The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia takes the best pieces of the full-size SUV’s long-established reputation and adds features that elevate performance, comfort and safety. Now assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX), this completely redesigned SUV can tow like a truck, entertain the whole family and venture off-road without skipping a beat.
Here are five noteworthy traits of Toyota’s all-new 2023 Sequoia:
Hybrid Efficiency Meets Powerful Performance
The 2023 Sequoia is available exclusively as a hybrid. It’s not what most drivers picture when they think of an electrified vehicle, but the twin turbo V6 i-FORCE MAX powertrain is ready to shatter expectations of what a full-size hybrid SUV can do.
The powertrain, sporting 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, marries the twin-turbo V6 with an electric motor generator that resides in a housing between the engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission — optimizing the power output of the vehicle. Expected to be highly competitive in fuel economy, the 2023 Sequoia also takes advantage of its electric motor for impressive acceleration and instantaneous responsiveness, on top of efficiency.
Drivers will find the Sequoia in 2WD or the available part-time 4WD system on SR5, Limited, Platinum and Capstone grades. The TRD Pro model will be offered only in 4WD.
Towing in an SUV has Never Been Easier
For those who feel intimidated towing a trailer in anything other than a truck, the 2023 Sequoia is here to dispel that fear. In addition to an increase in towing capacity of up to 22% over the outgoing model (up to 9,000 pounds), the SUV has a TOW/HAUL mode that engages the electric and gas motors in tandem for the ideal combination of acceleration and torque.
For visibility, the standard Panoramic View Monitor displays a top-down view of the vehicle and area around it so that drivers can have full confidence in maneuvering their surroundings, while the hitch view assists with trailer connection. And the Tow Tech Package, standard on the Platinum, TRD Pro and Capstone grades, offers Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist, which helps ensure the vehicle moves in a straight line once the desired path is set by the driver.
With the addition of optional power folding, extending and retracting tow mirrors, drivers will never have to question the decision to hitch their haul again.
A Family-Size Interior With Features for Everyone
A true family vehicle begins with seating for all. With three rows being standard on all grades and the third row offering six inches of adjustable range, the 2023 Sequoia can comfortably carry up to eight passengers on any family adventure. A segment-first Adjustable Cargo Shelf System is available that allows drivers to adjust their rear cargo and storage to meet their changing needs. Additionally, the SR5 premium package and above offers a hands-free liftgate, 120-volt power outlets throughout the cabin and cargo, and a power third row.
But, as any family pilot knows, the key to a successful trip is the right entertainment, and the 2023 Sequoia provides plenty of ways to keep passengers satisfied. It connects to smartphones with either Apple CarPlay® or Android Auto™, so passengers can play their favorite music. The new SUV also features Toyota’s new audio multimedia system — with Intelligent Assistant available for easy voice control with a Drive Connect subscription* for real-time traffic, map and routing information. The available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen helps keep everything at the driver’s fingertips.
If passengers opt for their own devices, Wi-Fi Connect subscription turns the vehicle into an AT&T Hotspot.
The Look, Feel and Ability of an Off-Road Vehicle
With the all-new TRD Off-Road Package, available only in 4WD on the SR5 and Limited models, off-road adventures come to the Sequoia line for the very first time. Featuring Bilstein monotube shock absorbers and TRD-tuned springs on the vehicle, drivers will feel surprising comfort on challenging trails, while Downhill Assist Control makes steep descents a breeze. And with CRAWL Control, off-road cruise control is possible at low speeds, so drivers can allow the system to control throttle and braking while they focus on navigating the path.
The TRD Off-Road also comes with Multi-Terrain Select, which is designed to control wheel spin depending upon the terrain for better traction, and with available electronically locking rear differential, which provides additional traction during challenging 4WD Low operation. And thanks to Multi-Terrain Monitor, drivers even get a view of hard-to-see spots, so they can squeeze past obstacles and keep the fun going.
The TRD Off-Road Package design also features a red front axle driveshaft, aluminum gas/brake pedals and unique 18-inch alloy wheels, so its bold look matches its fierce performance on the trail.
With Toyota Safety Sense, Peace of Mind Comes Standard
Whether drivers plan to use their Sequoia for towing big hauls, family road trips, or anything in between, Sequoia’s comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense system provides in the moment active driver support to help you reach your destination safely. Features like the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection are designed to assist drivers by automatically detecting other vehicles, a cyclist in daytime and a pedestrian in low-light conditions.
Additional safety features include Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, which is designed to control the distance between your vehicle and a proceeding vehicle. Meanwhile, Lane Tracing Assist is designed to keep the vehicle centered between lane markers, and Emergency Steering Assist helps stabilize the driver’s emergency evasive steering maneuvers and help prevent lane departure.
The new Sequoia also includes Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking, all standard on every grade. So, no matter the escapade, safety and convenience remain top of mind in every 2023 Toyota Sequoia.
Disclaimer:
*Certain features include a trial period at no extra cost upon original date of new vehicle purchase or lease. After the trial period ends, a paid subscription is required. More details on trial periods and subscription-based features can be found at https://www.toyota.com/connected-services/.
Originally published March 21, 2022