Toyota has officially unveiled the all-new 2023 Sequoia SUV, entering its third-generation with a new design and a standard hybrid powertrain.
The 2023 Sequoia remains a three-row, full-size SUV; however, Toyota has brought it back with a slew of upgrades, including a twin-turbo V6 i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain across all models. This is the same power plant first introduced in the Tundra pickup, producing 437 horsepower and 585 lb-ft of torque with a max tow rating of 9,000 pounds. It will be mated up to a 10-speed automatic transmission; the hybrid’s motor generator is hooked up to the drivetrain inside the bellhousing between the engine and transmission.
Currently, Toyota has not released official fuel economy ratings or estimates, but it’s “expected to be extremely competitive at the top of the segment.” It is also said to be more efficient than the previous generation; a “huge improvement,” in fact.
The drivetrain can be outfitted as either a two-wheel-drive (2WD) or part-time four-wheel-drive (4WD) system, available on the SR5, Limited, Platinum and Capstone trims. TRD Pro will also be offered, but only in the 4WD configuration. The 4WD system is said to rely on the transfer case, which is controlled via a lever on the center console. Drivers will be able to select between 2WD, 4WD high or 4WD low.
The vehicle is supported by a new fully boxed frame, shared with the all-new Tundra and global Land Cruiser. The new frame is lighter and stronger, said to improve ride comfort and increase structural rigidity thanks to new manufacturing techniques. The suspension features an independent front, a multi-link rear, a new rack-mounted electronic power steering system and available Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension.
All 2023 Sequoia trims will come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, the automaker’s suite of safety technologies, as well as a moonroof, heated seats, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel. The first bump up is the SR5 Premium package, which adds Toyota’s 14-inch infotainment display, power third row seats, a hands-free liftgate, and cabin and cargo 120-volt outlets. An available TRD Sport Package adds 20-inch matte black wheels, sporty Bilstein monotube shocks and TRD springs, plus some interior accents.
Limited models and up will receive the 14-inch infotainment display standard, as well as front seat memory settings, a heated steering wheel, and second-and-third-row manual sunshades. The Limited will also carry over the power third row and power liftgate from the SR5 Premium package.
SR5 and Limited 4×4 models can be equipped with the Sequoia TRD Off-Road package, which adds a selectable locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select (which helps control wheel spin), Downhill Assist Control, Crawl Control, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor. The vehicle will also sit on special 18-inch alloy wheels, TRD-tuned Bilstein monotube shocks, TRD-tuned springs, and a red front axle driveshaft.
Platinum-equipped Sequoias come with heated and ventilated front and second-row seats and wireless device charging. Rear passengers will also enjoy second-row captain’s chairs. The Premium also gains a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, and the moonroof is extended into a panoramic moonroof. Drivers will have a Heads-Up Display, rain-sensing wipers and LED head and taillights, finished off with sequential turn signals.
The TRD Pro model is loaded with many of the same Platinum features, such as second-row captain’s chairs and a heated steering wheel; however, it takes an off-road approach to luxury by way of TRD equipment and styling. TRD-tuned FOX internal bypass shocks offer an upgrade to the aforementioned Off-Road package’s monotube Bilsteins; however, similar to the Off-Road package, the TRD Pro comes with a selectable locking rear diff, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control. The front undercarriage is guarded by an aluminum TRD front skid plate.
The nose is spearheaded by a special heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” grille with an embedded TRD Light bar and marker lights. Special black 18-inch wheels and a dual TRD Pro exhaust tip finish off this level.
The cream of the crop is the Sequoia Capstone, building off of the Platinum model. The vehicle is finished with a variety of chrome accents, including exclusive 22-inch wheels. Power running boards provide occupants with easier access to the semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats, finished in the Capstone black and white color combo; a special Capstone logo lights up with LEDs when the door is opened. Open-pore American Walnut fills in parts of the interior.
The 2023 Sequoia can be finished in 10 colors– White, Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Silver, Lunar Rock, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Blueprint, Army Green, Midnight Black Metallic, Smoked Mesquite, Supersonic Red– plus an exclusive TRD “Solar Octane.”
Pricing is yet to be announced, but we’ll have more information soon right here on MotorWeek!
Keyword: Toyota Unveils All-New 2023 Sequoia; Five Trims for the Third-Gen Three-Row