Automotive

Review: Toyota Sequoia becomes a hybrid 3-row for 2023

Review: Toyota Sequoia becomes a hybrid 3-row for 2023
We drove the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro and are very impressed with its changes
We drove the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro and are very impressed with its changes
View 15 Images
We drove the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro and are very impressed with its changes
1/15
We drove the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro and are very impressed with its changes
This new-generation Toyota Sequoia takes a lot of design cues from the Tundra pickup truck
2/15
This new-generation Toyota Sequoia takes a lot of design cues from the Tundra pickup truck
The new 2023 Toyota Sequoia comes standard with a hybrid powertrain
3/15
The new 2023 Toyota Sequoia comes standard with a hybrid powertrain
The 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro model adds several off-road-oriented items to the big SUV
4/15
The 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro model adds several off-road-oriented items to the big SUV
The roof tray added to this 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is a dealership option
5/15
The roof tray added to this 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is a dealership option
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia's TRD Pro packaging comes with some great color options and engine sound tuning
6/15
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia's TRD Pro packaging comes with some great color options and engine sound tuning
The biggest disappointing with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is this wonky third row setup
7/15
The biggest disappointing with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is this wonky third row setup
Toyota retained the very useful top glass opening at the rear of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia
8/15
Toyota retained the very useful top glass opening at the rear of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia
The interior of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is very much improved. Capstone model shown
9/15
The interior of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is very much improved. Capstone model shown
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia's third row is kind of an afterthought with not much comfort included
10/15
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia's third row is kind of an afterthought with not much comfort included
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia can tow up to 9,520 pounds. Limited model shown
11/15
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia can tow up to 9,520 pounds. Limited model shown
The second row captain's chairs in the 2023 Toyota Sequoia are well done
12/15
The second row captain's chairs in the 2023 Toyota Sequoia are well done
Storage options for the 2023 Toyota Sequoia (TRD Pro shown) include this high shelf to help make up for the wonky third row
13/15
Storage options for the 2023 Toyota Sequoia (TRD Pro shown) include this high shelf to help make up for the wonky third row
The standard iForce Max hybrid setup for the 2023 Toyota Sequoia provides 437 horsepower (326 kW) and 538 pound-feet (729.5 Nm) of torque
14/15
The standard iForce Max hybrid setup for the 2023 Toyota Sequoia provides 437 horsepower (326 kW) and 538 pound-feet (729.5 Nm) of torque
As with most large SUVs without an extended wheelbase, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia's cargo space is minimal with the third row deployed
15/15
As with most large SUVs without an extended wheelbase, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia's cargo space is minimal with the third row deployed
View gallery - 15 images

The Toyota Sequoia enters its third generation with the 2023 model year, boasting an all-new design. A hybrid powertrain is now standard and the thirsty V8 it used previously is now gone. A few quirks common to full-sized Toyota SUVs still remain, but the Sequoia is now much improved.

At a Glance

  • New hybrid powertrain called iForce Max
  • Standard features list is long and full
  • Wonky third row remains an issue

The outgoing second-generation Sequoia was introduced in 2008, so change was very much needed for Toyota’s best-selling, full-sized, truck-based SUV. This new design brings a change in appearance, a lot of interior improvements, and the introduction of hybrid powertrains as default.

The first thing to be noticed is the exterior design for the 2023 Sequoia. It’s now a bit blockier and designed to fit in with Toyota’s pickup truck lineup instead of masquerading as a smaller sport utility. The Sequoia is a large SUV and pretending it’s not would be ridiculous. Instead, Toyota’s design team seemed to be aiming to emphasize the Sequoia’s truck roots.

The roof tray added to this 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is a dealership option
The roof tray added to this 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is a dealership option

Headlamps, grille size, and bodywork are very similar to that found on the Tundra. Half-trapezoids created by lighting shape and fender cuts dominate the edges, while a strong, straight cut at the bottom of the door panels adds emphasis to the ground clearance below.

Inside, the Sequoia also takes many notes from the Tundra, having large seats and spaciousness as a theme. The seating in the Sequoia is more refined towards comfort, though, with a better feel for those sitting in them – especially in the front or the optional captain’s chairs in the second row. The third row, however, still feels like an afterthought.

As with many Toyota SUV models of the past, the Sequoia’s third row isn’t very comfortable and hogs a lot of valuable space in the cargo area. Where they used to fold up to the sides, as in the Land Cruiser and LX 450, they now just sit atop the cargo space by a good eight inches (20 cm), disturbing what would be a flat loading floor. Kids and child-sized adults can sit in them, but most people will not be happy being relegated to that passenger space for long.

Big changes come under the hood as well. A 3.4-liter turbocharged V6 mates with electric motors and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard in most models and four-wheel drive is optional. Our TRD Pro test model included 4WD as standard. This setup is the same as the iForce Max drivetrain for the Tundra, with which the Sequoia also shares a chassis platform. The hybrid setup provides 437 hp (326 kW) and 538 lb-ft (729.5 Nm) of torque.

The electric motors help the power ramp happen quicker and make up for the usual lag associated with turbo’d engines. They also add some efficiency, boosting the Sequoia to 24 mpg (9.8 l/100km) on the highway and an impressive 21 mpg (11.2 l/100km) in the city. Those are vast improvements over the teenaged mpg returns of the previous generation Sequoia.

Trim flavors for the 2023 Sequoia start with the SR5 model, which has a lot of equipment included as standard. This includes heated and power-folding side mirrors, functional roof rails, tri-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a full suite of advanced safety equipment via the Toyota Safety Sense system. After the SR5 comes the Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone models. Each adding more and more comfort, convenience, and aesthetic upgrades.

The biggest disappointing with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is this wonky third row setup
The biggest disappointing with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is this wonky third row setup

The TRD Pro model, however, changes course from adding luxury and instead adds off-road equipment. Wheels downsize from the 20-inch and 22-inch standard on everything but the SR5 to 18-inch wheels capable of handling much more aggressive all-terrain rubber. The engine gets a little treatment with better intake and exhaust flow, which mostly serve to add more sound. Four-wheel drive is standard and an electronic locking rear differential is also added.

The Sequoia TRD Pro also gets Toyota Racing Development skid plates, front stabilizer bar, and leather upholstery with improved bolstering. Fox coilover shocks and remote-reservoir shocks (rear) are also added. A blacked grille and integrated light bar are also added with the TRD Pro package.

Although the TRD Pro upgrades don’t improve the ground clearance or ride height of the Sequoia, they do improve its capabilities off the pavement enough to make this an off-road SUV worthy of the title. The Sequoia TRD Pro is on par with most off-road-oriented full-sized SUV options now on the market. It won’t climb rocks at Moab or necessarily win the Dakar as-is, but it’s much better for more difficult trails, mud, and such than are the standard Sequoia models.

We drove the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro as a daily driver for about a week. It participated in family hauling, grocery-getting, and short road trips. We also took it off-road in one of our favorite locations in Wyoming and found it to be competent and capable.

With its strong towing capacity, large interior space, and long list of capabilities, the Sequoia makes for a great truck-based SUV. But it competes in an arena where a lot of solid options are available. Most of which have better cargo space, a more useful third row, and similar off-road options. The wonky third row of the 2023 Sequoia really messes up what would otherwise be a top choice for large sport utilities.

Product Page: 2023 Toyota Sequoia

View gallery - 15 images
5 comments
5 comments
BlueOak
Ouch, that afterthought design third row! And it isn’t even quick-removable to create a flat cargo area?

What a sad blemish in what could have otherwise been a slick package, particularly with that survivable fuel economy.

Of course, the price is likely a chest thumper. And will Toyota even build more than a handful of the SR5 trim?

While we might technically be able to afford these latest new vehicles, we simply do not want to pay these insane, out of control prices. We’ll likely wait for the used market to settle down…
WillyDoodle
I drove a Highlander hybrid 10 years ago when this product might have been OK. Toyota don't get it. The government bailout will be gargantuan.
vince
Make it a plug in PRIME with 80 + miles of range and I would buy it. Especially if it sported both NACS and CCS charging ports.
ljaques
I wanted a Tundra Hybrid in 2007 but they weren't making one. AFAIK, they still aren't. The local dealer has a Sequoia Hybrid for $45k, and I saw another one at $53k. Ouch. 35mpge and 2.5L I-4 engine.
Daishi
I honestly don't mind it. Around here 4Runners grow on trees but I rarely see a Sequoia. It seems like this does a better job of appealing to the 4Runner crowd who want something bigger than the last version.