What engine will the 2023 Sequoia have?

There was a time when the idea of these full-sized SUVs seemed crazy. What family out there needs three rows of seats, cargo space, and the ability to tow a boat all at the same time? Turns out, a ton of them need it. Or more precisely, they want the ability to do all that. So brands like Jeep, Ford, and Chevrolet stepped up by offering updated models over the past few years. But the Sequoia with its big V8 and rounded sheet metal sat relatively unchanged since 2008.

Toyota announced the totally new third-generation Sequoia earlier this year but that was only showing off the design. We got a chance to be one of the first in the world to actually get behind the wheel of the (now) largest SUV in Toyota’s stable. Built in Texas, it seemed only natural that Toyota would take us outside of Dallas to a remote off-road course and wide open highway miles to test the Sequoia in its likely habitat. From the boxy design to the powerful new twin-turbo hybrid engine to the high-end interior, there are many reasons to love this new vehicle. But are there enough reasons to steer those buyers away from newer entrants like the gorgeous Jeep Grand Wagoneer and directly to 2023 Sequoia?

Key Features

• 3.5 Liter Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid
• Great Visibility
• Five Different Trims
• Adjustable Cargo Shelf System

Specifications

• Model: Sequoia
• Engine/Motor: 3.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid
• Horsepower: 437 hp
• Torque: 583 lb-ft
• Drivetrain: Front-engine, RWD / AWD
• Transmission: 10-speed automatic
• Range: N/A

Pros

• New hybrid engine gets better MPG than outgoing V8
• Very comfortable off road and on freeway drives
• Large 14" screen is easy to use

Cons

• Pricier Than Competition (Capstone Is Nearly $80K)
• Third Row Slides But Has Less Headroom

An All-New Generation

In late 2020 as the World was in the midst of everything that comes with a life-halting global pandemic, Toyota announced the Land Cruiser would be disappearing from the American market. Screams, shouts, and frustrated social media pushback ensued. Imagine if Nike stopped selling Jordans? It wasn’t selling well so it made sense that after 60 years it would disappear (slash reappear as the Lexus LX 600). But that left a void at Toyota. Enter stage left: the all-new third-generation 2023 Sequoia takes over the “we haul it all up the mountain in style” responsibility left by the outgoing Land Cruiser.

Impressive Specs Show Off The True Grit And Substance

With the last big change for the Sequoia being 15 years ago, Toyota knew it had to bring a long list of exciting features to the table. And with major competition from nearly every other automaker, this truck has to turn heads and that starts with the specs.

Two of the biggest changes to the 2023 Toyota Sequoia are under the hood and under the sheet metal. Gone is the large V8 with atrocious fuel economy, and it's now replaced instead by Toyota’s Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain. This engine, which first appeared in the Tundra, is a 437 hp 3.5-liter twin-turbo hybrid V6. Combined with the 10-speed automatic transmission, the Sequoia turns out a crushing 583 lb-ft of torque. Toyota throws in a standard tow hitch is standard and rates capacity at 9,520 lbs which is about like pulling a wake board boat or Airstream. There are five trim options: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and the new opulent Capstone. Each trim brings with it various styling cues, upgrades, and package options such as TRD Sport or TRD Off-Road. Also worth noting, each of the trims can be had as two-wheel or four-wheel drive except the TRD-Pro, which makes sense.

The prices range from $58,300 for the 4x2 SR5 to $78,300 for the 4x4 Capstone. These prices are a little more than what you'd pay for some of the best full-size SUVs on the market. The 2023 Sequoia remains a body-on-frame chassis with a full-boxed frame. This essentially means mounted on the chassis is the vehicle. As two parts, it can flex more over rough terrain and during towing versus the more common SUV unibody design which is only one piece. The upside to this setup is more strength and some street cred from those naysayers who see the Sequoia as a grocery getter. The downside is the ride can be more truck like and stiff. More on that later.

Looks Are Not Deceiving On The 2023 Toyota Sequoia

We admit, walking up to the Sequoia is a little intimidating. It’s big and brash with a definite appeal to a more off-road minded buyer than a more affordable large SUV family hauler. The boxy, angular shape seems to come from designers laying an office building on its side, chopping off some pieces and calling it a day. Of course, the front is familiar as it's based on the 2022 Tundra. They share headlights, hood, and front fenders, but Toyota extends that design over what would be the truck bed and dropped a third row of seats in for appeal.

We had a chance to test each of the five trims and Toyota has done a good job keeping them distinct with various styling changes while still maintaining the Sequoia shape. The TRD Pro is the most off-road capable in style and substance. Loaded with enthusiast flexing items like Fox shocks, a TRD front skid plate, unique grill with integrated light bar, TRD Pro badging on the hood and wheels, and a roof rack. It means business.

If you spend more time in your yacht than in the woods, the all new line-topping luxury-dripping Sequoia Capstone trim is for you. Despite sounding more like a hedge fund than an SUV, it is the best of the best in terms of features and design elements. Chrome accents, 22” wheels, and standard power running boards, as well as specific “Capstone” badging set this full-size apart on the outside.

Has the Chevy Tahoe Met Its Match With The 2023 Toyota Sequoia?

The Interior Sanctuary Is Comfortable And Confident

Stepping up or stepping into the Sequoia, depending on running boards, brings a powerful feeling that we loved. The interior is a sanctuary of silent escape. Thanks to the boxy shape, light pours into the cabin and large items like a-pillar handles, a wide center console and lots of storage seem to swallow up your life. We placed our phone on the available wireless charger, water bottle and coffee in the large cup holders, and our camera fit easily into the center console.

The seats were plush but firm with a variety of colors, styles and materials ranging from the fabric for the SR5 to Capstone's semi-aniline leather trimmed chairs. We agreed you can spend hours in this holy roller with no problem. Speaking of seats, the 2023 Sequoia has room for either seven or eight passengers depending on how you want the second row, bench or captain's chairs. Either way, it's worth noting the second row doesn't slide front to back but that wasn't too much of a problem. We reclined the seat backs a little and were able to sit up comfortably. Toyota chose to let the third-row be the seats that can slide forward and back. They move up to 6" which is nice for better rear legroom but the headroom is smaller in the third row than the second, so factor that in when picking who sits where.

Any full-size SUV buyer is looking for passenger space but also cargo space. The 2023 Sequoia has implemented a crafty way to give the people both. Behind the third row is their new Adjustable Cargo Shelf System that can adjust to carry the specific cargo needs you might have. Put some groceries on the lower shelf and shopping bags above it or move the shelf higher to make room for packages or a stroller. This shelving system also helps those people who need a lay-flat feature for hauling large items. After laying the second and third row seats down, you can raise the shelf to the necessary height and create a raised flat floor.

We liked the standard 8” screen on the SR5 but had to admit the available massive 14” screen on higher trims seemed a better fit; sort of like how the 27" flat screen tv from your apartment seems out of place when you move into a house. Each trim comes with Toyota's new Multimedia System (which is easy to use) including "Hey Toyota" which allows the driver to make requests like they would with "Hey Siri," or "Hey Google." Also standard is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

On The Road And Off, The 2023 Sequoia Steers You Right

Starting up the Sequoia happens relatively quietly. It is a hybrid after all, but a flick to sport mode and a crush on the throttle on long roads in central Texas had us pleasantly surprised. The 583 lb-ft of torque pushed us up to speed like a ski boat popping up their skier. And then, like that skier, we were riding on glass as we comfortably knocked off rural and highway miles. It did help that our Capstone edition had the included acoustic glass on the windshield as well as driver and passenger side making 80 mph on the freeway much quieter. In terms of ride quality, the body-on-frame setup makes the 2023 Sequoia drive more like a truck and less like an SUV. Toyota knows this and has been able to balance it out with drive modes and the new multi-link rear suspension.

The off-roading was disappointing, not because the Sequoia's abilities, but because the weather. The day we were to set to take the new TRD Pro grade on a challenging off-road course, we woke up to flooding rain that ruined the course. Toyota's team scrambled to put together another option but the ground and surrounding area was much too soaked. We settled for some bumps and divots to test wheel travel and traction. Knowing Toyota's off-road acumen, we are confident the Sequoia, especially in the TRD Pro grade, will handle nearly all the adventure needs a buyer would have.

As much as we love our sports cars or a classic hot hatch, the ride height and street presence from the 2023 Sequoia had us reminiscing about this SUV for days after the drive. There is something reassuring about a giant block of comfort rolling down the freeway, maneuvering parking lots, and assumedly rigorous off-road trails with ease. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia might not be the truck we need but after a few days behind the wheel, it's the truck we want!