The mighty Land Cruiser has left these shores. After disappointing sales, it has officially left North America after six decades of 4x4 greatness.

This SUV existed to go anywhere, but later morphed into a car that put luxury and image as a priority too, with a price tag to match – around $90,000 new, although they hold onto their value well.

While the price was always kind of justified by the vehicle’s durability, capability, and tendency to last, it was also one of the things least appealing about it, along with the low fuel economy.

However, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, a full-size SUV with modern engines and a fresh look, has appeared to take the throne as Toyota’s flagship sports utility vehicle in the Land Cruiser’s absence.

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The 2023 Toyota Sequoia Is A Capable Vehicle First And Foremost

Via: Toyota
Via: Toyota

With a new selection of engines, taking over from the Land Cruiser’s fuel-drinking 380 hp / 400 lb-ft 5.7-liter V8, the Sequoia is more economical and (slightly) more environmentally friendly.

This time around, like the Tundra truck, you will find under the hood a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 combined with an electric motor (and a 10-speed automatic gearbox) for a total of 437 hp / 583 lb-ft: that’s much more than the old Cruiser’s V8 and will consume less while providing much more shove under acceleration.

4-wheel drive can be specified as well as the familiar Toyota trim levels, with TRD Pro offering an off-road-friendly uprated suspension set, locking rear differential and more.

With prices expected to start from around $50,000 to $70,000 depending on trim level, this car will compete with other large SUVs such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep’s own Wagoneer and more like the Ford Expedition.

Actually, the Cherokee L starts at around $44,000 while the Wagoneer does so at $60,000, so it might straddle the two, at least price-wise.

Jeep’s Cherokee L and Wagoneer are similar in size, but the latter is designed as a more upmarket and slightly bigger flagship – inside there is an increase in occupant space and the ability to carry 8 passengers over 7 in the Cherokee.

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For Image And Comfort, The 2023 Toyota Sequoia Is A Worthy Choice

Via: Toyota
Via: Toyota

Reading Toyota’s press room article about the Sequoia is like reading the biography of God; it claims it can literally go anywhere and do anything.

Highlights include the updated Toyota media system with a 14” touchscreen – the center of any car nowadays – the great cabin design and atmosphere (at least for the model in the renders) and the long list of options including heated and cooled front seats.

It is based on the same architecture as the new global Land Cruiser and features independent front suspension and multi link at the rear, with a strengthened frame to increase handling, comfort and maximize capability.

The 2023 Sequoia's adaptive and self-leveling suspension combines with the ability to tow 9,000 lbs, and the vehicle has a 4WD ‘Low’ range mode.

Considering the updated cabin, features and styling, as well as the practical things like the improved chassis, much improved drivetrain and performance, the name Sequoia could soon be close to taking the mantle of the go-to 4x4 for safaris and cross-country expeditions as well as cruising to and from the mall.