2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Hybrid 4WD: An All-New Stylish Design

  

Highlight: The Sequoia is only available with a hybrid powertrain.

Test Vehicle's MSRP: $79,576 (Base Model – SR5 4x2): $60,215

Seating Capacity: 7 or 8 (depending on trim)

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; traction control; a stability control system; a back up camera; a 360-degree camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; an electronic blind spot monitoring system; and a hill start control system; a lane departure system; a full speed radar activated cruise control system; a lane tracing assist system; automatic beams; a road sign assist system; and a trailer merger warning system

Standard Equipment (SR5): 18-inch wheels; a 10-speed automatic transmission; LED foglights; a power standard size moonroof; heated seats; a 12.3-inch digital instrument display; heated power auto dimming mirrors; black roof mounted attena; color keyed door handles; touch senor front door locking system; a single exhaust tip; front and rear mudguards; fabric seats; power adjustable lumbar support; heated front seats; 60/40 spilt reclining second row seats with a center armrest; one touch access to third row seating area from second row seats; multi-level adjustable cargo shelf system; leather shift knob; a soft touch instrument panel; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a three zone ventilation system; and a keyless push button ignition system

Standard Equipment (TRD Pro): adds 18-inch wheels; 33-inch terrain tires; second row captain seats; a heated steering wheel; TRD-tuned shocks; front skid plates; premium LED headlights and Daytime Running Lights; automatic leveling lights; marker lights; light bars; Black Toyota heritage grille; Pro dual exhaust tips; leather-like seats;  power heated/ventilated front seats; driver’s seat memory; power reclining third row seats; TRD weather floor mats; aluminum pedals; a red colored push button ignition starter;

Options: TRD Roof Rack; and Ball Mount

Other Trim Levels:

Limited

Platinum

Capstone

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: a 6-speaker audio system with AM/FM/HD with SiriusXM

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Apple/Android Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty:  5 years or 60,000 miles

Hybrid Warranty: 8 years or 100,000 miles

Engine/Horsepower: a 3.4-liter twin turbo, 6-cylinder engine/437-horsepower

Towing Capacity: 9,520 lbs

Recommended Fuel: regular

Standard Fuel Mileage: 21-city/24-hwy (4x2)

What’s New: The brand’s third-generation fullsize SUV has been redesigned for the 2023 model year.

Why:

Based off the Tundra, the Sequoia offers a stylish design

An aggressive, bold exterior design

Available in a variety of trims

A powerful hybrid engine

Excellent fuel economy

Second row captain chairs (TRD Pro)

4x2 or 4x4

A variety of driving modes

22-inch wheels available

A variety of trims

The TRD Pro is designed for off-roading

Requires regular fuel only

An optional panoramic sunroof is available

A power tilt/telescopic steering wheel on select trims

Leather seating area on select trims

Roomy vehicle

A high level of safety driving aids

A towing mammoth

Three-row seating

But: 

The TRD trim was quite pricey!

The base Sequoia has a higher base level price than Ford's Expedition XL and GM’s pair of large SUVs (e.g. Cheverolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon)

No extended version available like its American competitors

A lot of vehicle for the road

Limited cargo area, when last row is occupied or in use

Requires a subscription system for the navigation system just like other Toyota and Lexus models.

Verdict: The third-generation body on truck frame Sequoia wears an all-new design for the 2023 model year. The vehicle was last restyled during the 2008 model year. Unlike its competitors, the stylish fullsize SUV, with its athletic appeal, is only available with one powertrain. The mammoth people mover is outfitted with an ultra powerful 6-cylinder hybrid fuel-efficient engine.

The 6-cylinder hybrid serves as the perfect alternative to 8-cylinder and diesel powertrains offered to its competitors. Also the vehicle is capable of carrying up to 8 occupants, depending on the trim, while towing up to 9,520. So yes, this powerhouse can get the work done despite being outfitted with a hybrid powertrain.

Moreover, this year’s model is available as 4x2 or a 4x4 in several trims. We spent time behind the pricey TRD Pro model, which was designed for thrill seekers, looking to take the SUV off-road. Being that our test model was designed for off-roading, with a variety of driving modes, we weren’t able to determine the ride quality due to its firmer suspension and firm seats. In our opinion, it rode and drove like a truck with a firm suspension system. In the future, we would like to spend time behind the wheel of the Limited or higher end Capstone trim to access the ride quality.

Lastly, the roomy Sequoia, which is available with either a second-row bench or captain chairs, depending on the trim, is outfitted with a host of standard driving aids.

So, for those, who have been yearning for a fullsize SUV designed for both on and off roading, the third-generation offers a host of options to go head-to-head with the offerings from GM and Ford.

Competition:  2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2023 Ford Expedition; 2023 GMC Yukon; and Nissan Armada