Huge Tundra pickup-based off-road SUV could donate its beefy 790Nm powertrain to HiLux and LandCruiser
If you thought the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series was an off-road monster, wrap your peepers around the new Toyota Sequoia, which has even more muscle than the new LC300.
Set to roll into US showrooms later this year, the rock-crushing Toyota Sequoia off-road SUV is offered exclusively with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, belting out a stump-pulling 325kW of power and 790Nm of torque.
That compares to ‘only’ 227kW and 700Nm for the Toyota LC300’s new 3.3-litre twin-turbo diesel V6.
First seen in the new Toyota Tundra pick-up, which remains under study for Australia, the V6 hybrid powertrain could eventually find its way into the LandCruiser and the next-generation 2024 Toyota HiLux, which will borrow its TNGA-F ladder frame from the new LC300, Tundra, Sequoia and Lexus LX.
Effectively an electrified version of the 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 that produces 305kW/650Nm in the new LandCruiser in some markets, as well as the new Lexus LX 600 and other Lexus models, the i-Force MAX V6 engine is hooked up to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
In the new Sequoia, the hybrid powertrain delivers a towing capacity of 4082kg (9000lb), eclipsing the LC300’s 3500kg limit. An optional Tow Tech package adds a trailer backup guide and straight path assist to help when reversing the big American SUV.
The new Sequoia could also be expected to influence the next-gen Toyota Prado, which will also ride on the same TGNA-F platform.
As Toyota continues to revamp up its off-road SUV and pick-up range – which started with the new LandCruiser 300 Series, Tundra and Lexus LX, and will continue with the new HiLux and Prado by mid-decade – the TNGA-F architecture is expected to bring improvements in technology, safety, capability and powertrains for all of Toyota’s largest models.
However, at this stage there are no plans to bring the Sequoia to Australia via official Toyota channels, with a company spokesperson telling carsales it is “not likely” to come here – although he wouldn’t rule it out.
Given Toyota is still vigourously pursuing the Tundra for the Aussie market, there’s a chance its new-generation SUV twin could be included under the importation strategy if customer demand warranted it.
The Toyota Sequoia is a six- or seven-seat three-row extra-large SUV built in the USA at the same Indiana factory as the Tundra, and the SUV will compete with big 4×4 wagons like the Ford Expedition and Chevy Tahoe.
In the US, it is offered in SR5, Limited, Platinum and top-spec Capstone and TRD Pro grades, and in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. The 4WD system appears to be similar to the Tundra’s, employing a transfer case to select between 2WD, 4WD high or 4WD low.
However, some models can be upgraded with a couple of high-performance off-road options, including the TRD Off-Road pack which adds Bilstein monotube shock absorbers, TRD-calibrated spring rates, a switchable locking rear differential, plus hill descent control and terrain select.
The Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is the model that will get tongues wagging and jealousy flowing, with chunky all-terrain tyres on unique 18-inch alloy wheels, an aluminium front skid plate, TRD roof rack and a bespoke LED light bar adding plenty of off-road eye-candy – and capability.
Toyota says the mud-plugging Sequoia TRD Pro is built for adventure-minded families and features TRD-tuned FOX internal bypass shocks to ensure “a smooth on-road ride” but also to “confidently handle off-road terrain when the trail gets rough”.
The TRD Pro hero model also comes standard the locking rear differential, multi-terrain system, crawl control, hill descent control a heritage-inspired Toyota grille and dual TRD Pro exhaust outlets for ‘added growl’.
It has a tough exterior look but, inside, Sequoia TRD Pro comes with premium features like second-row captain’s chairs with added luxury (instead of a three-seat bench), a heated steering wheel, TRD-specific seats, gear shifter.
All Sequoia models in the US market are fitted as standard with the beefy 325kW turbo-petrol V6 hybrid powertrain, along with a moonroof, heated front seats and a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display. Mid-spec models add a 14-inch central display, powered third-row seats and a hands-free liftgate.
Up-spec model grades of the big three-row SUV come with heated and ventilated front and second-row twin captain’s chairs, a 14-speaker JBL sound system, larger panoramic moonroof, a head-up display.
Top-spec Sequoia Capstone variants add lots of bling, such as 22-inch chromed wheels, power-folding side steps, Lexus-like semi-aniline leather seat trim and open-pore Walnut woodgrain cabin highlights.
All models also come with a solid safety suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, a blind spot monitor, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), rear cross-traffic alert and automatic high beams headlights – although not all models get LED headlights.
Keyword: New Toyota Sequoia revealed with 325kW hybrid V6