Coming off a dominant victory in the Dakar rally, Japanese manufacturer Toyota has proven once again that their cars could survive one of the most grueling off-road events in the world, adding up to their reputation for building pick-up trucks and SUVs that could withstand the toughest of environments, which started with the legendary Land Cruiser.
To follow that up, Toyota's contender in the popular American market full-size SUV gets an all-new model after 15 years. Named after a gigantic coastal redwood, the third-generation Sequoia is here, offering six trim levels to suit your SUV needs. A rugged version called the TRD Pro increases the full-size SUV's capability to do off-road duty and overlanding. Read on to find out more about the things we've just learned about the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro.
10 Signature "TOYOTA" Grille
Compared to the outgoing second-generation model Sequoia, the new one clearly looks more aggressive and up to date with today's design trends. It shares the brand new TNGA GA-F platform together with the Land Cruiser and the Lexus LX, and with its pickup sibling, the Tundra, where it borrows some of its design cues, particularly at the front fascia.
For the TRD Pro variant, the Sequoia trades its chrome accents for black trims to give it a more rugged look. Furthermore, the front grille on the TRD Pro Sequoia does not have the Toyota badge, but instead, has large letters spelling out TOYOTA on it, similar to what they did with the Land Cruiser GR Sport.
9 i-FORCE MAX Engine
The third-generation Sequoia will feature a smaller engine compared to the previous model, as the old 5.7-liter V8 will be replaced by an impressive 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid called the i-FORCE MAX. No, it's not an engine from the makers of the iPhone, nor is it straight out of a Star Wars movie.
The smaller engine has 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, some 56 hp and 182 lb-ft more than the old V8 unit. It features a unique motor generator that slots in between the twin-turbo V6 and its 10-speed automatic gearbox, giving it maximum performance and efficiency.
8 Range-Topping Toyota SUV In The United States
With the Land Cruiser being dropped from Toyota's North American lineup beginning in 2022, the all-new Sequoia takes the legendary Land Cruiser's place as the brand's latest range-topping SUV in the US market.
Due to weak demand for an SUV that costs over $90,000, Toyota is instead solely offering the Land Cruiser's Lexus twin, the LX. The Sequoia on the other hand, is significantly cheaper than the Land Cruiser, as its previous generation model's price started at $50,500, according to Top Speed. The range-topping Capstone edition for the new model is rumored to cost around $75,000. The TRD Pro then, will cost a bit less.
7 Full-Time 4WD
Other variants of the all-new Sequoia will feature a part-time 4WD mode, including the top-of-the-line Capstone. Because it is designed with off-roading and overlapping in mind, the Sequoia TRD Pro will be the only one offered with full-time 4WD.
The Sequoia's part-time 4WD system relies on a transfer case that allows the driver to select between 2WD, 4WD high or 4WD low range via a lever on the center console. For the TRD Pro, there are only two modes - 4WD high and 4WD low.
6 All-New Drive Mode Select Feature
The third-generation Sequoia will feature Drive Mode Select, which was not offered on previous generations of the full-size Toyota SUV. This allows the driver to choose different driving modes depending on preference and circumstances needed to fully exploit the new Sequoia's capabilities.
They can choose between Eco, Normal, Sport, Comfort, Sport+, Custom and Tow/Haul mode to alter the characteristics of the Sequoia's suspension and the response of the i-FORCE MAX engine.
5 Trail Ready From The Get-Go
Straight out of the showroom, the Sequoia TRD Pro could take you to your nearest trail without a hitch. Like the Tundra TRD Pro, it is fitted with TRD-tuned FOX internal bypass shocks that could not only confidently handle off-road terrain, but also gives a smooth on-road ride.
It also has a 1/4-inch thick aluminum skid plate to protect the Sequoia's precious undercarriage. Whereas other variants of the Sequoia are shod in highway tires, the TRD Pro is fitted with 18-inch TRD alloy wheels and all-terrain tires for added visual appeal and capability. Lastly, the TRD roof rack takes care of all the additional trail cargo.
4 Off-Road Tech
More off-road enhancing capabilities are fitted in the TRD Pro compared to other variants, as it has a standard selectable locking rear differential to keep both the rear wheels spinning at the same time whenever you plan on doing some hardcore off-roading.
Furthermore, there's Multi-Terrain Select, CRAWL Control and Downhill Assist Control features which alter the SUV's traction control, ABS and stability control systems to keep all things in check during off-road situations.
3 More TRD Stuff Inside
The TRD treatment also carries over to the Sequoia's interior. Finished predominantly in black with red accents, the TRD Pro comes with second-row captain seats, a feature that it shares together with the range-topping Capstone variant.
Furthermore, there's a heated TRD steering wheel with a sporty look, while there are plenty of TRD badges around the seats, the shift knob, and the floor mats.
2 Increased Towing Capacity
Full-size SUVs need to do all kinds of functionality, and that includes towing. Whether it's a boat, a trailer, or an RV, the new Toyota Sequoia will do the job with ease, thanks to the 583 lb-ft of torque brought about by the new i-FORCE MAX engine.
The new Toyota Sequoia has a rated towing capacity of up to 9,000 lbs, which is a 22% increase over the previous generation.
1 Tow Tech Package
Standard on the TRD Pro and Capstone variant is Toyota's Tow Tech Package, which ensures all of your towing trips will be done easier and safer.
There's a Trailer Backup Guide that utilizes the Sequoia's digital display rearview mirror and the panoramic view monitor to help in backing up the SUV with a trailer, and the Straight Path Assist to keep the trailer straight when reversing. For added peace of mind while doing towing duties, there's are power-folding, extending, and retracting tow mirrors available as an option.