Used 2023 Toyota Sequoia

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia full-size 3-row SUV is the first of a new generation. Like the second generation before it, this new Sequoia is the most luxurious SUV in Toyota’s portfolio, almost overlapping into Lexus territory, as well as being extremely capable off-road while displaying excellent on-road behavior.

Built on a fresh platform that also underpins the latest Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, as well as the Toyota Tundra pickup, the 2023 Sequoia still employs a traditional body-on-frame construction. This means that weight is inevitable, but there’s also a corresponding sturdiness that helps the Sequoia achieve its maximum towing capability.

In the past, such heft also contributed to the outgoing model’s dire fuel economy. This time around, a hybrid powertrain provides an intelligent solution to this conundrum, with selectable driving modes to add greater flexibility. Toyota’s engineers have also deployed various construction techniques to reduce mass compared with the older SUV.

For extra reassurance, the hybrid powertrain has an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, with the battery covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles — whichever occurs first. This third-generation Sequoia arrives at Toyota dealerships in the summer of 2022.

A twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter gasoline V6 and an electric motor propel the 2023 Sequoia with 437 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. At speeds of up to 18 mph, the electric motor does most of the work, which will help the Sequoia’s fuel economy around town. Yet that electric motor can also supply extra thrust when required.

As mentioned above, the 2023 Sequoia has selectable driving modes. They are Eco, Normal and Sport. With a load-leveling rear air suspension or a full adaptive suspension in the picture, Comfort and Sport S+ modes are added, along with a user-customizable setting.

A TRD Sport package for the base SR5 brings, naturally, a sportier suspension. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development and this division has other treatments available for the new Sequoia. Such as the TRD Off-Road package (for 4-wheel-drive versions of the SR5 and Limited trims) with a different kind of specialist suspension, along with a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control.

For those making good use of the new Sequoia’s 9,000-pound towing ability, the Tow Tech package supplies help in the form of a Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist. Power-extendable side mirrors are available for the first time in a Sequoia.

Space has never been an issue in a Sequoia. Even the third row is adult-friendly. This time around, Toyota offers an optional sliding third row to maximize legroom or cargo space; there’s 6 inches of travel. Just behind them is an optional adjustable cargo shelf system that’s a new Sequoia feature.

In its most basic form (which is still pretty lavish), the 2023 Sequoia SR5 comes as an 8-seater. A 3-person bench is in the second row, but this is replaced by a pair of captain’s chairs in the higher trims.

Capstone is a new trim level, creating the plushest Sequoia there’s ever been. It features American Walnut wood trim, perforated semi-aniline leather upholstery in an exclusive black-and-white color scheme, a large infotainment touchscreen, and acoustic glass for the front side windows.

The Tundra connection doesn’t just run to a shared foundation. They’re similar from a styling point of view as well. This isn’t a criticism. They both mark a fresh design approach and this gives the 2023 Sequoia an agreeably assertive character. Naturally, its size also contributes to a commanding presence overall.

Wheel sizes range from 18 inches to 22 inches. The Capstone’s wheels have a chrome finish. There’s the usual array of white, black, silver, and gray paint finishes. Premium colors include Supersonic Red and — exclusive to the TRD Pro model — Solar Octane, a deep orange.

HYBRID DRIVETRAIN
In a vehicle of this size and weight, hybrid power makes so much sense. Not just from a fuel economy point of view. The typical low-end thrust provided by an electric motor is also a useful asset off-road. And given Toyota’s excellent track record with hybrids, this setup in the 2023 Sequoia should be as reliable as always.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Although not many families will go off-roading in their new Sequoia, there’s still the confidence in bad weather. For those intrepid few, this system has a high/low transfer case and Crawl Control — which is a kind of low-speed cruise control for rough terrain. With it, the driver only has to concentrate on steering.

SR5 trim is the most affordable new Sequoia, yet standard equipment is generous. It comes with a moonroof, heated front seats, 12.3-inch digital driver information display, rear seat alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

Sadly, the infotainment touchscreen in the SR5 is only an 8-inch display. This is replaced by a 14-inch version in every higher trim. But the system does come with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, as well as supporting Apple Music and Amazon Music streaming.

A full set of driver assistance features is also standard, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

A few packages are offered with the SR5 version of the 2023 Sequoia. The SR5 Premium bundle brings the larger touchscreen, power-folding third-row seats, hands-free tailgate operation, simulated leather upholstery, plus a 120-volt outlet in the cabin and one in the cargo area.

The TRD Sport package swaps the suspension for something firmer and the wheels for black-finished 20-inch alloys. The TRD Off-Road package (for versions with 4-wheel drive) unsurprisingly takes a muddier direction with its own special suspension setup. This latter package is also offered with the next-up Limited trim.

Limited has heated/ventilated front seats with memory settings, powered tailgate, power-folding third row, plus shades for the second and third rows all as standard equipment.

Platinum raises the luxury levels with heated/ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, panoramic moonroof, wireless charging, head-up display, LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system.

For greater off-road ability, the TRD Pro version has an even more sophisticated suspension along with underbody protection. It also has a TRD Pro roof rack, a heated steering wheel, and 4-wheel drive as standard.

Capstone goes for the full leather-and-wood vibe. Other extras for the 2023 Sequoia include a load-leveling rear air suspension or an adaptive suspension.

The hybrid drivetrain in the 2023 Sequoia isn’t an option, it’s standard across the range. The gasoline component is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6. An electric motor generator sits between that and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Combined output is 437 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque — a definite improvement over last year’s 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft. The basic arrangement is rear-wheel drive (RWD), but 4-wheel drive (4WD) with a high/low transfer case is on the options list, and fitted as standard in the TRD Pro variant.

While we don’t expect the new Sequoia to rival a Prius for fuel economy, it is significantly more fuel-efficient than the previous version.

3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 + electric motor
437 combined horsepower
583 lb-ft combined torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: est 21 mpg city/24 mpg highway (4×2), est 19 mpg city/22 mpg highway (4×4)