2023 Toyota Sequoia debuts with 437-hp turbocharged hybrid V6

Toyota’s full-size, three-row SUV enters its third technology this week with the debut of the 2023 Sequoia. Based mostly on the identical body-on-frame platform because the 2022 Toyota Tundra and Land Cruiser, the brand new Sequoia hits the highway with a daring new look, hybrid energy and a brand new, luxurious Capstone trim stage on the prime of the lineup.

Daring new look

The broad strokes and particulars of the Sequoia’s new look are acquainted from the brand new Tundra, from the overall form of the grille to the T-shaped headlamps with their built-in intakes. Personally, I feel the Sequoia’s fascia seems significantly better with a extra conservative grille remedy that avoids the weather of the Tundra’s design that I discover most upsetting — the best way the pickup’s grille flows over the entrance bumper and the awkward silver handlebar ‘stache it creates for higher specs.

Total, I am not recoiling from the Sequoia in the identical method I initially did upon assembly the Tundra, and I am truly digging the squared-off profile and robust shoulder particulars created by the entrance and, notably, the rear fender arches with their deep, dramatic undercuts. The tail finish is a bit bland; the brand new horizontal tail lights look good sufficient, however it seems like Toyota’s designers did not actually know what to do with such a big canvas and my first act as an proprietor can be to debadge the “S E Q U O I A” that stretches awkwardly throughout the liftgate.

For Restricted or higher trim ranges, that liftgate options hands-free energy opening and divulges a power-folding third row with sliding adjustment and a brand new adjustable cargo shelf system. The Sequoia is offered in each seven- and six-seat configurations, relying on whether or not consumers select the second row bench or captain’s chairs. Toyota’s announcement does not embody particulars for passenger or cargo capability, however we’ll replace this house when the numbers are revealed. 

Normal i-Drive Max Hybrid

The Sequoia comes commonplace with Toyota’s new i-Drive Max Hybrid powertrain, which we have seen beforehand within the Tundra pickup. This setup sandwiches an electrical motor into the bell housing between a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and its 10-speed automated transmission. All in all, Toyota estimates a system peak of 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque — 56 ponies and 182 lb-ft greater than the present technology’s 5.7-liter V8 — which makes its method through a two-speed switch case to both the rear wheels or an obtainable 4WDemand part-time 4WD system. The hybrid powerplant elevates the Sequoia’s towing capability to 9,000 kilos, however also needs to boast an enormous gas economic system enchancment over the earlier technology. Ultimate miles-per-gallon estimates have not been said, however it should not be too arduous to beat at this time’s 15 mpg mixed.

Drivers will have the ability to customise the Sequoia’s efficiency with Eco, Regular, Sport and Tow/Haul settings for the brand new Drive Mode Choose system, adjusting the electrical motor’s conduct. When outfitted with both the Load-Leveling Rear Peak Management Air Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension choices, Consolation and Sport Plus suspension settings additionally unlock. An non-obligatory Tow Tech Package deal can also be obtainable, rolling within the automaker’s Trailer Backup Information and Straight Path Help options.

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Big-screen tech

The Sequoia’s massive dashboard features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, but is dominated by an appropriately massive 14-inch display that’s standard on Limited and up trims or as an optional upgrade for the base SR5 model’s standard 8-inch screen. Either way you go, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also standard, as is Toyota’s new Intelligent Assistant that lets you give voice commands by saying, “Hey, Toyota.” The new tech also features a 4G data connection (via subscription) that powers a Wi-Fi hotspot, gives over-the-air updates for its cloud-based navigation with Google point-of-interest data and enables native Apple Music and Amazon Music streaming.

On the safety side, all 2023 Sequoia models will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 driver aid suite, which means dynamic radar cruise control, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams and an advanced precollision braking system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as detection of oncoming traffic during left-hand turns. Blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and parking speed automatic braking features round out the Sequioa’s safety suite.

The most luxurious Sequoia yet

New Sequoia shoppers will have five grades to choose from, including the base SR5, the more feature-rich Limited and more luxurious Platinum models. At the top of the line is the new Capstone trim, which Toyota calls the most luxurious Sequoia to date. It’s nigh fully loaded and outfitted with chrome accents, standard 22-inch chrome wheels, power running boards, a more luxurious semianiline leather-trimmed interior with a black-and-white theme and open-pore American Walnut wood trim. Even the glass on the Capstone model is unique, with acoustic panes in the front doors to further quiet road and wind noise.

TRD Sport, Off-Road and Pro

The hybrid-only strategy jibes with Toyota’s more family-friendly, road-focused offerings like the hybrid-only Venza and Sienna. That said, the Sequoia should still be plenty capable when it comes time to leave the beaten path.

SR5 models can be upgraded with a TRD Sport package, swapping from 18s to 20-inch matte black TRD wheels and Bilstein monotube dampers with TRD springs. Aluminum pedals and a red TRD start button add a bit of sporty bling to the cockpit.

For more trail-ready performance, a TRD Off-Road package is available to SR5 and Limited 4×4 models. Checking this box adds a locking rear differential, 18-inch alloy wheels, Bilstein/TRD monotube dampers and springs and a red front axle driveshaft, because a little more bling never hurt anybody. Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control add much needed control and sure-footedness on the trail, while a Multi-Terrain Monitor is added to help drivers precisely navigate obstacles.

The most “adventure-minded” Sequoia offering is the TRD Pro, which is not just a package, but a whole trim level unto itself. The Pro beefs up with TRD-tuned Fox shocks, a quarter-inch TRD aluminum front skid plate and unique 18-inch black TRD alloy wheels with increased offset for a wider stance. TRD Pro also comes standard with a roof rack, a Toyota heritage grille with marker lights and an embedded light bar and, like the Off-Road kit, also features a lockable rear differential and Toyota’s various trail control and assist systems.

Summer 2022 availability

It’s about time Toyota got around to updating the Sequoia. The current generation has been around since 2007 with only minor updates, and in those 15 years, the competition from Ford, Chevy and now even Jeep has gotten a whole lot tougher. The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia steps back into the fray, arriving at dealerships this Summer. Pricing has not been announced. The current $51,525 SR5 to $67,575 Platinum range is a good jumping-off point for estimates, with the new Capstone grade likely stretching the upper limits of that envelope.