The Sequoia (named after the coastal redwood trees) is Toyota’s largest SUV offering, and the Japanese have just updated it from the ground up for 2023. Sequoia trees are native to the American West Coast known for being the largest, and strongest because of their abundance of stouts. With some being nearly over 2000 years old, the Sequoia trees represent longevity which is why Toyota named the truck after it. Toyota wanted their largest SUV to be associated with “its stature in addition to its long-lasting quality, durability and reliability”. Such a fitting name then.
Completely redesigned, this third-generation Sequoia features the powerful twin-turbo V6 hybrid (i-FORCE MAX) powertrain. First unveiled on the new Tundra, this hybrid powertrain produces 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. Located between the twin-turbo engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission is a motor-generator that helps to provide maximum power output and efficiency. The i-FORCE MAX is “expected to be extremely competitive at the top of the segment – and a huge improvement over the previous generation” regarding fuel consumption.
Newly built on the same modern body-on-frame chassis with a fully boxed frame with the new Tundra and Landcruiser, the new platform provides the Sequoia with “excellent handling, supreme comfort and impressive capability”. To further enhance ride comfort, Toyota used new laser welding technology that helps reduce mass and weight. The technique precisely welds in areas to reduce weight while reinforcing spots that need more structural support.
The Sequoia, being the largest SUV in the lineup, the third-row seats offers a range of seating and cargo configurations. Depending on the trim, the second-row seats of the Sequoia, get bench seating or captain’s chairs. Both of these chairs can recline or fold down for larger cargo space.
This exclusive feature is what Toyota dubs as a segment-first feature which allows for the third-row to slide at least 6 inches / 15.2 cm. Toyota calls it the Cargo Shelf System, a removable shelf that can be set in a variety of storage positions depending on the storage needs to provide flexible storage needs.
Available in five different trims, the new Sequoia offers something for everyone. The trims include SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and the new-to-Sequoia Capstone grade. Each trim offers its unique look and feel depending on the customer. From the standard SR5 to the luxury Capstone trim, you can have your Sequoia be a prestigious passenger vehicle or a three-row TRD Pro performance SUV.
Choosing the highest trim, the Capstone transforms your Sequoia into the most luxurious Sequoia to date. Fitted with Capstone-exclusive black-and-white colour combination, authentic American Walnut wood trim and semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats, this luxurious Sequoia will feel like a yacht on four wheels.
People usually choose SUVs for their size and safety, and Toyota did not disappoint. Everyone trim comes with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5, its most sophisticated safety system yet. The active safety system includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection that can help detect vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists while making a turn in oncoming traffic. If things do get really bad, the Emergency steering assist can help and stabilize the steering to make emergency evasive maneuvers. Neat!
What do you think about the new Sequoia?
Source: Toyota
Keyword: The new Toyota Sequoia