2023 is an exciting year for Toyota. Upgrades to the GR Supra, a revamped 4Runner, and an overhauled Sequoia with TRD Pro trim level expect to impress when owners can finally get behind the wheel. Among the upgrades is the Sequoia, which offers a complement of enhancements to make it the perfect overland vehicle.
While the standard Sequoia is a comfortable full-sized SUV, the TRD Pro version offers trim-specific wheels, mudguards, and badges. The upgrades aren’t just for show, as the TRD Pro also has plenty of off-road and performance upgrades that make it the most perfect overland vehicle for your 2023 adventures!
10 Ample Passenger And Cargo Room
Overlanding requires plenty of cargo space and passenger room depending on the number of your crew. The Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is a full-size three-row SUV capable of hauling up to seven passengers. Seating in the third row isn’t overly comfortable, but the seats slide, giving more foot room for larger passengers, sacrificing cargo room.
Behind the third row, expect as little as 11 cubic feet of cargo, but dropping some seats provides more room. Cargo behind the second row tops out at 49 cubic feet; with everything down, you’ll end up with almost 87 cubic feet. Plenty of room for all the essentials.
9 Body-On-Frame Chassis
Several full-sized SUVs have ditched the body-on-frame chassis in favor of the unibody design. The unibody design is fine for city driving, but the body-on-frame platform reigns superior for more aggressive terrain.
These body-on-frame chassis are perfect for Overlanding because they’re less susceptible to twisting forces. That means your extra cargo, travel trailer, or off-roading won’t cause irreparable frame damage, keeping you on your adventure longer.
8 TRD Pro Tuning Upgrades For The Suspension System
The suspension on your overland vehicle provides comfort and capability, and the Sequoia TRD Pro has some excellent tuning upgrades. These upgrades include a front stabilizing bar, 2.5-inch Fox internal bypass coilover, and rear remote-reservoir shocks.
The upgraded TRD Pro shocks join an independent double-wishbone front and coil-spring multi-link rear suspension. With these upgrades, off-road will feel just as comfortable as highway driving, just much more fun!
7 Toyota’s Powerful Drivetrain And Performance
New for 2023 is the Toyota iFORCE MAX 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine. When installed in the Sequoia TRD Pro, this engine produces 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. The V6 engine can launch the massive Sequoia to 60 MPH in just about six seconds.
The engine is only part of the performance equation as Toyota supplies the Sequoia TRD Pro with a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. This pair helps power the 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case and an automatic limited-slip differential.
6 Ideal Exterior Dimensions
Despite being a full-size SUV, the Sequoia TRD Pro has ideal exterior dimensions for maximum accessibility. It’s 208 inches long by 68.6 inches wide by 77.7 inches tall, making it perfectly capable for any city driving with minimal restrictions.
In addition to a manageable exterior size, the Sequoia TRD Pro has a curb weight of 6150-pounds, allowing it to traverse public and private roads. The approach angle of 23 degrees and departure angle of 20 degrees gives the TRD Pro equal capability off-road.
5 Solid MPG Numbers And Generous Tank Size
A large, heavy SUV with a twin-turbocharged engine should be a nightmare at the pump. Luckily, Toyota provides the Sequoia TRD Pro with a hybrid motor that provides it with a fuel rating of 19 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway for a mixed total of 22 MPG.
Toyota’s Sequoia TRD Pro has a 22.5-gallon tank, which gives it an estimated 675 miles of range. Of course, when you’re fully loaded down with Overlanding gear, you’ll get worse ratings, but it’s nice knowing that you’re starting off from a fairly decent place.
4 The Sequoia TRD Pro Has Pick-Up Level Towing Capacity
The perfect overland vehicle doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping in your car. Instead, it could mean hauling a trailer or camper to provide a home base. While other SUVs struggle in the towing department, the Sequoia TRD Pro offers pickup-level towing at up to 9,020 pounds capacity.
Of course, 9,000 pounds isn’t as good as a fully-loaded pickup. Still, it provides more than enough capability for most travel trailers without sacrificing the full-size SUV capabilities. Plus, kick your towing game up with an integrated trailer brake controller!
3 Toyota Completely Overhauled The 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro Interior
Toyota completely overhauled the 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro, making it the perfect overland vehicle. Owners now have many features, including front and second-row heated and ventilated seats, panoramic moonroofs, and heated steering wheels.
The technology in the Sequoia TRD Pro receives an upgrade as well. New for 2023 are the 14-inch touchscreen infotainment systems, wireless charging, and 120V A/C power outlets. Combine all that with the excellent safety systems, and you’ll never want to leave the inside of your Sequoia TRD Pro.
2 Loaded With Off-Road Features
Toyota takes pride in the TRD division, with several TRD Pro models ranking at the top of the line in their respective categories. The Sequoia TRD Pro is no different. Virtually every surface possible shows off the TRD logo, including the wheels, skid plates, and suspension system.
To really maximize your Sequoia, drivers can select one of the drive modes that help adapt the driving experience to match the situation. Plus, plenty of options packages offer things like power mirrors and power-tilt panoramic moonroofs, offering owners extra touches of luxury for their overland vehicle.
1 Toyota’s Award-Winning Legacy
Toyota is constantly rated as producing several of the most capable Overlanding vehicles. The awards continued in 2022 and extended into 2023. J.D. Power awarded Toyota the 2023 Quality, 2022 dependability, and 2022 performance awards.
The Sequoia TRD Pro benefits from this award-winning legacy. In addition, the TRD department of Toyota has plenty of experience with the 4Runner, Tundra, and Tacoma TRD Pro models; each can make an argument for being an excellent overland vehicle!