The majestic SUV has been redesigned from the ground up
Roseville, Calif. — The redesign is long overdue, so one should commend Toyota for finally bringing significant changes to the venerable Sequoia SUV.
the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Redesigned from the ground up. It has a more powerful turbocharged engine that has helped increase towing capacity. It also comes with sharper exterior styling, a much improved cabin, better fuel economy (19-24 mpg), and an all-new infotainment system.
Pros and Cons
However, Sequoia still has its drawbacks. For a full-size SUV, the third row remains comfortable. Cargo space is now smaller and keeps pace with the competition. The Sequoia retains a hefty ride feel and there’s a general lack of a sophisticated ride, which is a common complaint of most large SUVs.
The drop in sales was significant in the last three years when the Sequoia failed to get over the 8070. And honestly, sales haven’t been good for long. The Sequoia has only sold 13,848 vehicles since 2009, far from its best year for sales, 70,187 in 2002.
With the popularity of smaller SUVs, larger cars like the Sequoia have suffered. It got so bad that a year ago Toyota decided to pull the popular Land Cruiser from its lineup, leaving the Sequoia as the only large SUV. Note that its luxury brand – Lexus – has a pair of three-row SUVs.
a race
The Sequoia is now the tallest, widest and tallest SUV in Toyota’s lineup—it has three rows and can seat seven or eight passengers, depending on configuration. The main competitors are Chevrolet TahoeAnd Ford Expedition And Jeep Wagoneer.
Although not designed for serious off-road driving, the Sequoia can go there, despite its modest 8.7 inches of ground clearance. An optional off-road package offers a two-speed transfer case with high and low range gears, Crawl Control, all-terrain tires, skid plates, and a locking rear differential.
All-new hybrid drive
By far, the Sequoia’s biggest improvement came with the all-new hybrid powertrain, giving the SUV improved acceleration. The engine is a 3.4-liter V6 that makes 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, and it comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission. It goes from 0-60 in 5.6 seconds.
Rear-wheel drive is standard with the Sequoia and all-wheel drive is available. The towing limit is 9,520 pounds—about 2,100 pounds more than the outgoing model.
Standard driver assistance features are available on the Sequoia – front and rear parking sensors, a surround-view parking camera system, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, forward collision warning with pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic forward emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Departure with lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control with lane centering, automatic high beam headlights, traffic sign recognition, and rear seat alert.
At a Glance – Toyota Sequoia 2023
- Performance: 3.4-liter, V6, 437 hp
- Mileage estimate: 19-24 mpg
- Estimated price: $58,400 to $78,400
- Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles; Drivetrain: 5 years/60,000 miles; Roadside assistance: 2 cents/25,000; Corrosion: 5 years / unlimited
internal
The interior has been much improved, starting with the attractive design. Numerous soft-touch surfaces and wood accents are available on top-of-the-line models. The driver has access to the standard 8-inch touchscreen, and large menus and icons make it easy to read and operate. Also standard are wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, eight stereo speakers, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and multiple USB ports.
The first two rows of seats are spacious even for the largest people, while the third row is mainly for children. Cargo space is 22.3 cubic feet behind the third row, 49 cubic feet with the third row down, and 86.9 cubic feet with both rows on the floor.
The long-awaited redesign took 14 years to complete, and we hope it’s not too late to save the Sequoia from the fate of the extinct Land Cruiser. Many of the improvements are significant and make the 2023 Toyota Sequoia an even better large SUV.
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