console, to select between 2WD, 4WD high, or 4WD low. All trims get the standard 10-speed automatic transmission. Sequoia offers up to a 9,000-lb maximum towing capacity, a nearly 22% increase over the prior-generation model.

Sequoia is rooted in a modern body-on-frame chassis with a fully boxed frame that shares architecture with the all-new Tundra. Toyota says the core objective of this platform is to provide "excellent handling, supreme comfort, and impressive capability." The next-gen frame sports increased rigidity and improved ride comfort thanks to new laser welding technology that helps reduce mass and weight in areas it's not needed, while reinforcing the areas that need it most.

Sequoia features an independent front suspension and adopts a new rack-mounted electronic power steering system for improved steering feel. A modern multi-link rear suspension is employed out back to offer a smooth ride and create opportunity to add the available Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) for those looking to tow regularly. Noteworthy, each trim gets a different grille treatment.

The three-row SUV offers a range of configurations for seating and cargo. Depending upon the grade, second-row passengers get bench seating or captain's chairs, either of which recline for passenger comfort or fold down/tumble forward if larger cargo space is needed. The third-row passengers benefit from a spacious reclining back seat with available power folding, but the third row also gets one of the most noteworthy new features on Sequoia: the exclusive Sliding Third Row with Adjustable Cargo Shelf System. This segment-first feature allows the third row to slide with 6 in. of adjustment range. The third row can also fold down to complement the different storage positions of the new Adjustable Cargo Shelf System.

Drive Mode Select is an all-new feature on Sequoia, offering different driving modes depending upon driver preference, and it includes standard settings Eco, Normal, and Sport. With available Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension, the settings expand to include Comfort, Sport S+, and Custom.

The Tow Tech Package, available on all grades but standard on TRD Pro and Capstone, offers a suite of features that include Trailer Backup Guide to aid in backing up the SUV with a trailer, and Straight Path Assist which helps provide steering control to keep the trailer straight on its intended path when backing up. Multiple exterior angles are viewable from the available 14-in. touchscreen or the available digital display rearview mirror. The very cool Panoramic View Monitor displays a top-down view of the SUV and the area around it.

The overall lineup starts with the well-equipped SR5 that offers a strong foundation of power, efficiency, and tech. Standard features include the i-FORCE MAX powertrain mated to the standard 10-speed automatic transmission, standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, moonroof, heated seats, and more. It also features a standard 12.3-in. digital instrument display and Panoramic View Monitor (PVM). When upgrading to the SR5 Premium package, Sequoia adds the 14-in. Toyota Audio Multimedia display, power third row, hands-free liftgate, Softex seats, and cabin and cargo 120-V power outlets.

2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone.

 

 

Available on SR5 models is the TRD Sport package, which upgrades the standard 18-in. wheels to 20-in. matte black TRD wheels. It adds TRD sport-tuned Bilstein monotube shocks and TRD-tuned springs. Inside TRD accents include aluminum pedals and a red TRD push-button start.

Limited builds upon the SR5 with upgraded tech and interior features.

Available for both SR5 and Limited 4×4 models is the first-for-Sequoia TRD Off-Road package, which includes a selectable locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select that helps control wheel spin for improved traction, and Downhill Assist Control to aid with steep descents. Crawl Control also comes standard. TRD Off-Road also comes with Multi-Terrain Monitor to provide a better view of hard-to-see spots for the driver.

Stepping up to the Platinum grade puts an emphasis on added comfort and premium features, thanks to heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, second-row captain's chairs, standard 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, standard panoramic moonroof, standard Head-Up Display, and more.

TRD Pro is a great option for adventure-minded buyers who plan to get off the beaten path regularly. It is loaded with premium features such as standard second-row captain's chairs, TRD heated steering wheel, and TRD accents on the seats and shift knob. TRD Pro comes with additional cargo hauling options thanks to the TRD roof rack. TRD-tuned FOX internal bypass shocks offer a smooth on-road ride, but most importantly, they can confidently handle off-road terrain when the trail gets rough. A 1/4-in. aluminum TRD front skid plate offers added trail protection. This trim also features a standard selectable locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, CRAWL Control, and Downhill Assist Control.

The Capstone grade sits atop the Sequoia lineup, building upon the great features of Platinum while adding additional top-shelf features to make it the most luxurious Sequoia to date. Capstone boasts unique chrome accents to provide an upscale appearance, with the most eye-catching feature being the standard 22-in. chrome wheels -- a first for Sequoia and exclusive to Capstone. The premium cabin experience begins at the first step with standard power running boards that provide access to the standard semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats. Besides the premium interior, Capstone is the only Sequoia grade to feature acoustic glass in the front doors for more exterior sound deadening.

All Sequoia grades come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This active safety system includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection that features multiple enhancements over the previous generation. Other safety features include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking.

Loads more features. The all-new Sequoia will be available this summer. Toyota has not released pricing. KBB says it should start in the "low $50,000 region," with Capstone starting around $70,000.

2023 Toyota Sequoia Limited.

 

 

Learn more at toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/sequoia/.

Source: Toyota

Published February 2022

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