The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is significantly improved across all parameters compared to the previous generation. Being a brand-new vehicle from the ground up, it now stands as a more attractive package for someone looking for a practical and dependable three-row SUV. In addition, the newly introduced Capstone grade offers a premium experience through a wide array of creature comforts and technology.
This grade might be the perfect option for someone looking at the Sequoia as a daily driver, a family hauler, and a grocery getter. However, what if you are someone who likes to take their family out on an Overland trip? What if you often want to go off the beaten path, into the wilderness, and don't mind tackling some of nature's challenging terrains?
Well, the Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro grade might just be what you have been waiting for. With this generation upgrade, the dedicated off-road grade of this SUV has also been extensively revised. As a result, it now offers a wide array of features that make it an Overland all-rounder.
Let's find out how!
The All-New Sequoia Is A Highly Capable SUV
One of the most essential attributes of an Overland vehicle is its capability to take on the challenging terrains you may encounter during your trip deep into the wilderness. For this, the 2023 Sequoia now comes with an all-new twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain which Toyota calls the i-FORCE MAX. This is the same unit also available in the recently introduced Toyota Tundra.
This engine can produce 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque which is enough grunt to get you out of any sticky situation. In addition to the engine's brute force, the TRD Pro grade of the Sequoia also comes with several off-road-focused hardware. It comes with a part-time 4WD system. The transfer case can be switched between 2WD, 4WD, and 4WD Low with the help of a level placed on the center console.
The list includes a standard selectable locking rear differential, Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and Down Hill Assist Control. Also included in the package are TRD-tuned FOX internal bypass shock absorbers and a 1/4-inch thick aluminum skid plate up front. In addition, the front grille of Sequoia TRD Pro comes with markers lights and a light bar to illuminate the trail ahead.
Also, a big boon is several cameras on board the Sequoia TRD Pro, which display multiple exterior angles on the SUV's 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system. These are sure to help when traversing tight sections on a forest trail.
Toyota Trucks And SUVs Have Always Been Reliable
Another critical characteristic of an Overland vehicle is its reliability, upon which you can depend. No one wants to venture out into the wilderness with an unreliable car. We are all well aware of the reliability and dependability of Toyota vehicles. This is one aspect in which Sequoia benefits from being a Toyota.
There Is Plenty Of Space Inside The All-New Sequoia
Whether you are venturing out for an Overland trip on your own or with your family, you must have ample space in your vehicle to carry all the necessary gear you may need for your excursion. Based on Toyota TNGA-F architecture, the 2023 Sequoia is a big vehicle with plenty of space inside its cabin. Though the automaker hasn't released official figures for this SUV's dimensions, since it shares its platform with the Tundra, expect them to be closer to the full-sized pick-up truck.
The second and third-row seats of the Sequoia fold entirely flat, giving you an almost flat surface on which you can easily place an air mattress for in-car camping. Worried about where are you going to store your camping essentials? The TRD Pro has a factory-fitted roof rack that can be used to place storage cases.
The Interior Of The SUV Is Extremely Comfortable
More than 80 percent of the part of your journey on an Overland trip will comprise driving your vehicle on the tarmac before you can actually turn on any form of dirt road. This means that whatever vehicle you choose for your trip, in addition to having off-road chops, it must also behave comfortably while on the road.
The FOX shocks on the Sequoia TRD Pro have been tuned to provide good performance on the trails and keep you comfortable while traveling down the highway.
In addition, the Sequoia's cabin boasts several creature comforts such as heated/ventilated front seats with memory function, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, and captain seats for the second row, among others, to ensure a comfortable ride to your next weekend excursion.
The All-New Sequoia Could Be Lighter On Fuel Consumption
Now, your Sequoia may look cool carrying Jerry cans, but running out of fuel in the middle of a trail is no fun. The previous generation of this three-row SUV was known for many things, but fuel efficiency was not among them. However, thanks to the new Sequoia's hybrid system, fuel-efficiency figures are expected to be significantly better than the old version's thirsty V8 motor.
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia has a maximum towing capacity of 9,000 pounds. However, the automaker hasn't yet released the official towing figures for the TRD Pro grade. Nevertheless, expect them to be at least 1,000 pounds less because of the off-road-focused suspension of this variant. Even then, this would be quite an impressive figure for an SUV of this size and enough for a trailer you choose to take with you on an Overland trip.
Furthermore, the Sequoia TRD Pro is available as standard with Toyota's Tow Teck Package. This includes several driving aids such as Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist. While the former helps back up the SUV with a trailer, the latter helps by providing steering control and keeping the trailer straight during this process.