The 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is an all-new full-size SUV that makes an immediate, indelible impression. The latest Sequoia iteration builds upon the three-row Toyota SUV heritage and takes the luxury, practicality, and performance of the full-size segment to a whole new level. With the new i-FORCE MAX powertrain, the 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro is the most powerful and efficient iteration yet.
With the all-new Sequoia TRD Pro, Toyota puts on notice the likes of the Jeep Wagoneer, Ford Expedition, and Chevrolet Tahoe. There are significant improvements to the payload and towing capabilities of this overland vehicle and the starting price is pegged at $76,900. If you are looking for the perfect overland SUV for your off-road adventure, here are 10 reasons why you can't go wrong with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro.
10 i-FORCE MAX Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid Powertrain
American fans of the iconic Land Cruiser 4x4 can breathe a sigh of relief, as the new Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Is a great alternative to the Cruiser. Beneath the skin of the Toyota off-roader is a hybridized twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine that cranks out 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.
The new Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro comes as a standard four-wheel drive and the i-FORCE MAX engine is mated to a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The rugged Sequoia TRD Pro goes bumper to bumper with the Ford Expedition Timberline and GMC Yukon AT4.
9 Improved Technical Terrain Performance
The new generation Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro offers improved technical terrain performance over the previous generations, thanks to the rear locking differential. Even though rival SUVs like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe now have car-like independent rear coil spring suspensions, Toyota ignores them and sticks to a solid axle rear suspension.
This is the very first time Toyota is offering a standard selectable locking rear differential for the Sequoia TRD Pro, and it helps you get out of trouble if a wheel doesn't have traction.
8 Falken Wildpeak All-Terrain Tires
The new Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is fitted with a set of 33-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires. These tires are engineered for adventure in any weather. In fact, they have class-leading tread depth with snow and hydroplane resistance.
The rigid tread blocks on the tires enhance the vehicle's stability and prevent stones from clogging the grooves. The Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires essentially thrive in three areas: wear, winter, and wet performance.
7 Built-in Sleeping Platform
When you fold the rear seats of some SUVs you get a flat floor with no room for cargo. For the Sequoia TRD Pro, the adjustable cargo shelf system allows passengers to catch some sleep on the road. The flat sleeping platform on the Sequoia TRD Pro is behind the third row.
With the third row down, the 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro cargo area measures about 49 cubic feet. Toyota designed the cargo shelf system to be as flexible as possible in meeting your travel needs.
6 Improved Fuel Efficiency
The 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro's twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain doesn't just offer more power, but also better fuel efficiency. While the 2022 Sequoia TRD Pro could only manage 13 MPG around the city and 17 MPG on the highway, the latest iteration is more fuel efficient.
The estimated EPA rating of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is 19 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the freeway. With this estimate, the Sequoia TRD Pro is slightly more efficient than the Tundra.
5 Increased Towing Capability
Another area Toyota makes some significant improvements on the new Sequoia TRD Pro is the towing capacity. The 2022 Sequoia TRD Pro could only tow a maximum load of 7,100 pounds, but the latest iteration offers as much as 9,020 pounds towing capacity and 1,435 pounds payload capacity.
With over 22% increase in the towing capacity of the new Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro over the previous generation, it can easily tow an airstream, trailer, or boat. The Tow Tech Package that comes as a standard feature on the TRD Pro makes towing a less daunting task.
4 Sturdy Low-Roof Spoiler
At the rear end of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, you will notice the signature LED taillights and the blacked-out Sequoia insignia just below the taillights. Also, the TRD Pro is the only model with an exposed dual TRD Pro exhaust tip for more growl and visual appeal. You will also notice a low-roof rear spoiler on the Sequoia TRD Pro, but it isn't meant for boosting speed.
While sports cars use rear spoilers for downforce, the one on the new Sequoia TRD Pro is designed for offering better gas mileage. Since the spoiler prevents air from getting trapped in the rear of the SUV, there's less drag, and less force is required to keep the vehicle moving. In that case, the engine's work is reduced, giving you better gas mileage.
3 Luxurious Interior With Heated Seats
The 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro's exterior makes a solid first impression, but the interior clears every doubt about the luxurious nature of the off-roader. The full-size SUV can accommodate up to eight passengers, thanks to the third-row configuration with a reclining backseat.
The interior is furnished with plush semi-aniline leather seats. The 14-inch touchscreen gives you a top-down view of your surroundings and allows you to control the all-new Toyota Audio Multimedia system.
2 Crawl Control System
Toyota updates the Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control system on the new Sequoia TRD Pro. These systems are designed to act like cruise control for off-roading circumstances. The Crawl Control works with the electronic stability control (ESC) system to determine the driving conditions of the terrain and adjust the SUV's operation to meet them.
Toyota designed the Crawl Control to take care of the vehicle's speed in muddy, sandy, and rocky terrain, while the driver concentrates on the steering wheel.
1 Rugged Reliability
Toyota has a long history of building reliable vehicles, and the Sequoia, for the most part, offers a trouble-free ownership experience. While Toyota Sequoia models from 2001 to 2008 tend to be plagued with mechanical issues, newer models seem to be just fine.
The rugged full-size SUV is expected to last between 250,000 to 300,000 miles without requiring regular visits to the mechanic. That being said, for Sequoia to stand the test of time, you have to carry out maintenance activities, as recommended by the manufacturer.