2027 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro vs. TrailhuntertoyotaHistorically, and like almost all other full-size SUVs, the Sequoia has never been Toyota's strongest seller. But it persists because North American buyers like their big vehicles. The 2027 Toyota Sequoia sees only a slight refresh—but hopefully one that aligns it more closely with its more popular Tundra counterpart.Updates include Toyota Safety Sense 4.0, the bigger 14.0-inch screen and a dashcam as standard, more advanced suspension dampers, and red tow hooks for the TRD Pro trim, plus the introduction of the Trailhunter pack for the SR5 grade.As for the design, Toyota said it streamlined the Sequoia's face, so it's now basically identical to the Tundra's. For better recognition or for cost savings? ¿Por qué no los dos?Sequoia TRD ProFor the 2027 Sequoia TRD Pro portion of the experience, Toyota marked out a massive dirt track complete with bumps, berms, and jumps it rebranded as "zero-gravity moments." To handle it all, the automaker gave us a Sequoia in Stage 3 trim for its enhanced Fox QS3 switchable three-stage shocks—the setting with the heaviest damping force.toyotaBig but tidy, not much on the course flapped the unflappable Sequoia. The suspension system handled its considerable weight well; even over ruts and potholes, impacts into the cabin were reasonably damped. Aided by the hybrid's low-end power, it made for a good time in the dirt. The Sequoia powered up the berm and gracefully rolled down the other side as we eased off the throttle. It was only off the jumps that we could really feel the weight upon landing as the suspension rebounded.AdvertisementAdvertisementEven the looser steering added to the experience, welcoming a less precise line and instead encouraging big, dusty drifts. With its shorter wheelbase and a more even weight distribution (not dragging an empty bed around like the Tundra), the Sequoia felt more controlled and thus yielded greater driver confidence. We were more willing to overlook its full-size dimensions because, in return, it was a ton of fun. And incredibly well-planted.The biggest negative we observed was some delay in the throttle response.Conversely, a 4Runner TRD Pro on the same track was much more tail-happy and more chuckable overall. It also jumped the best out of everything Toyota brought out (TRD Pro versions of the Tundra, Tacoma, and Sequoia). Landing absolutely flat and under control, the 4Runner felt like it was meant to fly.toyotaAll told, we preferred dirt-tracking in the SUVs more than the trucks. They felt more settled and better balanced, so it was easier to aim their front ends. Our personal preference of the day was the 4Runner, but that's only because of the feedback its shorter wheelbase provided. Those looking for something more stable would do well in the longer Sequoia.Sequoia TrailhunterUp a curved mountain road and across some grassy trails is where Toyota guided us in the Sequoia Trailhunter. Predicably agreeable on the pavement, the Trailhunter demonstrated nearly zero slippage on a steeply angled embankment. Out on the rocky and sandy trails in Utah, we put the transmission in 4L and let it do its thing, which meant hauling ass across low-traction situations.toyotaThe only engine Toyota offers in the Sequoia is the i-Force Max hybrid, and with it, the big SUV crawled easily up the terrain with the gentlest of pressures on the throttle pedal. It also felt heavy, but solidly so, the prowess of its mechanical hardware shrinking the body around us and making us feel like we were driving something smaller. Braking also felt natural and linear, and we acclimated easily to two-foot driving.toyotaSequoia TRD Pro vs. Trailhunter: Which Is Best?It's objectively cool when you can fit passengers across three rows of seats and then immediately go out and off-road the way we just did thanks to factory-installed hardware. The third row itself is quite roomy and accessible because the second row folds down easily with one pull of a manual lever—in fact, it folds down and tucks forward, which isn't always the case in three-row SUVs. The only trade-off is a rather cramped trunk.AdvertisementAdvertisementUnfortunately, because Toyota doesn't offer the 2027 Sequoia with the base non-hybrid engine, its price reflects that. The SR5 Trailhunter Sequoia will likely be significantly more expensive than the equivalent Tundra, but we need Toyota to release official pricing before we can say for sure.Interior of the 2027 Toyota Sequoia TrailhuntertoyotaAs an off-road pick, however, we lean toward the Trailhunter. Sure, the TRD Pro is the leapier of the two, but most people realistically won't do that in their full-size SUVs. We weren't able to test the two models back to back on the same trail, but beyond the jumping, we strongly suspect there isn't much the TRD Pro can do that the Trailhunter can't. As a new way to experience and appreciate a Sequoia, introducing the Trailhunter as a package was a good move. We hope to see it out on the trails soon.Photo credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyotaAdvertisementAdvertisementPhoto credit: toyotaPhoto credit: toyota