Toyota has taken the platform from its new Tundra full-size pickup truck, combined it with 4Runner-like proportions, and come out the other side of the production line with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia.
The three-row model is a beefed up take on one of the company's poorest selling SUVs. It sits atop the company's lineup above the CH-R, Corolla Cross, RAV4 and Highlander. Toyota doesn't sell the Land Cruiser in the U.S. anymore so it, along with the new Lexus LX are working in tandem to capture what the marketing team calls "Land Cruiser orphans".
Toyota will sell the model in five grades: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Capstone. Like the Tundra, each trim level was designed to have its own look at feel. This includes unique grilles and wheel choices.
It is available in 11 exterior color choices including the TRD Pro-only Solar Octane paint job.
A TRD Sport package will be available giving buyers added capability over the base model as well as some design enhancements.
The previous iteration of the Sequoia had Toyota's thirsty 5.7-liter V8 delivering 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. Under the hood of this new model is a twin-turbo V6, shared with the Tundra. The hybrid engine produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Toyota has paired the engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Toyota will offer the Sequoia with standard two-wheel drive. Part-time four-wheel drive is available.
Toyota has given the the model a 9,000-pound maximum towing capacity. The company's Tow Tech Package, a suite of technology that includes backup guidance and straight path assist, is available on all grades (standard on TRD Pro and Capstone). A Tow/Haul drive mode and power folding, extending and retracting tow mirrors are available.
An independent front suspension and electronic power steering are designed to ease the driving experience over the old model's benchmarks. An air suspension and adaptive variable suspension are available and expand the drive mode offerings. Owners who opt for the air suspension have access to Comfort, Sport+ and Custom drive modes which change the electric motor's responsiveness.
Second-row seats are available as captain's chairs or a bench, depending on the buyer's desired seating capability preference. Third row seats are able to slide with up to 6 inches of adjustment range, can recline and are available with power folding/tumbling capability. Heated and ventilated front and rear seats are available.
A removable cargo shelf is available, giving owners more storage option flexibility while the optional panoramic moon roof lets a good amount of light into the cabin.
The interior of the Sequoia is very similar in design and equipment to the new Tundra. A 14-inch infotainment touch screen is available, as is a digital rearview camera mirror, head-up display, sequential turn signals, rain sensing wipers, wireless charging, a hands-free lift gate, SofTex seats and 120-volt outlets in the cabin and cargo areas.
Toyota equips every Sequoia with a 360-degree camera view, 8-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto.
AT&T Wi-Fi hot spot connectivity is available for up to five devices for an additional fee.
The Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of safety and driver assist technology comes standard on the model. It includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. Adaptive cruise control, rear seat alert and lane departure warning with assist are also standard.
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is expected to arrive on U.S. dealership lots this summer. Pricing will be announced closer to the official on-sale date.
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