The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia is officially here. It’s not conforming to any current norms in the quickly growing full-size three-row SUV segment. When it goes on sale in the summer of 2022, it will be available only with the I-Force MAX hybrid powertrain. It will be the only full-size SUV with a solid rear axle to boot. Since the Toyota Land Cruiser is no longer available in the U.S., the new Sequoia TRD Pro off-road version is looking to take its place.
Here are all the details.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
The all-new Sequoia is based on the same platform and chassis as the new 2022 Tundra, overseas 300-series Land Cruiser, and the new 2022 Lexus LX600. The 2023 Sequoia will offer just one powertrain – the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid that is rated at 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. It is only available with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
While the rest of the competition switched to the independent rear suspension, the new Sequoia goes for a solid rear axle setup with a multi-link rear coil-sprung design (that we see on the 2022 Tundra lineup). This means, the new Sequoia also gets several suspension options. This includes the self-leveling rear air suspension or the FOX shocks for the TRD Pro version.
Once we get more detailed specifications, we will have to see if Toyota had to sacrifice third-row legroom or headroom in order to use the solid rear-axle design. While the solid rear axle may intrude into the cabin a bit, it is expected to be very solid for towing trailers. The 2023 Sequoia is rated to tow up to 9,000 lbs. This is a big increase over the previous generation, and it is impressive. However, it’s not class-leading. The Ford Expedition is rated to tow up to 9,300 lbs.
The new Sequoia will be available in five trim levels: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and the new top-of-the-line Capstone. The new TRD Pro model offers many of the components that are also available on the new Tundra TRD Pro. It has a slighter wider stance with unique TRD Pro styling. It has forged BBS wheels with all-terrain tires, FOX 2.5 shocks, and a selectable rear locking differential.
There are also the optional TRD Sport or TRD Off-road packages that you can add to the Sequoia. The TRD Sport has a slightly lower ride height and Bilstein shocks that are tuned for sporty on-road driving. The TRD Off-road package comes with off-road-tuned Bilstein shocks, a Multi-Terrain-Select system, a Crawl Control system, and a selectable locking rear differential. This is why the new Sequoia is truly the Tundra of SUVs.
On the inside, the Sequoia can be had with a second-row bench seat or second-row captain chairs. Each trim level comes with its own interior theme and materials. There is an available panoramic sunroof. The third-row bench has an innovative 40/60 split sliding design. The seats can be moved forward to accommodate more cargo or slid toward the rear for taller people. Once all seats are folded down, there is an additional rear shelf system that provides for a raised but flat surface.
Pricing and fuel economy figures will be revealed a bit later. The all-new 2023 Sequoia goes on sale in summer 2022. We cannot wait to put it to the test. Please stay tuned to this website and TFLoffroad.com for more detailed in-person videos of the new Sequoia.
