The 2023 Toyota Sequoia full-size 3-row SUV is the first of a new generation. As the second generation before it, this new Sequoia is the most luxurious SUV in Toyota’s portfolio, almost overlapping into Lexus territory, as well as being extremely capable off-road while displaying excellent on-road behavior.
Built on a fresh platform that also underpins the latest Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, as well as the Toyota Tundra pickup, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia still employs a traditional body-on-frame construction. This means that weight is inevitable, but there’s also a corresponding sturdiness that helps the Sequoia achieve its maximum towing capability.
In the past, such heft also contributed to the outgoing model’s dire fuel economy. This time around, a hybrid powertrain provides an intelligent solution to this conundrum, with selectable driving modes to add greater flexibility. Toyota’s engineers have also deployed various construction techniques to reduce mass compared with the older SUV.
For extra reassurance, the hybrid powertrain has an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, with the battery covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles — whichever occurs first. This third-generation Sequoia heads to Toyota dealerships in summer 2022.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia comes standard with the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain that’s optional in the Tundra pickup. This powertrain is comprised of a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine and an electric motor that produces a total of 437 hp and 583 pound-feet of torque.
The Tundra’s 10-speed automatic transmission carries over to the Sequoia SUV as well. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive optional on most versions—and standard on the off-road-oriented TRD Pro model.
The TRD Pro also comes with off-road equipment such as upgraded shocks, a front skid plate, a locking rear differential, and different 18-inch wheels.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t yet released fuel-economy numbers for the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, nor for its Tundra hybrid pickup sibling. But we don’t think the Sequoia hybrid will offer a huge fuel-efficiency boost over the Tundra’s nonhybrid powertrain, which is rated at up to 20 mpg combined.
When we get our hands on the Sequoia we’ll run it on our real-world 75-mph highway fuel-economy test. For more information about the 2023 Toyota Sequoia’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Sequoia’s large and spacious interior continues in this new generation, with the third row of seats as standard equipment. A second-row bench setup with an eight-passenger capacity is standard, with optional second-row captain’s chairs reducing the number of seats to seven.
With a wide range of trim levels available, the interior trimmings run the gamut from cloth to leather upholstery and varying levels of wood and chrome trim as you walk up the price ladder. Higher trim levels offer features including heated and cooled second-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium stereo system.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The old Sequoia’s dated touchscreen setup has been swapped out for the large 14.0-inch touchscreen found in the Tundra. This screen comes standard on all but the base SR5 and will use Toyota’s latest infotainment software, which offers all manner of smartphone mirroring and other connectivity options including a Wi-Fi hotspot and various music-streaming options.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
All of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia’s available driver-assistance features come standard across the board. For more information about the 2023 Toyota Sequoia’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
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