2023 Toyota Sequoia: What can you get for that money

Overview

The Toyota Sequoia has always been a three-row SUV the size of a full truck, and that won't change with the new 2023 model. What does change is everything else: this newly designed Sequoia is much more modern than its predecessor, which was released over 10 years ago.

The new Sequoia comes standard with the Tundra’s iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, which 3.4-liter V-6 engine and an electric motor for a total of 437 horsepower. It also has a large touchscreen with updated software, along with cabin that fits up to eight passengers in three rows. While this modernization gives the Sequoia a better chance to compete against rivals such as the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition, Toyota chose not make maxing out interior space and cargo area practicality a priority.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Sequoia SUV comes standard with the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain that is an optional extra in the Tundra pickup. This powertrain comprises of a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine and an electric motor which produce a total of 437 hp and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Tundra’s 10-speed automatic transmission also carries over to the Sequoia SUV . Rear - wheel drive is standard, with four - wheel drive being optional on most versions—and standard on  the off road - oriented TRD Pro model .

With a four-wheel drive, the Sequoia Capstone we tested was able to accelerate to 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds and reach a quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 94 mph. Though this is quicker than the last GMC Yukon Denali we tested, it's somewhat slower than the Ford Expedition Timberline. However, the TRD Pro comes with other upgrades such as Fox dampers, a front skid plate, a locking rear differential, and 18-inch forged wheels with 33-inch tires--all of which aid in offroading.

Although we enjoyed the comfortable ride and serene cabin during our first drive, we were not as pleased with its on-road driving performance. Its extra-wide build makes it difficult to stay in one lane--something that other large SUVs have caused us to complain about in the past--and its light steering can make it feel jumpy when cruising at a consistent speed. We will update this story with test results from our facility once we have had a chance to put the Sequoia through all of its paces.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The new Sequoia's hybrid setup is more efficient than the outgoing model. Rear-wheel-drive models are EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. Opting for four-wheel drive drops those numbers a bit to 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 mgp combined. When we get our hands on the Sequoia we’ll run it on our real world 75 mph fuel economy test which will give us a better idea of its capabilities. For more information about the Sequoias fuel economy visit the EPA's website

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The Sequoia's interior is just as large in this new generation, with a third row of seats included. You have the choice between a second-row bench setup that has eight passenger capacity or optional second-row captain chairs that reduce the number of seats to seven. Headroom might be an issue in both of the rear rows if you choose to get the panoramic sunroof installed.

The Sequoia offers a range of trim levels and interior materials, from cloth to leather upholstery and varying wood and chrome finishes. Higher trims come with features including heated/cooled second-row seats, radar cruise control, panoramic sunroofs, premium stereos. However, the Sequoia's cargo area is less accommodating than other rivals—with 12 cubic feet of space behind the rear seat in use, and no flat load floor when the third row is folded down.

How many MPG will the 2023 Sequoia get?

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia gas mileage reaches up to 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined on the 2WD configuration; the 4WD 2023 Toyota Sequoia gas mileage ratings are slightly lower at 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.

Does 2023 Sequoia have air suspension?

Control. Comfort. Confidence. Paired with the available Load-leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension, Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) allows the shock absorber to vary the damping force depending on road conditions.

Do Sequoias hold value?

A Toyota Sequoia will depreciate 28% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $52,859.