2023 Toyota Sequoia Debuts With 437 HP Hybrid Engine, Brawny Styling

The Toyota Sequoia 2023 debuts to replace the aging second generation of a three-row SUV that dates back to the 2008 model year. The automaker is using this opportunity to overhaul the large vehicle both mechanically and aesthetically. The big change is important as the Sequoia is now the brand’s high-end SUV in North America following the retirement of the Land Cruiser from the United States.

Advantages Of New Engine And New Platform

All versions of the Sequoia 2023 come with a 3.5-liter twin-turbo hybrid V6 engine that Toyota has branded the i-Force Max. The engine produces 437 horsepower (326 kilowatts) and 583 pound-feet (790 Newton-meters) of torque, just like in the Tundra. The only gearbox option is a 10-speed automatic.

There are no details on fuel economy yet. Toyota claims the figure is a “huge improvement over the previous generation,” Which one 13 miles per city gallon, 17 mpg highway, and 15 mpg combine for the 4X2 drivetrain.

The Sequoia 2023 uses the same modular body-on-frame platform version of the new Tundra, Land Cruiser, and Lexus LX 600. Buyers can choose two or an optional part-time four-wheel drive system for all trim levels. The TRD Pro plan is only available with 4WD.

The basics for the Sequoia include an independent front suspension and a multi-link layout at the rear. Adaptive dampers and a load-leveling air system for the rear are options.

The new Sequoia can pull up to 9,000 pounds (4,082 kilograms), which is nearly 22 percent more than the previous generation. There is an optional collapsible, extendable and retractable towing mirror for better visibility when pulling something. Plus, the Panoramic View Monitor offers a bird’s eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings while maneuvering.

How does it look?

The exterior styling of the new Sequoia has an upright position that makes it look tough. The front end is similar to the latest Tundra. There is a large grille, but the designers provided various trim levels of different mesh patterns to differentiate their style. For example, the TRD Pro pack has a wide black hexagon, and the Capstone has a smaller opening with a chrome finish. Y-shaped headlights.

Fenders look muscular with protruding bulges above the wheel openings. The base of the D-pillar faces forward, and the rear glass is partially circular to the side of the body.

Inside, all Sequoias come with three rows of seats. Depending on the trim level, the second row has a bench or captain’s seat. The third row slides back and forth by up to 6.0 inches and has a rear rack system for easy rear cargo stacking.

Choose Your Trim Level

The Sequoia comes in five trim levels: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Capstone. All of them come with a suite of Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 technology, heated seats, moonroof, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and panoramic camera system.

Where the standard SR5 trim has an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, the SR5 Premium expands the screen size to 14.0 inches. It also has third-row seats that fold with power, hands-free opening of the trunk, and 120-volt power outlets in the cabin and cargo area.

Both SR5 models are available with the TRD Sport package. These include Bilstein monotube shocks and revised tuning for springs. This SUV uses 20-inch, matte-black alloy wheels instead of the standard 18-inch size.

The Limited Class adds to the SR5 Premium with heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and sun visors for the second and third rows.

Four-wheel drive versions of the SR5 and Limited are available with the TRD Off-Road Package. These include a locking rear differential, 18-inch wheels, Multi-Terrain Select system, descent assist control, and Crawl Control. There are also Bilstein shocks and revised springs.

Platinum is upgraded on the Limited with heated and ventilated second-row captain seats, 14-speaker stereo, panoramic moonroof, heads-up display, Qi wireless charging, and rain-sensing wipers. In addition, the front and rear lights use LED lighting.

The TRD Pro is the trim level for people who really want to go off-road. It packs Fox internal bypass shocks and a 0.25-inch front skid plate. There’s also a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, crawl control, and downhill assist control. An LED light bar is part of the front grille, and storage shelves are on the roof. The 18-inch black wheels have increased offset for a wider stance. Dual exhaust tips are also part of the package. The exterior color of Solar Octane is exclusive to this grade.

Finally, there is the Capstone with the highest reach. It features chrome accents and has a running power board. This SUV uses 22-inch alloy wheels with a chrome coating. Inside, there are semi-aniline leather seats in a black-and-white color scheme. American Walnut open-porous wood trim adorns the cabin. Acoustic glass in the front doors and extra soundproofing make this model quieter for passengers than other Sequoia classes.

The Toyota Sequoia 2023 will go on sale this summer. Pricing will be available closer to launch.

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