2023 Toyota Sequoia debuts with 437 HP hybrid engine, brawny styling

2023 Toyota Sequoia debuts to replace the aging second-generation three-wheel-drive SUV dating back to the 2008 model. The car manufacturer uses this opportunity to give the large vehicle an overhaul both mechanically and aesthetically. The big changes are important because the Sequoia is now the brand’s top SUV in North America after the Land Cruiser retired from the United States.

The benefits of a new engine and a new platform

All versions of the 2023 Sequoia come with the 3.5-liter twin-turbo hybrid V6 that Toyota labels as the i-Force Max. The engine produces 437 horsepower (326 kilowatts) and 583 pound-feet (790 Newton-meters) of torque, as in the Tundra. The only gearbox choice is a 1[ads1]0-speed automatic.

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There are no details on fuel economy yet. Toyota claims that the numbers are “a huge improvement over the previous generation,” which is 13 miles per gallon city, 17 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined for 4X2 powertrain.

2023 Sequoia runs on a version of the same modular, body-on-frame platform from the latest Tundra, Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 600. Buyers can choose a two- or an optional part-time four-wheel drive system for all trim levels. The TRD Pro package is only available with 4WD.

The foundation of the Sequoia includes an independent front suspension and multi-link layout at the rear. Adaptive dampers and a load-balancing air system at the rear are options.

The new Sequoia can tow up to 9000 pounds (4082 kilos), which is almost 22 percent more than the previous generation. There are optional electric folding, retractable and retractable trailing mirrors for better visibility when you pull something. In addition, a panoramic monitor provides a bird’s eye view of the vehicle and its surroundings during maneuvering.

How does it look?

The new Sequoia’s exterior style has an upright position that makes it look tough. The front end that is similar to the latest Tundra. It’s a large grid, but the designers give the different trim levels different mesh patterns to differentiate their style. For example, the TRD Pro package has wide, black hexagons, and the Capstone has smaller openings with a chrome finish. The headlights are Y-shaped.

The fenders look muscular with a prominent back over the wheel opening. The base of the D-pillar angles forward, and the rear glass partially wraps around to the side of the body.

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Inside, all Sequoias come with three rows of seats. Depending on the trim level, the second row has either a bench or captain’s chairs. The third row can slide forwards and backwards up to 6.0 inches and has a shelf system on the back for easier stacking of cargo at the back.

Choose your fitness level

Sequoia comes in five trim levels: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Capstone. All come with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 series with technology, heated seats, moonroof, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and panoramic camera system.

Where the standard SR5 trim has an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, the SR5 Premium magnifies the size of the screen to 14.0 inches. It also has an electrically foldable third-row seat, a hands-free tailgate and a 120-volt power outlet in the cabin and luggage compartment.

Both SR5 models are available with the TRD Sport package. It includes Bilstein monotube dampers and revised tuning for the springs. These SUVs drive on 20-inch, matte-black wheels instead of the standard 18-inch size.

The limited rating adds SR5 Premium with heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and parasols for the second and third rows.

The four-wheel drive versions of the SR5 and Limited are available with the TRD Off-Road Package. It includes a rear locking differential, 18-inch wheels, Multi-Terrain Select system, downhill assistance control and crawl control. There are also Bilstein dampers and revised springs.

Platinum is improving on Limited with second-row heated and ventilated captain’s chairs, a stereo with 14 speakers, a panoramic moon roof, head-up display, Qi wireless charging and rain-sensitive wipers. In addition, the headlights and taillights use LED lighting.

TRD Pro is the fitness level for people who really want to go offroad. It has Fox internal bypass dampers and a 0.25-inch slide plate at the front. There is also a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, crawl control and downhill assistance control. An LED light bar is part of the front grille, and a storage rack is on the ceiling. Black 18-inch wheels have increased displacement for a wider stance. Double exhaust tips are also part of the package. Solar Octane exterior color is exclusive to this grade.

Finally, there is the topping Capstone. It has chrome details and has powerful treadmills. The SUV drives on 22-inch wheels with chrome finish. Inside there is semianiline leather upholstery with black and white color choice. American walnut triangle with open pore decorates the cottage. Acoustic glass in the front doors and extra soundproofing make this model quieter for passengers than other qualities of the Sequoia.

Toyota Sequoia 2023 goes on sale this summer. Prices will be available closer to launch.