REVIEW: 2023 Toyota Sequoia Platinum i-FORCE MAX

This week I bring you the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia, a redesign a long time coming as it hadn't received a major overhaul since 2008, (an eternity in car time.) My test model is the Platinum which sits in the middle of the lineup beneath the top-range Capstone that Jerry Reynolds has reviewed, and the TRD Pro model that you can see here.

Exterior

Designers didn't hold back in giving the new Sequoia completely new looks.  And they did a fantastic job, too.  The new Sequoia takes on a much larger, commanding presence, one that exudes polished ruggedness.

The Platinum model looks terrific in Silver Metallic complimented by 20-inch machine-finished dark-painted alloy wheels. Sharp creases meet smooth surfaces on the profile.  Other features include a gloss black “SEQUOIA” badge and “PLATINUM” door badge. 

 

 

 

 

 

A dark chrome-accented mesh grille with chrome surround is flanked by premium auto-leveling LED head lights, LED fog lights and LED daytime running lights. In back, you find LED tail lights with sequential turn signals. It's also equipped with front and rear mudguards.

Two exterior upgrades I really appreciated: power extending tow mirrors (because they are HUGE!) and power running boards, which replace standard fixed ones. 

Powertrain

Under the hood you'll find Toyota's terrific new i-FORCE MAX twin-turbo V6 hybrid that delivers 437-horsepower and an even better 583 pound-feet of torque, both needed for an SUV this heavy.  The system is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission and comes with available part-time 4WD.

Interior 

The Sequoia's all-new cabin is roomy, comfortable and well-designed. Highlights include 10 way power leather-trimmed power driver's seat with multiple power adjustments, second row captain's chairs and an enormous panoramic roof.  Blue stitching adds interest to the large soft-touch dash with Platinum badging. 

The front seats themselves are roomy with light side bolstering.  They have great cushiony headrests. Platinum goodies include first and second row heated and ventilated seats. 

 

 

 

4 An optional caption for the image that will be added to the gallery. Enter any descriptive text for this image that you would like visitors to be able to read.

 

The Sequoia's steering wheel is on the larger, more rugged side with heavy silver trim and glossy black accents. Above it you find a 12.3-inch digital drive display with a font that's on the smaller side as with other Toyota models.

A wide center console houses cupholders, a large rugged gear shifter along with controls for your drive modes and 4WD. 

The large center console bin with nice trim conceals USB and USB-C ports along with storage space.

While tech takes a giant step forward, especially with the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, Toyota doesn't doesn't turn the Sequoia into a tech-mobile. The automaker steers clear of a haptic touch controls on the center stack, sticking instead to traditional controls and knobs.

Standard features in the Platinum include 3-zone climate, rain sensing wipers, heated steering wheel, and a wireless charger. 

 

 

 

 

A very roomy second row features comfortable captain's chairs with armrests that are on the slim slide. The don't slide, but rather fold-down and tumble forward for access to the third row. Second row passengers have nice seat back pockets, cup holders, USB and USB C ports along with manual sunshades, though they could be more substantial.(The 3rd row also gets them.)

In the third row, power reclining fold-down third-row seats have  adjustable headrests. There is plenty of legroom, but headroom is harder to come by.  I'd say three adults will fit back there as long as they aren't super tall.

Technology

The Sequoia benefits from Toyota's HUGELY improved new, completely overhauled multimedia system.  A large, responsive 14-inch touchscreen displays great graphics and navigation.

 

 

 

The multimedia system itself is easy to navigate as well and is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.   It also houses a Panoramic View Monitor, though I wish Toyota would work on its camera resolution.  Tunes resonate through the space nicely from the Platinum's 14-speaker JBL sound system.

Utility

The Sequoia's power lift gate, which has flip-up glass, opens at a nice speed to a cargo area with a net and optional cargo mat.  You won't fit a large load of groceries back there with the third-row up,  but of course you can power the third row down and presto, problem solved. 

 

 

 

An adjustable cargo shelf adds to storage versatility. You'll find a 400W/120V power outlet for the rear seat and cargo area and a 12V up front.

Other pluses: 1st and 2nd row assist grips which are always useful in a vehicle this size.  

The Platinum model comes with a standard Tow Technology Package with a digital display rearview mirror and Trailer Backup Guide with Straight Path Assist (SPA).

Safety

The 2023 Sequoia lineup is equipped with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+, which  includes Pre-Collision system with Pedestrian Detection. Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist.

Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Trailer Merge Warning are also standard across the lineup. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is standard as well - very nice to have in a vehicle this size.

Ride and Drive

The Sequoia is a large, capable, truck-based SUV. Yet, it's also enjoyable to drive.  It's also a heavy SUV, but acceleration is no issue thanks to the hybrid powertrain. The suspension provides a nice ride and due to its commanding height, you also get great visibility.  I thought the ride was quiet ride as well thanks to the Platinum's acoustic laminated windshield and front side windows.

Options And What You'll Pay

Options include a 10-inch color head-up display ($600), power extending tow mirrors with a convex spotter and work light ($290), load-leveling rear height control air suspension with adaptive variable suspension ($1,045), power extending running boards ($1,005), ball mount ($87),  and carpet floor mats/carpet cargo mat ($358.)  Total MSRP as equipped is $78,880.

Verdict 

The all-new Sequoia elevates Toyota's SUV lineup with its commanding style,  more upscale interior along with its upgraded technology and terrific new hybrid powertrain.  

1. What I liked most: Looks, Hybrid powertrain, panoramic roof, multimedia tech, power running boards
2. What I would change:  More substantial sunshades. 
3. MSRP: Base $76,900. Total as equipped: $78,880.
4. Fuel Economy: 19 City/22 Highway/20 Combined.
   
5. Odometer reading when tested:  10,901 miles.
6. Weight:  6,150 pounds/GVWR 7,560 pounds. 
7. Spare Tire: Full-Sized spare tire.
8. Length-Width-Height: 208.1” long/79.8” wide/74.5” high.
9. Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.5 gallons with the filler on the driver's side.
10. Official Color: Silver Metallic.
11. Towing Capacity:  9,010 pounds.
12. 2023 Sequoia Platinum in a few words: An all-new SUV that's sure to please shoppers looking for a stylish, comfortable and capable family hauler.
13. Warranty:  3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty with roadside assistance/8-year/100,000-miles Hybrid-related components/10-year/150,000-miles hybrid battery. 
14. Final Assembly Location:  San Antonio, Texas.
15. Manufacturer's website: Toyota