The Toyota Sequoia has always been a three-row full-size SUV built on the Tundra pickup truck’s underpinnings. That won’t change with the new generation, which will debut in 2023. The rest of it does: the new Sequoia is significantly more modern than the second-generation Sequoia it replaces, which has been on the market for almost a decade. The iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, that combines a 3.4-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor for a total of 437 horsepower, is standard on the 2017 Sequoia. It has a huge touchscreen with the most up-to-date software on board, as well as a spacious cabin with seats for up to eight passengers. This should put the Sequoia in a better position to compete with rivals like the Chevy Tahoe as well as Ford Expedition.
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What’s New for the Year 2023?
For 2023, the Sequoia has been revamped and is based on the same platform as the new Tundra, Land Cruiser, and Lexus LX600. It’s exclusively available as a hybrid and has a fresh exterior and interior design.
Despite the fact that Toyota has yet to announce price, we believe the Limited will be the best bargain in the lineup. A larger touchscreen, a power liftgate, heated and cooled front seats, and a power-folding third row are among the features.
Performance, Engine, and Transmission
The iForce MAX hybrid powertrain is standard on the Sequoia, but it’s an option on the Tundra truck. A twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine and an electric motor combine to produce a total of 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Sequoia SUV gets the same 10-speed automatic transmission as the Tundra. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive available on most models—and standard on the TRD Pro variant for off-roading. Off-road features include improved shocks, a front skid plate, a locking rear differential, and distinctive 18-inch wheels on the TRD Pro.
Real-World MPG and Fuel Economy
The EPA hasn’t disclosed fuel-economy figures for the Sequoia or its hybrid pickup sister, the Tundra. However, we don’t believe the Sequoia hybrid will provide a significant fuel savings over the Tundra’s nonhybrid powertrain, which is rated at up to 20 mpg combined. We’ll put the Sequoia through its paces on our real-world 75-mph highway fuel economy test once we get our hands on it. Visit the EPA’s website for more information on the Sequoia’s fuel economy.
Cargo, Interior, and Comfort
The inside of the Sequoia remains huge and spacious in this current version, with a third row of seats as standard equipment. Second-row bench seating for eight passengers is standard, with second-row captain’s chairs available to reduce the number of seats to seven. The interior decorations range from fabric to leather upholstery and increasing amounts of wood and chrome trim as you move up the pricing ladder, with a vast selection of trim levels available. Heated and cooled second-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium sound system are available on higher trim levels.
Connectivity and Infotainment
The former Sequoia’s obsolete touchscreen system has been replaced with the Tundra’s huge 14.0-inch touchscreen. This screen is standard on all SR5s except the base model, and it uses Toyota’s latest infotainment software, which includes smartphone mirroring and other connectivity features like a Wi-Fi hotspot and music streaming options.
Features for Driver Assistance and Safety
All of the Sequoia’s various driver-assistance systems are included as standard equipment. Visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites for further information on the Sequoia’s crash-test results. The following are important safety features:
- Forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking are standard.
- Lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist are standard.
- Adaptive cruise control is a standard feature.
