The new 2023 Toyota Sequoia is much more modern than the outgoing second-generation Sequoia, which has been around for more than a decade. The Sequoia is based on the Toyota Tundra pickup truck but has a much more luxurious interior and a plush ride, and that third row of seats adds to the practical aspect. Among all Sequoia's updates, the new V6 hybrid engine is the most sought-after.
Toyota has recently updated the styling and design language of its pickup trucks and SUVs. It began first with the new Tundra pickup truck, and now the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia is here. The Sequoia was in desperate need of a refresh as the design looked dated, and the tech on the inside felt ancient. The new Sequoia brings a lot to the table and is here to take on the competition head-on.
This Is The Best Feature of the Toyota Sequoia
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia comes standard and offers only one engine throughout the range. It is a V6 engine with a hybrid system. The unit is a 3.4-liter V6 engine coupled with a 36 KW electric motor, producing a combined power output of 437 HP and 583 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor provides seamless power delivery and fills in the gaps of power where the petrol engine lacks. Overall, the iForce MAX Hybrid system operates smoothly and hauls this massive vehicle effortlessly.
The vehicle is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, which is again carried forward from the latest generation of Toyota Tundra. The power is delivered to the rear wheels predominantly, but there is an option to have a 4WD system. The off-road-oriented TRD Pro trim of the Sequoia gets the 4WD system as standard. The TRD Pro also comes with off-road equipment such as upgraded shocks, a front skid plate, a locking rear differential, and different 18-inch wheels. The towing capacity of the Sequoia has been increased too, as the vehicle can now tow up to 9,000 lbs, which is an improvement of over 22% from the previous generation Sequoia.
The Sequoia Comes With An Updated Styling
Toyota has shared a lot of components of the Tundra with the Sequoia. The hood, the fenders, and the headlights are shared between the two, but apart from that, every bit is exclusive to the 2023 Sequoia. The front grille on the Capstone trim is big and imposing, and it features a subtle-looking brush metal finish with hexagonal shapes throughout. The Toyota logo has a blue tint, indicating the hybrid nature of the engine. The headlamps are all LED units with sequential turn indicators. Most of the vents on the front of the Sequoia are functional and provide cooling for the engine.
From the sides, it is noticeable how giant the Sequoia is. It is approximately 205 inches long and has an imposing stance on the road. The size of the wheels goes from 18 inches for the TRD Pro trim for better off-road performance to 22 inches for the Capstone trim. One of the signature bits of the Sequoia was the roll-down rear windshield, which has now made way for a lift-back design. The purpose for it remains the same, but is operated differently. The rear taillights are sleek and smooth flowing designs with bold Sequoia badging below them.
The Sequoia Is Loaded With Tech
The Sequoia can seat up to 8 people, has a power-folding third row of seats, and is one of the talking points about the interior. The vehicle focuses hugely on the driver and passenger experience in the car. It wraps them in leather seats, and the subtle Walnut finish on the dashboard and doors offer an upmarket feel. The front and rear seats offer heating and ventilation functions. The Capstone trim also features Semi-Aniline leather and feels plush.
The center screen is a large 14-inch unit that houses Android Auto, Apple Carplay, and other multimedia bits, all being operated wirelessly. However, the driver’s display is a 12.3-inch unit that shows a plethora of information and switches styling as per the selection of drive mode. There is also dual-zone climate control on offer and a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, which makes the cabin feel airy. The vehicle also features a JBL audio system that performs amazingly well and has crisp feedback.
The Sequoia comes with a host of standard safety features like lane departure alert with steering assist, automatic high beam, dynamic cruise control, and road sign assist. There is also a pedestrian collision warning system, and the vehicle can also apply brakes in emergencies to avoid any calamity. The pricing for the Sequoia has not been officially revealed yet, but the range is expected to start at $53,000 for the base SR5 trim and shall go all the way up to $69,000 for the ultra-luxurious Platinum trim. Lastly, the off-road-focused TRD pro trim is expected to be priced at $67,000.