First Look: 2023 Toyota Sequoia Full-Size SUV
After 15 years, the full-size Toyota Sequoia SUV is once again all-new with a host of new features, along with new styling, technology, and a new powertrain.
Canada Drives travelled to Texas recently to get a closer look at the 2023 Sequoia to see what this third-generation model has in store for consumers when it goes on sale this summer.
2023 Toyota Sequoia interior
2023 Toyota Sequoia | Photo: Amee Reehal
The rollout of Toyota’s new multimedia system (details below) represents the biggest change for the 2023 Sequoia cabin, and interior content varies depending on grade. The base TRD Off-Road trim comes with a heated steering wheel, heated seats, Softex seating, moonroof and more.
As was the case previously, the Sequoia remains a three-row SUV with a focus on space and utility. Bench seating or captain’s chairs are available for the second row, depending on grade, and both can recline or fold forward for additional cargo space.
2023 Toyota Sequoia | Photo: Amee Reehal
A new feature is the Sliding Third Row with Adjustable Cargo Shelf, which allows the third row to slide with 150 mm (6 inches) of travel. The third row can also be folded down to work in conjunction with the Adjustable Cargo Shelf System, which is a removable shelf that can be used in a variety of storage positions.
Powertrain: Sequoia’s new V6 hybrid engine
The 2023 Sequoia marks the beginning of a new powertrain era for Toyota’s biggest SUV. The 5.7-litre V8 used in the outgoing model has been retired and is replaced with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo hybrid i-FORCE MAX V6 that was first introduced with the 2022 Tundra full-size pick-up.
Output is rated at 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. Paired with the hybrid i-FORCE MAX powerplant is a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard 4WD.
Five Sequoia grades will be available for the Canadian market: TRD Off-Road, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Capstone. The latter is a new grade for the Sequoia.
Chassis: built on the all-new Tundra pickup platform
The 2023 Sequoia’s body-on-frame chassis and fully boxed frame is shared with the all-new 2022 Tundra and all-new global Land Cruiser and receives many of the same enhancements including increased rigidity, weight reduction and better ride comfort.
2023 Toyota Sequoia | Photo: Amee Reehal
The 2023 Sequoia has an independent front suspension, a revised multi-link rear suspension and a new rack-mounted electronic steering system, all aimed at offering an improved ride and better steering feel. A Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) is also available as an option.
Towing capability is an important factor for large SUV purchasers, so Toyota has increased the 2023 Sequoia’s maximum towing capacity to 4,080 kg (9,000 pounds), which is a 22 percent increase over the outgoing model.
Redesigned styling: rugged TRD Off-Road to premium Capstone
On the design front, the 2023 Sequoia bears a strong resemblance to the 2022 Tundra, and carries many of its design cues, particularly at the front regarding its lighting and grille treatment. Toyota said it wanted to, “create a tough and active lifestyle SUV that looks capable of handling a diversity of big adventure needs.”
2023 Toyota Sequoia | Photo: Amee Reehal
Its looks will change depending on grade, with wheel sizes that range from 18 to 22 inches. Some models will carry more blacked-out trim with a rugged, off-road focus (TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro), while others have more premium feel and are fitted with chrome finishes and larger wheels (Capstone).
More tech & safety features
New interior tech
Toyota’s new multimedia system is undoubtedly one of the biggest changes coming to the 2023 Sequoia. Two touchscreens are offered, a standard 8-inch display and an optional 14-inch unit. The system comes standard with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and dual Bluetooth phone pairing.
Prominent features include Drive Connect, a subscription service that includes Intelligent Assistant, which can be summoned with a “Hey Toyota” prompt to allow users to ask for directions, find points of interest (POIs), check weather forecasts, and more. Drive Connect also comes with embedded Cloud Navigation which supports real-time traffic, dynamic routing and is powered by Google POI data.
Sequoia safety features
On the safety front, all 2023 Sequoias comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 2.5, which includes Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection which has been updated to include low-light pedestrian detection, daytime bicyclist detection, and oncoming vehicle or pedestrian when making a left-hand turn. The system will provide audio and visual alerts in these situations and even automatic braking when certain conditions are met.
2023 Toyota Sequoia | Photo: Amee Reehal
Other TSS 2.5 features include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Toyota Rear Seat Reminder. The latter detects whether a rear door was opened within 10 minutes of the vehicle being started or at any time after. A reminder message will appear in the instrument cluster along with audible chimes.
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia goes on sale this summer. Pricing and fuel consumption will be announced closer to launch.
