2023 Toyota Sequoia: big is beautiful, pricey
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is a floundering, apartment-sized sport utility vehicle sporting a new look after 15 years of blah.
Powerful, family-oriented and aptly named, the Sequoia is grouped among about a dozen freeway giants. The Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe, Chevrolet Suburban, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Jeep Wagoner, Lexus LX, Nissan Armada and Lincoln Navigator are also in the mix.
Heavy, often too large for one parking spot and gas-guzzling, beasts offer family seating for eight (and sometimes nine). Comfort and a commanding road presence reign. If the need arises to tow about 9,000 pounds, the Sequoia will get the job done.
For 2023, the jumbo SUV arrives in only its third generation since its debut in 2000 as a 2001 model. The three-row behemoth is available in SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Capstone trims.
The overall new exterior gives the monolith-on-wheels a much-needed modernized look. It’s sharper, but it’s not without similarities to other manufacturers’ offerings.
Like its siblings, the reviewed Platinum trim is powered by a
twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 hybrid powertrain. It has 437 horsepower and advances with a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheeldrive is standard on all trims except the all-wheel-drive-only TRD Pro. Four-wheel-drive is a stand-alone option on other trims.
Acceleration is impressive; the Sequoia completes the 0-to-60 milesper-hour standard in 5.6 seconds.
Platinum is an appropriate trim title. The Sequoia’s set-up includes 20-inch wheels, LED headlights with sequential turn signals, leather upholstery, second-row captain’s chairs and heated and ventilated second-row seats.
A rearview mirror with a digital display, ambient lighting, a power panoramic moonroof and a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system are also included. The
mid-range trim also features much of the Sequoia’s less expensive trims’ equipment, roof rails to a 360-degree camera and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to hands-free keyless entry with a push-button start.
All Sequoias include the Toyota Safety Sense suite: forward collision migration to adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping system to road sign recognition. The new 14-inch navigation screen offers clear graphics and intuitive functionality.
As a new generation, the Sequoia’s new engine provides a quicker response. It proves an SUV weighing nearly 6,000 pounds can power around traffic on the highway, but it can also remain mellow in city driving.
Further improvements include higher quality materials and a bigger interior cabin. Front and second-row passengers have plenty of space. But as with many three-row SUVs, adult backseat occupants aren’t afforded the same personal space. This issue with the Sequoia is that its hybrid battery pack is stored under the rear floor. The configuration also prevents the third-row seats from folding flat and its rear trunk isn’t as large as might be expected for the segment.
Big vehicles often present problems for less than big or tall occupants. The Sequoia has automatic sideboards on both sides of the vehicle. It’s a big help, but careful use is a must. Step incorrectly and jamming a foot is easily done. Walk too close to the step-up and a bruised shin awaits.
Large SUVs also suffer from the auto industry’s biggest dilemma — pathetic gas mileage. The Sequoia has EPA estimates of 19 miles per gallon in city driving and 22 mpg on the highway. It’s not a good tally for a hybrid vehicle.
With its new design and overall improvements, Toyota is seeking better sales for its vehicle named after the giant trees once perceived as sacred. National sales were about 5,000 in 2022, less than half of the vehicle’s tally six years ago. The hope disappearing quickly wouldn’t be a surprise.
The Sequoia’s Platinum trim is priced at just under $80,000. It’s a tall order.
James Raia, a syndicated automotive columnist in Sacramento, has published the website, www. theweeklydriver.com since 2004. It has a signup for a free weekly newsletter and podcast. Contact him via email: james@ jamesraia.com.