(By Tom Lohnes) – Since it debuted alongside its Tundra sibling in 2007, the Toyota Sequoia has not seen much change. With a dependable V8 under the hood, a comfortable interior, and some decent looks, the Sequoia actually sold pretty well for a horrendously inefficient and outdated SUV. We left the last generation behind in 2021, and now we are in need of a new one. Meet the all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia.
Based on the same chassis that the all-new Tundra, Land Cruiser, and Lexus LX600, this new Sequoia is the closest Toyota model we get to the dearly departed Land Cruiser in the US. With a standard iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, the Sequoia utilizes a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 and a battery to make a best-in-class 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft of torque standard. The 2022 Ford Expedition has the horsepower beat in higher trims, but no base model full-size SUV makes more power or torque than the Sequoia. Also, similar to the Tundra is looks. Outside, the Sequoia takes the same blocky design as the truck, but smooths things out in the back. The Sequoia also has some pretty cool trim levels, like the off-road biased TRD PRO, and the nearly Lexus-like Capstone.
Inside, things also look mighty familiar, but that is not a bad thing. Lower models will come with an analog gauge cluster and an 8.0-inch center screen, but a digital cluster and a massive 14-inch screen come into play on higher-trim models. In the Capstone, things look very nice, with 2-tone leather, heated and cooled front and rear seats, and the fancy “capstone” text illuminated on the passenger side of the dashboard.
In a market full of Tahoes and Expeditions, the Sequoia sure does stand out. Because of Toyota’s reputation and the overall appeal of this giant SUV, I’m sure we will be seeing quite a few on the roads in no time. Pricing hasn’t been released yet, but expect a starting price around the $45,000 mark.
