Toyota recently introduced the third-generation Sequoia, which has been completely redesigned, the company announced. All 2023 Sequoias will be powered by the twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque. The i-FORCE MAX was previously announced for the Toyota Tundra.
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.
The redesigned Sequoia also offers a 9,000-pound maximum towing capacity, a nearly 22% increase over the prior generation.
The all-new SUV is rooted in a modern body-on-frame chassis with a fully boxed frame that shares architecture with the all-new Tundra and all-new global Land Cruiser (which shares its platform with the Lexus LX).
The Sequoia features an independent front suspension and adopts a new rack-mounted electronic power steering system. 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, the company said.
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 or fold down/tumble forward if larger cargo space is needed. Third-row passengers benefit from a reclining backseat with available power folding, but the third row also gets a noteworthy new feature on Sequoia: the exclusive Sliding Third Row with Adjustable Cargo Shelf System. This feature allows the third row to slide with 6 inches of adjustment range. The third row can also fold down to complement the different storage positions of the new Adjustable Cargo Shelf System: a removeable shelf that can be set in a variety of storage positions depending upon the situation.
In addition to its 9,000-pound maximum towing capacity, the Tow Tech Package is available on all grades but standard on TRD Pro and Capstone. The package 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.
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 settings expand to include Comfort, Sport S+ and Custom.
The view around the SUV is improved due to multiple exterior cameras that are viewable from the available 14-inch touchscreen or the available digital display rearview mirror. Panoramic View Monitor displays a top-down view of the SUV and the area around it. Options include a rear split view to show what’s nearby on each side of the trailer, and a hitch view to assist with trailer connecting. For the first time on Sequoia, factory available power folding, extending and retracting tow mirrors are available.
Sequoia’s grade lineup starts with the SR5 with standard features that 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-inch digital instrument display and Panoramic View Monitor (PVM). When upgrading to the SR5 Premium package, Sequoia adds the 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display, power third row, hands-free liftgate, Softex seats and cabin and cargo 120-volt power outlets.
Also available on SR5 models is the TRD Sport package, which upgrades the standard 18-inch wheels to 20-inch matte black TRD wheels. To complement sporty handling, 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 a standard 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, but it also adds standard heated/ventilated front seats with memory settings, standard heated steering wheel, power-folding third row and hands-free power liftgate. Limited also receives standard second- and third-row manual sunshades to keep the back half of the SUV sun-free, when needed.
Available for both SR5 and Limited 4×4 models is the first-for-Sequoia TRD Off-Road package. TRD Off-Road enhances off-road capability with the addition of a selectable locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select that helps controls wheel spin for improved traction and Downhill Assist Control to aid with steep descents. Crawl Control also comes standard, functioning as an off-road cruise control for low-speed trail navigation in 4WD Low.
TRD Off-Road also comes with Multi-Terrain Monitor to provide a better view of hard-to-see spots for the driver. TRD-tuned Bilstein monotube shock absorbers and TRD-tuned springs are added, and a red front axle driveshaft provides added flair. Inside, aluminum gas/brake pedals are included, and a red TRD push-button start button adds to the performance look and feel. Both SR5 and Limited are outfitted with 18-inch alloy wheels unique to the package.
The Platinum grade puts an emphasis on premium features with heated and ventilated front and second-row, second-row captain’s chairs, standard 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, standard panoramic moonroof, standard Head-Up Display and more. High-grade LED headlights and taillights are added, along with sequential turn signals. Rain-sensing wipers are added to Platinum, as is standard Qi wireless charging.
TRD Pro is equipped 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. A 1/4-inch aluminum TRD front skid plate offers added trail protection while TRD-tuned FOX internal bypass shocks offer improved on- and off-road performance. Sequoia TRD Pro also offers additional trail capability with a standard selectable locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, CRAWL Control and Downhill Assist Control. TRD Pro also sports a heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” grille with an embedded TRD light bar and marker lights toward the top of the grille. It’s equipped with Pro-specific black 18-inch TRD alloy wheels with an increased offset to provide a wider stance. A dual TRD Pro exhaust tip provides added growl and visual appeal.
The Capstone grade sits atop the Sequoia lineup, building upon the features of Platinum while adding additional top-shelf features. Capstone features unique chrome accents, including the standard 22-inch chrome wheels – a first for Sequoia and exclusive to Capstone. Standard power running boards provide access to the standard semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats with perforation and a Capstone-exclusive black-and-white color combination. The center console and passenger-side dash are accented with authentic American Walnut with an open-pore finish that highlights the wood grain. On the dash, the Walnut pieces surround a Capstone logo that is accentuated with LED lighting when the doors are opened. Capstone is also the only Sequoia grade to feature acoustic glass in the front doors for more exterior sound deadening.
A wide variety of colors are available on the all-new Sequoia, including White, Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Silver, Lunar Rock, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Blueprint, Army Green, Midnight Black Metallic, Smoked Mesquite, Supersonic Red and the TRD-exclusive Solar Octane. Premium paint colors Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red are available, and the premium color Solar Octane is exclusive to TRD Pro models.
