Fifteen years is an eternity within the automotive world, however that’s how a lot time has handed between the introduction of the second- and third-generation Toyota Sequoia.

Launched on the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Present, the second-generation Sequoia debuted a number of months after the unique Apple iPhone. Nonetheless, it did not have a long-lasting legacy because the mannequin rapidly pale into obscurity.

Regardless of meager gross sales, Toyota isn’t falling by the wayside because the 2023 Sequoia combines daring styling with a high-tech inside and a hybrid powertrain. Whereas these options ought to make rivals from Detroit nervous, the corporate didn’t precisely hit a house run.

A Daring, Fashionable Exterior

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One have a look at the 2023 Sequoia reveals Toyota means enterprise because the SUV adopts an edgy design that comes with plenty of cues from the Tundra. That is instantly obvious up entrance as there’s a large grille that’s flanked by T-shaped LED headlights. Whereas these elements intently echo the pickup, the SUV contains a distinctive entrance bumper that appears arguably higher than the one used on the truck.

Shifting additional again, there’s chiseled fenders and taut bodywork for a extra muscular look. They’re joined by blacked out pillars, which assist to provide the mannequin a steady trying greenhouse. Patrons may also discover an assortment of fashionable wheels ranging in sizes from 18- to 22-inches.

The trendy design continues out again with a brand new liftgate that options an old-school flip-up rear window. Additional beneath, there’s a minimalist bumper and slender LED taillights with out there sequential flip alerts.

The 2023 Sequoia is 3 inches (76 mm) longer than its predecessor, however its 208.1 inch (5,286 mm) size nonetheless comes up brief when in comparison with the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Wagoneer. Nonetheless, its 122 inch (3,099 mm) wheelbase slots between rivals because it’s barely extra beneficiant than the Tahoe.

A Excessive-Tech Cabin That Ranges From Primary To Plush

Whereas we had combined emotions in regards to the Tundra’s cabin, the Sequoia’s inside feels extra aggressive regardless of largely carrying over from the pickup. As soon as inside, drivers will discover a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system on every part besides the entry-level SR5, which makes use of a smaller 8-inch show.

The infotainment system debuted on the Tundra and is a big enchancment over the earlier 7-inch show, which was the equal of a flip telephone in an iPhone world. The voice-focused infotainment system options an Clever Assistant, which responds to the “Hey Toyota” wake phrase and can be utilized to regulate local weather and audio settings, enter locations, and discover close by factors of curiosity corresponding to gasoline stations or eating places utilizing Google information.

The options don’t finish there because the system boasts wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, cloud-based navigation, over-the-air updates, and built-in Apple Music and Amazon Music streaming. Nonetheless, many of those options require a subscription after the trial interval expires.

Placing the infotainment system apart, the 2023 Sequoia comes properly geared up as even the entry-level SR5 options eight-way energy heated entrance seats, a moonroof, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink. They’re joined by a tri-zone automated local weather management system in addition to quite a few soft-touch accents.

Nonetheless, Toyota expects most clients will go for the Restricted and Platinum trims. The previous provides SofTex upholstery, heated and ventilated entrance seats, and a heated steering wheel. Patrons may also discover a energy folding third-row and a 14-inch infotainment system.

The Platinum builds on this with 10-way energy leather-based entrance seats, second-row captains’ chairs with heating and air flow, and a wi-fi smartphone charger, in addition to a panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting, an influence tilt/telescopic steering wheel, and a 14 speaker JBL premium audio system. The Platinum additionally boasts a digital rearview mirror, which is useful because the headrests conspire to restrict visibility with the normal mirror.

Patrons searching for extra luxurious can go for the Sequoia Capstone, which boasts an assortment of facilities together with two-tone semi-aniline leather-based seats and American Walnut wooden trim. It’s definitely fancy, however the mannequin begins at $75,300 and that makes it $4,700 costlier than the 2022 GMC Yukon Denali. The excessive worth additionally means the Capstone is simply barely cheaper than the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, though they’re aimed toward totally different patrons.

A Third-Class Third-Row

Whereas the first- and second-rows provide comfy seats and tons of area, the Sequoia’s third-row is a swing and a miss. Not like rivals, the third-row doesn’t fold flat and as an alternative collapses into an elevated platform a bit like on the 2001 Chevrolet Enterprise.

It’s an inelegant answer, however the third-row seats are mounted on sliders that present 6 inches (152 mm) of adjustment so homeowners can both maximize legroom or cargo area. That being stated, in order for you adults to suit into the third-row, the seats must be slid all the best way again as they provide a mere 28.1 inches (714 mm) of legroom of their stingiest place. That may be elevated to 33.7 inches (856 mm), which makes the third-row palatable for adults corresponding to this 6’2” reviewer, however headroom is extraordinarily restricted and something greater than a brief journey can be a depressing expertise.

The third-row’s shortcomings are clear whenever you have a look at the competitors because the Tahoe, Expedition, and Wagoneer all provide between 34.9 and 36.6 inches (886 and 930 mm) of legroom. All three rivals even have at the very least 1.7 inches (43 mm) of extra headroom, which makes the distinction between a good match and being really uncomfortable.

Fortunately, there’s a silver lining as third-row occupants will discover cup holders, a small storage cubby, and USB ports for charging digital units. There are additionally air vents and an influence recline perform on greater finish variants. That being stated, entry and egress is a ache and the third-row is greatest left to youngsters and small teenagers.

Third-row area isn’t the one space the place the Sequoia trails rivals because the SUV’s cargo capability can also be disappointing. With each second- and third-rows folded, the mannequin affords a most baggage quantity of 86.9 cubic toes (2,461 liters). That’s considerably lower than the Tahoe (122.9 cubic toes / 3,480 liters), Expedition (104.6 cubic toes / 2,962 liters), and Wagoneer (116.7 cubic toes / 3,305 liters). Even the Nissan Armada outshines it with 95.4 cubic toes (2,701 liters) of space for storing.

Cargo capability isn’t the one concern because the raised platform for the rear seats means there isn’t a flat load flooring. Toyota will get round this with an adjustable cargo shelf, which affords 4 peak settings together with one that’s flush with the third row. It’s a little bit of a workaround, however the shelf is an fascinating thought because it helps as much as 250 lbs (113 kg) of weight and allows homeowners to haul two tiers of groceries or baggage.

A Full-Measurement Hybrid SUV With 437 HP

Unquestionably, the Sequoia’s standout characteristic is its i-Drive Max hybrid powertrain. It carries over from the Tundra and consists of a twin-turbo 3.5-liter (3,445 cc) V6, a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery, and an electrical motor that develops 48 hp (36 kW / 49 PS) and 184 lb-ft (250 Nm) of torque. The motor is successfully sandwiched between the engine and the 10-speed automated transmission, and this allows it to offer electrical help, vitality regeneration, and electric-only driving at low speeds.

The powertrain produces a formidable 437 hp (326 kW / 443 PS) and 583 lb-ft (790 Nm) of torque, which is 56 hp (41 kW / 57 PS) and 182 lb-ft (246 Nm) greater than the previous 5.7-liter V8. Apart from being extra highly effective than its predecessor, the hybrid powertrain bests the V8s supplied by Chevrolet and GMC in addition to the three.5-liter EcoBoost V6 from Ford.

The hybrid powertrain is a delight as the electrical motor helps to enhance acceleration each off the road and whereas underway. Toyota didn’t give a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time, however the mannequin feels impressively fast for a full-size SUV weighing as much as 6,185 lbs (2,805 kg).

The system operates seamlessly and regardless of being targeted on efficiency, it guarantees a “large enchancment” in gas effectivity. Numbers haven’t been finalized, however Toyota expects the SUV will likely be “extraordinarily aggressive” with rivals and provide gas financial system figures much like the hybridized Tundra.

Primarily based on the truck, rear-wheel drive variants ought to return roughly 20 mpg metropolis, 24 mpg freeway, and 22 mpg mixed. With four-wheel drive, these numbers ought to drop to round 19 mpg metropolis, 22 mpg freeway, and 21 mpg mixed. Whatever the remaining figures, they’ll simply beat the outgoing mannequin that supplied a gas financial system ranking of as much as 13 mpg metropolis, 17 mpg freeway, and 15 mpg mixed.

On the subject of efficiency, the Sequoia retains its body-on-frame building and shares its structure with the Tundra, Land Cruiser, and Lexus LX. The brand new platform is extra inflexible than its predecessor and allows the mannequin to tow as much as 9,520 lbs (4,318 kg), which is greater than initially estimated.

We skilled the latter first hand as we towed a Tigé 22 RZX round Decatur, Texas. The SUV had no drawback hauling the roughly 4,500 lbs (2,041 kg) boat as issues have been completely comfy as soon as on top of things. Aiding on this was the Tow/Haul mode, which retains the engine and electrical motor working in tandem to optimize acceleration and torque for towing. It’s additionally price mentioning there are two Tow/Haul modes, every geared in the direction of small or heavy hundreds.

On the subject of towing, the 2023 Sequoia could be geared up with new energy folding, extending, and retracting tow mirrors straight from the manufacturing unit. The mannequin will also be outfitted with a Tow Tech bundle, which features a Trailer Backup Information and Straight Path Help. The latter retains the trailer in a straight line whereas reversing and this makes launching a ship a breeze.

A Experience That Rocks The Boat

Driving a full-size SUV is never thrilling, however the 2023 Sequoia isn’t horrible because the mannequin contains a new rack-mounted digital energy steering system that provides improved really feel. The steering is predictable and properly weighted, however we want it was a bit extra responsive as even comparatively mundane maneuvers require loads of turning.

Whereas that’s a minor grievance, the trip high quality is a extra severe concern. After driving the 2022 Tundra, we had excessive hopes that the redesigned Sequoia would provide a snug and settled trip. Sadly, these desires have been rapidly dashed because the SUV at all times appears to be in movement. Even on easy again roads, the Sequoia appears like a ship on a windy lake. Issues calm down a bit on the freeway, however the trip high quality pales compared to that supplied on the Tahoe and Yukon.

This isn’t too stunning as each rivals have an unbiased rear suspension, whereas the Sequoia’s “trendy multi-link” setup has traveled again in time to the period of the stable rear axle. Nonetheless, the mannequin could be geared up with an Adaptive Variable Suspension and a Load-Leveling Rear Top Management Air Suspension.

It’s additionally price noting that physique roll rears its ugly head in corners, however this isn’t a lot of a shock and neither is the prevalence of wind noise at freeway speeds.  To assist restrict the latter, all fashions come normal with an acoustic laminated windshield. The luxurious Capstone variant goes the additional mile by including acoustic entrance aspect glass to maintain issues a bit extra hushed.

Fortunately, it’s not all dangerous information because the 2023 Sequoia comes with a brand new Drive Mode Choose system that provides three totally different modes generally known as Eco, Regular, and Sport.  They’re joined by Consolation, Sport S+, and Customized modes on automobiles geared up with the Adaptive Variable Suspension and Load-Leveling Rear Top Management Air Suspension. The assorted modes assist to tailor the car to your preferences, however Sport and Sport S+ modes are notable as they name on the electrical motor to spice up efficiency.

For these trying to go off-road, there’s the rugged TRD Professional that options technical camo accents and a singular grille with an built-in LED mild bar. The upgrades aren’t simply beauty because the range-topper sports activities a beefy entrance skid plate, a locking rear differential, and an off-road targeted suspension with FOX inner bypass shocks.

Different highlights embrace a TRD entrance stabilizer and 18-inch BBS aluminum wheels wrapped in 33-inch Falken Wildpeak tires. Patrons may also discover Multi-Terrain Choose, which optimizes the car for the terrain you’re tackling. It’s joined by Crawl Management, which acts as a low-speed cruise management system for off-roading.  There’s additionally Downhill Help Management, which limits how briskly the car descends a steep slope.

Whereas the TRD Professional is definitely cool and affords an additional half inch (13 mm) of floor clearance, the mannequin begins at $76,900 and this makes it costlier than the Chevrolet Tahoe Z71, GMC Yukon AT4, and Ford Expedition Timberline. If that’s out of your worth vary, you’ll be able to go for the TRD Off-Street bundle that’s out there on four-wheel drive variations of the SR5 and Restricted.

The bundle has most of the similar upgrades because the TRD Professional together with a locking rear differential, a skid plate, and the aforementioned off-road methods. Different highlights embrace an off-road targeted suspension with TRD-tuned springs and Bilstein shocks in addition to TRD wheels sporting Michelin LTX Path tires.

Driver Help Know-how Comes Customary

Whereas plenty of rivals cost for driver help methods, the 2023 Sequoia comes normal with the Toyota Security Sense 2.5 suite of applied sciences. It contains Full-Velocity Vary Dynamic Radar Cruise Management, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Help, Lane Tracing Help, and a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. They’re joined by Automated Excessive Beams, Street Signal Help, and a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Visitors Alert in addition to Trailer Merge Warning. The mannequin additionally has Entrance and Rear Parking Help with Automated Braking.

That’s relatively beneficiant, however there’s one factor you gained’t discover on the SUV and that’s a hands-free semi-autonomous driving system. It is a notable omission because the Expedition affords BlueCruise, whereas Tremendous Cruise will likely be added to the 2023 Tahoe.

A New Tree In The Forest

A redesigned Sequoia has been lengthy overdue, however it seems the wait was largely price it because the ensuing mannequin contains a daring design, trendy know-how, and a really spectacular hybrid powertrain. We are able to additionally anticipate vital gas financial system good points and that’s essential because the nationwide common worth of gasoline is hovering round $4.865 per gallon.

The excellent news doesn’t finish there because the Sequoia is a succesful tow machine, which affords rankings between 8,980 and 9,520 lbs (4,073 and 4,318 kg). It is a large leap over its predecessor, which maxed out at 7,400 lbs (3,357 kg), and in addition higher than the Tahoe and Expedition.

Nonetheless, there are some drawbacks as cargo capability and third-row passenger area depart loads to be desired. The third-row additionally doesn’t fold flat and this makes the Sequoia really feel prefer it’s behind the occasions.

Talking of old skool, there’s a stable rear axle and an unsettled trip. The latter isn’t uncomfortable, however the car consistently appears to be in movement and rivals do a greater job of isolating issues.

On the finish of the day, there’s a brand new tree within the forest and it’ll arrive at dealerships this summer time with a base worth of $58,300.

Image credit: Michael Gauthier for CarScoops