The 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Hybrid 4WD full size SUV
You Are What You Drive — A Bottom Line Review
The Bottom Line: What is a Sequoia? The Sequoia is an all new full size SUV built in the San Antonio, Texas assembly plant, and sold worldwide by Toyota, and this is the first redesign for the Sequoia since 2008. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is available in five impressive trim levels and they are: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Capstone. The Capstone edition is Toyota’s most luxurious trim level.
The Toyota Sequoia has always been a full size 3 row SUV based on the platform of the Tundra pickup truck, and that does not change with the new generation for the 2023 model year. The new Sequoia now comes standard with Toyota’s iForce MAX twin turbo 3.4L liter DOHC 24 valve V6 gas engine, mated to an electric hybrid motor. Together they make 437 HP horsepower and 583 lb/ft of torque, for outstanding acceleration and power.
The electronic terrain management system has five different settings: normal, snow, mud, sand, and rock. The 10 speed automatic transmission has sequential shifting, and a tow/ haul mode for towing. All the power is then routed to a 4WD four wheel drive electronic controlled transfer case, into automatic limited slip differentials, with a multi-link rear suspension system. The new 2023 Sequoia now has a 9,520 pound maximum towing capacity; a 26% increase over the previous generation model.
This week Toyota sent me a 2023 Toyota Sequoia 4WD Capstone Edition Hybrid SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this model is $78,300. The options on the test SUV are: the dash cam for $499, and the trailer tow ball mount for $87. The MSRP manufactures suggested retail price, including the $1,595 destination charge, is $80,481.
After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your driveway total purchase price came to: $90,541. As this is an upscale SUV at just over $90 Grand, it pencils out right in the middle of the luxury SUV class.
If you’re thinking about buying a full size SUV, and are looking at a new Cadillac Escalade, GMC Denali, Lincoln Navigator, or a Jeep Wagoneer, just stop and add the Toyota Sequoia to your ride and drive list. This all new 2023 Sequoia SUV is the newest and most up to date full size SUV on the market today, and Toyota knows it has to be a very good SUV to compete in this high dollar, mid luxury, SUV class, and it does.
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is a full sized SUV based on the Toyota Tundra pickup, which itself was redesigned for the 2022 model year. Like the Tundra, the Sequoia SUV has larger towing and payload capacities, Toyota’s newest infotainment system, and a complete roster of standard active safety and driver assistance, and luxury level features.
The new 2023 Toyota Sequoia has Semi-Aniline leather trimmed, power
adjustable, driver and passengers seats with power lumbar supports, heated and ventilated front and 2nd row seats with captains chairs and adjustable arm rests, a set of power folding and sliding 3rd row seats, an adjustable rear cargo shelf, a power lift gate with a flip up glass rear window, a 14” Toyota audio multimedia sound system with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Sirius XM platinum satellite radio, a JBL premium surround sound system with a powered subwoofer and amplifier into 14 speakers, a 12.3” digital center stack color display screen, a 3 zone climate control system, and it has smart key connectivity with push button start.
Exterior upgrades start with a set of fantastic looking 22” dark chrome alloy multi spoke wheels, left and right full body length power running boards, automatic leveling LED headlights, LED light emitting diode DRL daytime running lights, front and rear sequential turn signals, and a power tilt and sliding panoramic sunroof.
Safety and convenience are covered by Toyota’s safety sense 2.5 pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, full speed range dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, automatic high beams, road sign assist, and all connected services capable with 4G networks.
So, when you’re ready to buy a new full size SUV, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Hybrid 4WD SUV should be on your ride and drive list, as it’s the newest large SUV from Toyota in the full size mid luxury SUV class.
Call, click or visit your local Toyota dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Hybrid 4WD SUV. And remember that the base price for a new Sequoia starts at only $58,365. Toyota - Let’s Go Places.
Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, “You Are What You Drive” And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today”.
This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a “Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense” editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. “Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net