2023 Toyota Sequoia

Toyota has finally redesigned its Sequoia full-size SUV for 2023, after keeping the old one going for almost a decade and a half. This all-new design is again closely related to the Tundra and is built alongside it at Toyota's assembly plant in San Antonio, Texas - right here in the USA and in the heartland of the large, body-on-frame SUV. In contrast to the outgoing model, the new Sequoia doesn't feature a V8 and instead receives a new twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain for all models. The new 3.4-liter engine is supplemented by an electric motor that contributes 48 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque for total system outputs of 437 hp and a stout 583 lb-ft of torque.

The chassis itself is also brand-new but re-introduces a live rear axle with multi-link location and coil springs rather than its predecessor's independent rear suspension. This may improve the new Sequoia's off-road ability, but also brings compromises regarding handling and ride comfort. The list of Toyota Sequoia competitors ranges from the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition to the Jeep Wagoneer. Given its range of up-to-date driver assists and noticeable power advantage at base trim levels, it's not difficult to predict that the 2023 Sequoia should grab a significant chunk of market share from these opponents.

The price of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia opens at an MSRP of $58,365 for an SR5 in RWD format. Next up is the Limited RWD trim, with an MSRP of $64,765. An RWD Sequoia Platinum costs $70,965 and the RWD Capstone will cost $75,365. In each case, specifying 4WD will add $3,000 to the price. The AWD-only TRD Pro trim has a starting price tag of $76,065.

The price of the new Sequoia models mentioned here excludes dealer markups and the destination fee of $1,595 for all trims.

Even in entry-level SR5 trim with RWD, the new Toyota Sequoia is very heavy. The base SR5 2WD rings up a curb weight of 5,620 pounds, so it's only logical that this behemoth won't enjoy fast cornering very much. Steering is light and devoid of feel, and lots of body roll discourages enthusiastic driving. None of that matters, however, because the new Sequoia is built to be comfortable, and it mostly succeeds in being so. Abrupt road disturbances will find their way into the cabin, however, and the slight tremors and shudders that are typical in body-on-frame SUVs are present here too.

The Sequoia's performance is quite the opposite of its relaxed handling dynamics because the new 3.4-liter V6 turbo engine and its hybrid add-ons give the impression of immense torque on tap. There is quite a lot of power on hand, with 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque to help the big and heavy Sequoia scoot from a standstill to 60 mph in around 5.6 seconds when equipped with AWD. Overtaking is effortless, accelerator-pedal response is immediate, and the ten-speed transmission usually selects the appropriate ratio quickly and smoothly. The drivetrain is, in short, excellent.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is a very competitive offering in its market segment, let down only by its relatively confined cabin space, limited cargo volume, and stunted practicality due to that third row that doesn't fold flat into the floor. However, the generally smooth ride, good noise insulation, and comfortable front two seating rows may be enough to compensate for its packaging inefficiencies, and the standard equipment and safety features lists leave nothing to be desired. Judging by the related Tundra's stellar crash-test results, the upcoming safety review of the Toyota Sequoia should yield class-leading results too. Add the perky straight-line performance and hybrid fuel efficiency to the equation, and the new Toyota Sequoia becomes a very appealing proposition. It's perhaps not the best all-rounder in its class, but its abilities are well-balanced enough to overcome the drawbacks of its poor space utilization.

Provided off-road ability isn't a prime priority, the Toyota Sequoia Limited trim strikes a sound balance between utility and luxury. It has most of the nice available features included as standard, looks more upmarket with its larger wheels, and doesn't cost a fortune, either. Higher trim levels have their own appeal and even more luxury, but for family use, the Limited is right in the Goldilocks zone. If you're planning to only do occasional off-roading or traverse rough roads on a regular basis, add the TRD Off-Road Package to the deal, and you'll have a great all-rounder.

However, if you're prepared to pay extra to get even further into the wilderness, the TRD Pro is the trim to have, because it's built for more extreme usage. It has almost all the luxuries of the Platinum trim, but its off-road adaptation makes it more versatile. But if you want to live out your early-2000s rap artist fantasy, only the Capstone will do.