2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro test drive review

With the death of the Land Cruiser, Toyota’s new SUV king is the 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro, which has been fully redesigned. Built on the same platform as the Tundra, the new Sequoia features updated tech, a V6 hybrid powertrain and a sharper exterior that makes it look as if it’s been hitting the gym. Its rugged good looks are sure to catch your eye, but that also comes with a few personality quirks. Browse Sequoia listings

Price and value 

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia comes in five different trims, with an MSRP range of $58,365 for the base-level SR5 to $78,365 for the four-wheel drive version of the line-topping Capstone trim. Each trim has a 10-speed automatic transmission and an i-Force Max Twin Turbo V6 hybrid engine that puts out 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Some of the major differences among the five Toyota Sequoia trims are noted below. All prices are for the standard rear-wheel drive models, except for the TRD Pro, which is only available in four-wheel drive.

• SR5: $58,365 See listings

18-inch alloy wheels

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5

8-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touch screen with an eight-speaker audio system

• Limited: $64,765 See listings

14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touch screen with eight-speaker audio system

Power-folding third row

Hands-free power liftgate

• Platinum: $70,965 See listings

20-inch machine-finish, black alloy wheels

Panoramic roof with power sunshade

Rain-sensing wipers

• Capstone: $75,365 See listings

22-inch dark chrome, machine-finish alloy wheels

Semi-aniline, leather-trimmed seats with premium contrast stitching

Power-extending running boards

• TRD Pro: $76,065 See listings

TRD Pro off-road suspension with 2.5-inch FOX internal bypass shocks

TRD Pro front stabilizer bar

Downhill assist and crawl control

Our TRD Pro tester came with optional power extending tow mirrors, an integrated dash cam, TRD roof rack, ball mount and special Solar Octane color, which brought the price to $80,291. While each of these add-ons have their perks, we found that we could’ve easily done without them to better fit your budget. For instance, although the roof rack adds a nice visual touch, it created some cabin noise at high speeds.

Performance 

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro was a lot of fun to punch off the line, thanks to its 583 pound-feet of torque. We only had to throw our tester into four-wheel drive once to navigate an unplowed, snowy road, and it did not disappoint. While we were confident in its ability to carry us through multiple driving conditions, we couldn’t help but notice that it seemed a little restless on regular roads.

Engine

As noted above, each trim of the Sequoia has a 10-speed automatic transmission and the same i-Force Max Twin Turbo V6 Hybrid engine that makes 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Choose between rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive on all trims except the TRD Pro, which only comes in four-wheel drive. Our TRD Pro tester roared to life on even the steepest of hills. 

Fuel economy 

Though the window sticker claimed the Sequoia’s fuel economy was 20 mpg for combined city and highway driving, we averaged about 15. Given that it’s a hybrid, this was a bit surprising. 

Acceleration and handling 

We were happy to note that the TRD Pro accelerated with ease whether we were merging on the freeway or scaling a steep road. Car and Driver tested the top-tier Capstone trim and found that it accelerated from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds. As far as handling goes, there were times when it felt as if the TRD Pro preferred to be traversing an off-road trail instead of a residential one. The suspension was a bit loose, but not uncomfortable. 

Braking 

The Sequoia comes with automatic emergency braking and the brakes had no trouble bringing the big SUV to a complete stop. 

Interior comfort and convenience 

Toyota did a good job of equipping the Sequoia with an appealing interior that offers a wide array of creature comforts. The third row is the only area where we have a few notes.

Seats 

We loved the subtle Technical Camo design on the TRD Pro seats, the heated/ventilated front seats and the ample head and leg room in the first two rows. The Sequoia seats up to eight people, depending on the trim, but we noted that the third row would be a bit tight for adults. Sitting up straight, our heads touched the ceiling and legroom was scarce. You could certainly cram three adults in the back, but don’t expect it to be comfortable. 

Climate control 

Heated/ventilated seats and a heated steering wheel have become staples in the harsh, winter weather, so we were grateful that the front row seats had both. Tri-zone automatic climate control also comes in handy when passengers run at different temperatures. Interestingly, the second row on our TRD Pro tester did not come with heated seats. Rear passengers do have their own climate control, however, and both the second and third rows come with manual sun shades, which helped block that afternoon glare.

Infotainment system 

The 14-inch infotainment touch screen was almost distractingly large, but since it was so user-friendly, the distractions ended there. Connecting to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto took mere seconds, and other apps or settings we wanted were easily accessible. Toyota doesn’t overcomplicate things in this arena, which we appreciated. To make things even more convenient, Toyota partnered with Google to add a “Hey, Toyota” feature for quick, hands-free access to most things you might search on your phone. Plus, your phone doesn’t have to be connected to the car for it to work. No more punching in addresses in the navigation system. Simply say, “Hey, Toyota,” and your wish is the car’s command. Check out Sequoias for sale

Cargo space and cabin storage 

Here’s where things diverge a little from what you might expect. Unlike other SUVs, the third row in the Sequoia doesn’t fold flat because it sits on top of the hybrid battery. But Toyota decided to remedy this with a removable storage shelf that could create a level surface, in case you need to lay something flat. You might have to play around with different positions to figure out how to maximize storage in the back. With the third row up, you’ve got between 11.5 to 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space, depending on seat position. They manually slide back and forth. With the third row down, it’s 49 cubic feet and with the second row down it’s 86.9 cubic feet.

Exterior appearance and functionality 

Rugged. Chiseled. Bold. These are all terms onlookers would use to describe the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, as it turned heads everywhere we went. That may have been partly due to the fact that we had the TRD Pro with blacked-out features that contrasted against the Solar Octane reddish-orange paint. 

Wheels 

Our TRD Pro tester had 33-inch Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires that were wrapped around 18-inch, matte black, forged-aluminum BBS wheels that made for a mostly smooth ride — although it was clear this thing was built for rougher terrain. We didn’t test its off-road capabilities. But those chunky tires, combined with the four-wheel drive system, had no trouble navigating an unplowed, snowy road on the way home one night.

Lights and turn signals 

The LED headlights and taillights perfectly illuminated the dark roads at night and the LED light bar on the front enhanced the rugged looking exterior. The cat-like headlights in the front gave our burnt-orange Solar Octane Sequoia a distinctly tiger-like appearance, especially with the addition of the TRD Pro hood badges. All lights and turn signals functioned as expected. 

Front and rear windshield 

The front windshield on our TRD Pro tester came with the optional integrated dash cam that’s mounted next to the rearview mirror. We never tried this out, but it might prove to be a fun addition for off-roaders who want to record their excursions. As far as rear visibility goes, this is where the digital rearview mirror came in handy. Without it, seeing out the back window was tricky — especially with passengers in the third row. 

Cameras and side mirrors 

The 360-degree camera system was a welcome feature for parking and backing up the big SUV, but the optional towing mirrors included in our TRD Pro tester felt like more of a hindrance due to their massive size. We found ourselves pausing a few extra seconds at every stop sign just to make sure there weren’t any pedestrians or other cars hiding behind these. To be fair, we didn’t do any towing during our time with the Sequoia, so we never used the mirrors for their intended purpose. 

Towing capacity and payload

If you plan on hauling around more than just passengers, you’ll be happy to know that the 2023 Toyota Sequoia has a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,520 pounds. Payload capacity ranges from 1,375 to 1,730 pounds. Toyota also included several towing assistance features, such as multilink rear suspension, load-leveling rear height control air suspension and the aforementioned optional towing mirrors to maximize your trailering confidence.

Safety 

Whether you’re planning on making the 2023 Toyota Sequoia your new family hauler or an off-road toy, each trim comes with a set of standard safety features that should give you some peace of mind. We drove our TRD Pro through dicey, wintry conditions and never felt nervous. 

Features 

Several safety features come standard on every grade of the new Sequoia.

• Blind spot monitoring

• Rear cross traffic alert

• Forward collision warning

• Front and rear parking assist with automatic braking

• Lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist

• Adaptive cruise control

The digital rearview mirror and head-up display are also available driver assistance features. Given the limited visibility out the back, the digital rearview mirror almost feels like a necessity.

Awards and ratings 

At the time of this writing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety have not yet graded the 2023 Toyota Sequoia for safety. Find a Sequoia today

Final impression 

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro impressed us with eye-catching style, comfortable interior amenities and a powerful engine that roared up the steepest of roads with ease. We wish it had a little more to offer in terms of cargo space and fuel economy, though that may be said of any SUV. If you can adjust to the removable shelf in the rear cargo area, and if you’re looking for a capable, good-looking off-roader, this may very well be the car for you. 

FAQs 

Which Toyota Sequoia trim should you buy? 

If you want to save as much as possible, the base SR5 is a good starting point. Get it in the four-wheel drive option and you can add on the TRD Off-Road Package if you plan on taking it off the pavement. The Limited trim adds a few extra creature comforts, such as a bigger infotainment screen, heated/ventilated front seats and a power-folding third row. For the most rugged and appealing exterior, the TRD Pro is the way to go.

Is the 2023 Toyota Sequoia reliable?

Consumer Reports expects the new Sequoia to have average reliability compared to other cars. Its prediction is based on Toyota’s brand history as well as the Tundra full-size pickup, which shares many of the same components. 

How long does the battery last on the Toyota Sequoia?

If you’re worried about battery life, you should know that the new Sequoia comes with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty on the hybrid powertrain. The battery itself is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Ready to put a 2023 Toyota Sequoia in your driveway? Find one on KSL Cars.

KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees