This week I am very happy to have the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia, the 3rd generation of the flagship SUV that has not seen any significant changes since 2008.
Performance
The Sequoia shares a chassis and power train with the all-new Tundra, including a new i-Force Max engine. The technology places a 48-horse electric motor between the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 and a traditional 10-speed automatic transmission. It comes standard with 4-wheel drive.
This hybrid system produces amazing results. It has 437-horses and an amazing 583 pound-feet of torque.
My test vehicle is the top-of-the-line Capstone trim. There are four trim levels below this.
Exterior
I find the exterior to be just beautiful, especially in this Wind Chill Pearl color.
The 22” Capstone wheels are gorgeous, the sculpted V-shaped hood looks great, there is a nice amount of aluminum trim on the outside, a spoiler on the rear, and I love the new sequential front and rear turn signals.
Interior
As you enter the cabin, the two-tone black and white interior looks amazing. The seats are wide and incredibly comfortable, and they are heated and cooled. It is very Lexus-like.
When you hit the start button, a 12” configurable gauge cluster comes to life and gives you a lot of different information on the i-Force Max power train, fuel economy, etc.
However, it is the massive 14” infotainment screen that steals the show. It operates the 14-speaker JBL stereo, navigation system, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system is lightning fast and super simple. This is one of the best touchscreens I’ve ever seen.
Under that are your air conditioning controls and switches for your heated and cooled seats.
Moving down is another row of buttons including enabling the trailer towing mode, and the absolute best 360-degree camera I’ve ever seen. The onscreen SUV circles, and you can see everything around you. This is a great safety feature especially when in parking lots.
The center console is simple with the gear shifter, drive mode selector, a button to engage the four-wheel system, and a wireless phone charger. Drive modes are eco, normal, and sport.
Rear occupants have their own climate controls, USB and USB-C ports and a 120-volt power outlet.
Moving to the second row, the captain chairs are as comfortable as the front ones are, they recline but do not slide, and they are heated and cooled.
Second-row seats flip for easy access to the 3rd-row seat, which have a power recline feature. Leg and headroom in the 3rd-row is not as roomy as I expected, but usable for two adults.
Utility
Moving to the cargo area, there is an adjustable shelf that will allow you to make a flat surface with the third-row seats folded down. The third row has power buttons and they go up and down quickly.
Another cool feature are levers on the third-row seats that allow you to slide the seats forward for more cargo area if needed. The tailgate is power and hands-free, and you can open just the rear glass if you desire.
Standard Equipment and Options
This Sequoia Capstone comes extremely well equipped with a huge panoramic moon roof, a 10” head-up display, sign recognition, keyless entry, dual power seats, deployable running boards, a rearview camera mirror, and power tilt steering wheel. In a first for me, this Sequoia came with a built-in dash cam mounted high on the windshield ($499.)
Safety
On the safety side, Sequoia comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense which includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic high beam headlights, and lane tracing assist. It also has blind spot warning.
Ride and Drive
Driving impressions are very good. This truck-based frame makes it feel solid, acceleration is fantastic, and it even has a nice exhaust rumble. Visibility is quite good, and the cabin is very quiet.
Fuel economy for this over 3-ton SUV is 19 in town, 22 on the highway, and 20 overall. This SUV will tow 9,500 pounds.
What You'll Pay
MSRP is $80,905 as you see it here, which is actually less than most luxury SUVs equipped as this one is.
Verdict
Other than less 3rd row seat room than I’d like to see, this is an extremely impressive SUV.
- What I liked most: Powertrain performance, interior and exterior appearance.
- What I would change: It needs a larger gas tank.
- MSRP: Base $78,300. Total $80,906.
- Fuel Economy: 19 City/22 Highway/20 Combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 1,400 miles.
- Weight: 6,185 pounds/GVWR 7,560 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-Sized spare tire.
- Length-Width-Height: 208.1” long/79.8” wide/74.5” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 22.5 gallons with the filler on the driver's side.
- Official Color: Wind Chill Pearl.
- Towing Capacity: 9,500 pounds.
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2023 Sequoia Capstone in a few words: An always great SUV, the new Sequoia is stylish, powerful, capable, and has a great interior.
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Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty with roadside assistance.
- Final Assembly Location: San Antonio, Texas.
- Manufacturer's website: Toyota
