Toyota has been in the business of making cars for some years. While its full-size pickups and SUVs weren’t as successful as some of its mainstream offerings, these brawny utilitarians had quite the reputation for dependability. It’s the reassurance of over-engineered products and strict quality control that made these utes a part of the American household.
Of course, it’s no surprise that Toyota and reliability go hand-in-hand. However, sales-wise, things were not good for the Tundra and Sequoia. Yes, people bought them, but they weren’t topping any sales charts. Chiefly because they were old and outdated trucks that the vast majority thought were overpriced and uncool.
That is, until now—Toyota has unveiled the all-new 2022 Tundra full-size pickup and its sibling, the 2023 Sequoia. While the 2022 Tundra is already proving to be an engineering masterstroke, it’s the 2023 Sequoia that piques our interest.
The truck-based full-size SUV has all the makings of a winner. Further cementing that claim is popular YouTuber Doug DeMuro, who finds the SUV to be surprisingly cool.
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia Has a Fair Few Hidden Easter Eggs
Per Doug DeMuro, no other SUV, or any car, for that matter, has gone to the level of hiding easter eggs as the 2023 Toyota Sequoia. Look closely at the base of the windshield, and you’ll find Morse code just around the “Toyota Trucks” branding. He went to the trouble of deciphering the sequence of dots and dashes, and it read “Badass Trucks.” Perhaps this is Toyota's discreet alternative to bumper stickers?
Easter eggs are, however, not limited to just self-flattery. Under the hood— around the headlight housings—you’ll notice a map of Michigan and Texas, on which the words “R&D” and “BORN” are embossed. According to Doug, this is a nod to Toyota’s facility in Michigan, where much of the Sequoia’s development took place, and it’s in the Texas production plant where the Sequoia is manufactured.
2023 Toyota Sequoia’s Exterior Looks Modern and Brawny
Another area where the Sequoia has improved is its design. The second-gen’s aging 14-year-old platform was in desperate need of a refresh. Lo and behold, after more than a decade of service, Toyota has finally given the Sequoia some new clothes.
The exterior receives quite a lot of upgrades starting with the wide and imposing front grille. Flanking its sides are a pair of LED headlights with integrated DRLs that follows the fender lines giving a cohesive look. The sides remain simple yet functional without too much going on.
Moving to the rear, Toyota has opted for a set of vertical taillights with three lighting elements that make it instantly recognizable. Every bit of design is done with purpose, and depending on the trim, the Sequoia gets loads of chrome and several stamped badges.
2023 Toyota Sequoia’s Interior Gets A Huge Makeover
Inside is where you notice the Sequoia taking a monumental leap. Things have improved dramatically with soft-touch plastics and premium upholstery. Tech-wise, the 2023 Sequoia is miles ahead of its predecessor and perhaps most of its competition. Toyota has packed some of the best interior infotainment setups for its updated full-size offering.
All but the base 2023 Sequoia comes standard with a 14-inch, horizontally oriented center display. It’s eons ahead of what was available in the previous Sequoia, with crisp graphics and a super-responsive touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, as is Bluetooth compatibility.
A host of cameras are available to keep an eye on everything: a split-view camera for either side, a hitch view, and a 360-degree bird's eye setup to make life easier. Trailer assist features include Toyota's Trailer Back Guidance and Straight Path Assist, of which, the latter helps keep the trailer going backward in a straight line.
The Long-standing V8 Bids Farewell In The 2023 Toyota Sequoia
As a move toward efficiency, Toyota dropped the 5.7-liter V8, and instead offers the new Sequoia with the sole option of a twin-turbo V6. The engine, dubbed I-FORCE MAX, displaces 3.5-liters and comes with hybrid assistance, delivering 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The powertrain features an electric motor integrated into the transmission, offering a fully electric drive during low-speed commutes.
Though official fuel economy figures are yet to be announced, the electric-V6 configuration in the 2022 Tundra delivers 22 MPG combined. So the Sequoia should average the same—making it among the most frugal of all the full-size offerings. The new 2023 Toyota Sequoia is rated at 9,000 pounds for towing, which is about average in the full-size SUV space.
In short, the 2023 Sequoia is one of the most technologically advanced full-size SUVs on the market. And from what Doug has to say, it’s easy to conclude how much thought and effort has been put into developing this full-size SUV. He further adds that the 2023 Sequoia is surprisingly good to drive and that he doesn't miss the V8, which is a positive sign.
Sources: Toyota, YouTube