2023 Toyota Sequoia Review
2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
Price as tested: $79,576
3.5 Liter Twin Turbo V6 with 24 Volt Hybrid System
437 HP / 583 ft-lbs
MPG as observed: 15.6 in mixed driving
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Guy who did stuff: Yousef Alvi
The last generation Sequoia saw many things in it’s lifetime, the advent of fire for one, the wheel and the printing press. Now, about 3000 years later, the Sequoia is finally brand new and ready to take on such stalwarts as the GM Twins and Ford Expedition. Has Toyota finally made the Sequoia a worthwhile contender? Let’s find out.
The Great
All the torque
Lithe maneuverability
GTFO of my way looks
Dat Torque
5.8.3 ft/lbs of drippy, goey torque! The twin turbo hybrid V6 coupled with a 24 volt hybrid system is nothing short of a monster. The twist it provides is borderline not quick…but FAST. 0-60 in 5.6 seconds fast and that in a 6000 pound behemoth is makes it feel like 2 seconds. It’s not all off the line power, that torque is available in any RPM. So merging onto the highway, that torque snaps this beast forward with authority if not hilarity.
When you stop driving like an idiot and then the system delivers pure EV goodness, shutting down the ICE to allow for carefree and silent cruising.
It’s just brilliant.
6000 pound ballerina
This 2023 Toyota Sequoia is the most maneuverable out of all of it’s competitors. There is no adjustment period trying to figure out where the bumpers end…you just swing it into a parking space, get out and find yourself smack dab in the middle of the lines. It’s unworldly how easy this beast is to wield into any space.
Coolest Dad in the carpool lane
If you want to be the envy of everyone in the carpool lane…get this Sequoia TRD Pro. During my week with it, at least 5 people got out of their cars/trucks/SUVs to ask about it and poke around in amazement. This trim especially makes the Sequoia the best looking and most aggressive vehicle in it’s segment.
The Good
Infotainment
Space
Infotainment
Sporting a huge 14 inch display, Toyota’s new infotainment system is in another dimension compared to their old/horrid system. Crisp graphics, rapid response and simple to use…the only issue is that it can be ‘too big’. Trying to click on the upper right corner is nearly impossible.
Space
Acres of interior volume soaks up every bit of cargo and people you can throw at it. It also does so in comfort in all 3 rows of seating and with a height adjustable parcial shelf for the cargo area…still enables you to carry cargo with all rows filled.
The Bad
Ride
MPG
Ride
For me (at least) every TRD Pro vehicle seamlessly blends off-road capability with squishy on road comfort. This Sequoia TRD Pro though…does not.
It’s jittery at every speed and just not the refined composure found in other TRD Pro models like the 4Runner.
It’s never uncomfortable but for a $80,0000 vehicle…that price point deserves much better suspension tuning.
Inches per Gallon
This new generation Sequoia drops kicks the old but lovely V8 for this twin turbo unit, then ToMoCo bolted on a mild hybrid system for good measure…the result?
Welp, supposedly the EPA and the window sticker states 19 MPG for city driving and 22 MPG on the highway.
Yeah, not sure how they are measuring that since I got 15.6 in mixed driving overall.
In other words, the exact same MPG as the old V8 version.
The Ugly
All the noise
So much roar
Below 40 mph, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is a quiet creature but the second you reach highway speeds…it is another story. Best described as a cacophony of wind, road and tire noise…the Sequoia’s cabin in engulfed in an unending roar.
Overall:
If i was in the market for a full size (body on frame) SUV, this 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro would be my choice. This Sequoia is provides gravitas, flair, space, power and maneuverability that no other competitor can offer and even with it’s jittery ride along with highway noise, I wouldn’t look anywhere else!
