I knew Toyota had a winner on its hands the first time I laid eyes on the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia. That was at the North Texas Auto Show back in the spring, when Toyota displayed a gorgeous Capstone model (see it in the video at the end of this post). Months later, I finally had a chance to get more than a outside view of Toyota's three-row SUV at the Texas Auto Writers Association's (TAWA) Texas Truck Rodeo in early October. (I'm currently a TAWA board member). This year's event was held at the Eagles Canyon Raceway Off-Road Circuit just north of Fort Worth, Texas, where I had the chance to check out two TRD Pro models, and take one of them on the off-road course, which you can see of clip of below.
The new Sequoia shares a platform with the all-new Tundra and the all-new global Land Cruiser. Toyota says it's designed with an emphasis on handling, comfort and capability. With its 4X4 capability, not to mention its new i-FORCE MAX engine that delivers an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque, the Sequoia is more than capable. Notably, it has Toyota's new Crawl Control function -- which is super quiet compared to the one in the current-gen Tacoma. Wow, what a difference! Also the Multi-View Terrain Monitor is terrific.
Comparing Sequoias? We've also reviewed the 2023 Sequoia Capstone i-FORCE Max.
To get an in-depth overview of the TRD Pro features, I asked Greg Thome, Toyota Motor North American Senior Manager - Lifecycle & Region Communications, to show us around the new TRD PRO Sequoia inside and out. Here's a look at the Sequoia in TRD- exclusive Solar Orange.
Toyota's Greg Thome Shows Us The 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro.
Exterior
To recap the exterior, TRD Pro Sequoia models include a heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” grille with an embedded TRD light bar and marker lights toward the top of the grille, Pro-specific black 18-inch TRD alloy wheels with an increased offset to provide a wider stance and a dual TRD Pro exhaust tip.
Interior
Inside TRD premium features include standard second-row captain’s chairs, TRD heated steering wheel, and TRD accents on the seats and shift knob. It's also outfitted with Toyota's new multimedia system first launched in Tundra. It is headlined by large 8-inch or available 14-inch touchscreen.
Equipment
In terms of equipment, the TRD Pro grade comes with TRD-tuned FOX internal bypass shocks and 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.
Powertrain and Capability
- Twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission
- 437 horsepower
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583 pound-feet of torque
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Maximum Towing Capacity of up to 9,520 lbs.
Sequoia Capstone
Now for final look at the Sequoia, this time the Capstone grade, as displayed at the North Texas Auto Show earlier this year. The all-new Sequoia is now in production at Toyota's trunk plant in San Antonio, Texas.
