2023 TOYOTASEQUOIA
The updated SUV becomes more offroad capable for big adventures.
Think of the new 2023 Sequoia as a new Tundra, without the truck bed but with a third row and interior cargo room. Along the same lines, you can think of the new Sequoia as a three-row Land Cruiser for America, as it’s built on the same chassis and we won’t be getting the 2022 Land Cruiser on our shores (besides in the form of the Lexus LX 600).
The new Sequoia will have just one drivetrain on offer, the twin-turbo V6 i-Force Max backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. This parallel hybrid setup puts out a total of 437 hp and 583 lb.-ft of torque. It should also get considerably better fuel economy than the current Sequoia’s dismal 13 city/17 hwy mpg.
Part-time 4WD will be available on all 2023 Sequoia models—standard on the TRD Pro—while 2WD is standard across the range. Five trim levels will be on offer: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and the new top-of-the-line luxury Capstone.
Seating for 7 is standard, while a 6-passenger setup with captain’s chairs in the second row is available. The third row with a siding feature and cargo shelf system is also now available.
Toyota’s new multimedia system, including “Hey Toyota” Intelligent Assistant, will run through either an 8- or 14-inch touchscreen on the center of the dash.
The TRD Pro model is of course the off-road oriented one with Fox shocks,
TRD springs, a ¼-inch front skid plate, a selectable rear locker, TRD Pro-specific BBS forged 18-inch black alloy wheels, 33inch Falcon Wildpeak AT Tires, TRD roof rack, TRD Pro exhaust, Multi Terrain Select, Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control, and a black TRD Pro Toyota grille with an embedded lightbar and marker lights.
Outside the optional TRD Pro exclusive color for 2023 is Solar Octane and inside you get a TRD-heated steering wheel, TRD accents on the seats and shift knob, and standard second-row captain’s chairs.
With up to an impressive 9,000 pounds of towing capacity, load-leveling rear air suspension, power tow mirrors, and a Tow Tech Package with some great backup assist and camera features on offer, the new Sequoia should be a great tow partner for your next adventure.
“Our primary design goal for Sequoia was to create a sophisticated, yet tough and active lifestyle SUV that looks capable of handling a diversity of big adventure needs,” said Kevin Hunter, president of the U.S. Calty Toyota Design Studio. “That holds true whether it’s a night out on the town with friends, towing a boat to the lake with family, or taking a more extreme off-road adventure.”
The 2023 Sequoia should start rolling off the San Antonio, Texas, assembly line this summer. Pricing has not been announced, but our best guess is that the starting price will come in around $55,000, and be very near $80,000 for the Capstone trim level.