Hot off the heels of the Tundra launch, comes the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia. Toyota debuted the redesigned third-generation model Tuesday night. It’s the first major overhaul of Toyota's largest SUV since the second-generation arrived in 2008. The 2023 model arrives with new looks, tech, and a new standard hybrid powertrain along with 22-percent more towing capability.
The three-row 2023 Sequoia is redesigned from the ground up and once again based on the Tundra pickup. It rides on the same new modern body-on-frame chassis with a fully boxed frame that shares architecture with both the all-new 2022 Tundra and all-new global Land Cruiser (which shares its platform with the Lexus LX). Toyota says the platform was designed to offer excellent handling, supreme comfort and impressive capability. Toyota says engineers built the next-gen frame using new techniques that improve rigidity and ride comfort.
Unlike the Tundra, however, the new Sequoia only comes as a hybrid. Its standard twin-turbo V6 hybrid I-FORCE MAX powertrain delivers 437-horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
No fuel economy estimates yet, but Toyota says it will be a “huge improvement” over the previous generation.
Like the Tundra, the Sequoia will also add a new flagship luxury Capstone grade, pictured above. The 22-inch chrome wheels will be a first for the Sequoia.
The Sequoia is also fitted with the same new multimedia system launched in the Tundra - with an 8-inch or available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen. Toyota says the system improves the user experience, supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and allows for real-time over-the-air updates.
For the first time, the 2023 Sequoia will be equipped with factory available power folding extending and retracting side mirrors.
Another all-new feature is Drive Mode Select with modes for Eco, Normal and Sport. When you add available AVS and air control suspension you also get modes for Comfort, Sport+ and Custom.
A new sliding third-row with adjustable cargo shelf system is also an addition to the Sequoia. It can slide with a 6 inch adjustment range and also be folded down, plus the shelf is removable.
Second-row captain’s chairs or bench row seating is available depending on the grade. Both types of seats recline and fold down to create more cargo room. There are also available power folding third-row seats.
2WD is standard on the Sequoia lineup. All-wheel drive is available on the SR5, Limited, Platinum and Capstone grades. AWD is standard on the TRD Pro model.
All models feature an independent front suspension and a new rack mounting power steering system for improved steering feel. It features a multi-link suspension in the rear.
Load Leveling Rear Height Air Control and Adaptable Variable Suspension are available options for those looking to tow regularly.
Speaking of towing, the new 2023 model can tow up to 9,000 pounds, a 22% increase over the last generation. A Tow Tech Package is standard on the Capstone and TRD Pro and available on all other grades. It includes a Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist. Toyota says improved camera views around the Sequoia are helpful when towing.
Safety
All 2022 Sequoias will come with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 which includes Pre-Collision with Pedestrian Detection, Emergency Steering Assist, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beams.
Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front/Rear Parking Assist and Rear Seat Reminder are also standard across the lineup
The 2023 lineup consists of five grades: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Capstone.
“Our primary design goal for Sequoia was to create a sophisticated, yet tough and active lifestyle SUV that looks capable of handling a diversity of big adventure needs,” says Calty President Kevin Hunter. “That holds true whether it’s a night out on the town with friends, towing a boat to the lake with family or taking a more extreme off-road adventure.”
Here is how Toyota describes the five different trims:
SR5:
Sequoia’s grade lineup starts with the well-equipped SR5 that offers a strong foundation of power, efficiency and technology. It touts impressive standard features that include the i-FORCE MAX powertrain that is mated to the standard 10-speed automatic transmission, standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, moonroof, heated seats and more. It also features a standard 12.3-inch digital instrument display and Panoramic View Monitor (PVM). When upgrading to the SR5 Premium package, Sequoia adds the 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia display, power third row, hands-free liftgate, Softex seats, and cabin and cargo 120-volt power outlets.
Also available on SR5 models is the TRD Sport package, which upgrades the standard 18-inch wheels to 20-inch matte black TRD wheels. To complement sporty handling, it adds TRD sport-tuned Bilstein monotube shocks and TRD-tuned springs. Inside TRD accents include aluminum pedals and a red TRD push-button start.
Limited:
Limited builds upon the SR5 with a clear emphasis on added convenience. Not only does it gain a standard 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen, but it also adds standard heated/ventilated front seats with memory settings, standard heated steering wheel, power-folding third row and hands-free power liftgate. Limited also receives standard second- and third-row manual sunshades to keep the back half of the SUV sun-free, when needed.
Available for both SR5 and Limited 4×4 models is the first-for-Sequoia TRD Off-Road package. Whereas TRD Sport is more focused on the on-road qualities, TRD Off-Road enhances off-road capability with the addition of a selectable locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select that helps controls wheel spin for improved traction and Downhill Assist Control to aid with steep descents. Crawl Control also comes standard, functioning as an off-road cruise control for low-speed trail navigation in 4WD Low. To keep a better eye on trail obstacles, TRD Off-Road also comes with Multi-Terrain Monitor to provide a better view of hard-to-see spots for the driver. TRD-tuned Bilstein monotube shock absorbers and TRD-tuned springs are added, and a red front axle driveshaft provides added flair. Inside, aluminum gas/brake pedals are included, and a red TRD push-button start button adds to the performance look and feel. Both SR5 and Limited are outfitted with unique 18-inch alloy wheels unique to the package.
Platinum
The Platinum grade puts an emphasis on added comfort and premium features, thanks to heated and ventilated front and second-row, second-row captain’s chairs, standard 14-speaker JBL® Premium Audio system, standard panoramic moonroof, standard Head-Up Display and more. High-grade LED headlights and taillights are added, along with sequential turn signals. Rain-sensing wipers are added to Platinum, as is standard Qi wireless charging.
TRD Pro
TRD Pro is a great option for adventure-minded families that plan to get off the beaten path regularly. TRD Pro is not just an off-roader though, as it is loaded with premium features such as standard second-row captain’s chairs, TRD heated steering wheel and TRD accents on the seats and shift knob. TRD Pro comes with additional cargo hauling options thanks to the TRD roof rack. TRD-tuned FOX internal bypass shocks offer a smooth on-road ride, but most importantly, they can confidently handle off-road terrain when the trail gets rough. A 1/4-inch aluminum TRD front skid plate offers added trail protection. Sequoia TRD Pro also offers additional trail capability with a standard selectable locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, CRAWL Control and Downhill Assist Control. TRD Pro proudly sports a heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” grille with an embedded TRD light bar and marker lights toward the top of the grille. It’s equipped with Pro-specific black 18-inch TRD alloy wheels with an increased offset to provide a wider stance. A dual TRD Pro exhaust tip provides added growl and visual appeal.
Capstone
The Capstone grade sits atop the Sequoia lineup, building upon the great features of Platinum while adding additional top-shelf features to make it the most luxurious Sequoia to date. Capstone features unique chrome accents to provide an upscale appearance, with the most eye-catching feature being the standard 22-inch chrome wheels – a first for Sequoia and exclusive to Capstone. The premium cabin experience begins at the first step with standard power running boards that provide access to the standard semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats. Not only are the seats luxury-grade, but they also tout stylish perforation and a Capstone-exclusive black-and-white color combination. The center console and passenger-side dash are accented with authentic American Walnut with an open-pore finish that highlights the wood grain. On the dash, the Walnut pieces surround a Capstone logo that is accentuated with LED mood lighting when the doors are opened. To help provide an even quieter cabin, Capstone is the only Sequoia grade to feature acoustic glass in the front doors for more exterior sound deadening.
The Sequoia will be built alongside the Tundra at Toyota’s truck plant in San Antonio and is expected to be available this summer.
All Photos Credit: Toyota.