Topic: 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Off-Road

[Blueprint]

To give back the keys to the MX-5 and climb up into this was a shock, to say the least! After 15 years, the previous gen Sequoia finally gave way to an all-new giant, but just how much progress has it made?

https://www.autohebdo.net/editorial/20230922/toyota-sequoia-hors-route-trd-2023-essai-routier/

[Blueprint]

Was it the design, the hippo-class size, the looks or the Lunar Rock paint? Nevertheless, it's been awhile since I caused so much rubbernecking! The devil is in the details, and the Sequoia avoids up front the commercial generator look of the Tundra. It's a classy rig, and it would look perfect with big "UN" letters on the door.

[Blueprint]

The big jump with this generation hides under the vast hood. No more V8's, as the iForce Max Hybrid 3.4 litre twin-turbo V6 is the only engine available, paired to a conventional 10-speed automatic. Yes, Toyota trucks offer a CVT-free hybrid experience, but this novel approach for the brand shows in regular rough shifts, even on the highway. With 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque on tap, the Sequoia squashes the Tahoe in towing capacity, with a 9120 lbs capacity, nearly 1k more than my last Tahoe tester. And this is one fleet hippo, with the 0-60 done in less than 6 seconds despite the 6150 lb curb weight.

The hybrid part delivers - under my watch, it stayed mostly in the 12's while the GM trio guzzles in the high 17's in urban mixed driving.

[Blueprint]

While going hybrid was a brillant move, not so brillant was bolting a rigid axle back there. All competitors offer an IRS setup, making for a better-packaged cabin. The Sequoia has a very narrow shelf for a trunk, and folding the 3rd row results in an uneven floor. Raising the rear shelf to rib cage level gives a flat floor, but the Sequoia will concede 30-33% in cargo volume against a Tahoe. Similar story in the 3rd row seat, where the floor is high and the ceiling low - not comfy for adults back there.

[Blueprint]

One you see a Transformers face in the center stack, you can't unsee it. Inside is a mixed bag, with some high quality materials sharing space with hard squeaky plastics, such as on the peninsula that splits the front thrones. My test rig is the base model and offers content on par with pricing - value decreases as you move to upper trims.

[Blueprint]

These 18" off-road shoes team up with off-road shocks and the ladder frame to send shudders to the entire cabin when driving over pavement crevices. The Sequoia feels it size and weight when you throw it at minivan speeds down an onramp. Tires squeal loudly, understeer rules the day and you realize hippos aren't designed for canyon tangos, especially when they're wearing bowling shoes. It came under a better light on the gravel trails of the photo shoot, I'll admit that.

[Blueprint]

So, what to think of the first new Sequoia in 15 years? Toyota nailed the styling, power and fuel economy, but drivetrain and that rear axle conjure up a lack of refinement that's not expected at 70 large, let alone the near 6 figure msrp of the top trim. The Tahoe with GM's magic shocks is simply in another league. But people who are looking at 9,000 lb towing capacities and don't want a truck may find their match here. Stick with the base version, let adult passengers enjoy that mega-wide 2nd row bench and throw smirks at 'Slades pumping away premium gas. Yes, it's not easy to fit an hippo in urban digs, but if you need one, you need one.

[ktm525]

gaudy TRD labels inside and out. Toyota why oh why?

[PJungnitsch]

The hybrid part delivers - under my watch, it stayed mostly in the 12's while the GM trio guzzles in the high 17's in urban mixed driving.

So if it's using regular vs premium as well that will be half the gas cost for the soccer moms that typically use these things. That will sell it all by itself if the pricing is comparable

[PJungnitsch]

These 18" off-road shoes team up with off-road shocks and the ladder frame to send shudders to the entire cabin when driving over pavement crevices. The Sequoia feels it size and weight when you throw it at minivan speeds down an onramp. Tires squeal loudly, understeer rules the day and you realize hippos aren't designed for canyon tangos, especially when they're wearing bowling shoes. It came under a better light on the gravel trails of the photo shoot, I'll admit that

Wonder that changes as you go up the line. The next trim up ditches the offroad shocks and presumably the tires, and that's only another three grand.

From there they go as well to air suspension in the back

The part time 4WD seems like it would be a more problematic idea for the lux crowd

[Fobroader]

My dads Sequoia was a fantastic vehicle, absolutely unbeatable as a long distance tourer. That V8 was a rocket and it was easy and cheap to maintain. I don't know if this new fangled drivetrain will have the long term reliability of the old one.

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

[rrocket]

My dads Sequoia was a fantastic vehicle, absolutely unbeatable as a long distance tourer. That V8 was a rocket and it was easy and cheap to maintain. I don't know if this new fangled drivetrain will have the long term reliability of the old one.

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

What year was his?

[Fobroader]

My dads Sequoia was a fantastic vehicle, absolutely unbeatable as a long distance tourer. That V8 was a rocket and it was easy and cheap to maintain. I don't know if this new fangled drivetrain will have the long term reliability of the old one.

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

What year was his?

2014

Sent from my SM-G781W using Tapatalk

[ArticSteve]

The new gen Tundra and this Sequoia have been a giant TURKEY for Toyota.  It's amazing how they got this vehicle so wrong.

[rrocket]

The new gen Tundra and this Sequoia have been a giant TURKEY for Toyota.  It's amazing how they got this vehicle so wrong.

I really think dropping the V8 was a huge mistake. Full size truck and V8s are automotive institutions. And the Toyota V8 (apart from being thirsty) was spectacular. A world class V8.

The current truck with a V8 would be a huge improvement.

Leave the hybrid engine as optional.