Hybrid Powertrain Standard on 2023 Toyota Sequoia SUV

Toyota introduces the 2023 Sequoia large SUV featuring a new, standard hybrid powertrain.

The three-row Sequoia going on sale in summer 2022 is described by Toyota as “all-new from the ground up” and will be available in a TRD Off-Road package, a first for the model.

All five trim levels of the third-generation Sequoia are powered by a twin-turbo i-FORCE MAX hybrid V-6 producing 437 hp and 583 lb.-ft. (790 Nm) of torque and paired with a 10-speed automatic. Fuel economy estimates are not immediately available, but Toyota says fuel economy will be “a huge improvement over the previous generation.”

The engine’s maximum towing capacity is 9,000 lbs. (4,080 kg), nearly 22% more than the Sequoia the all-new SUV is replacing.

The SUV’s five trim levels are SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and the new-to-Sequoia Capstone grade.

Standard on the SR5 are the i-FORCE MAX powertrain, Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 driver-assistance systems, moonroof, heated seats and more. It also features a standard 12.3-in. (31-cm) digital instrument display and Panoramic View Monitor. The SR5 Premium package, Sequoia adds a 14-in. (36-cm) Toyota Audio Multimedia display, power third row, hands-free liftgate, Softex seats, and cabin and cargo 120V power outlets.

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The Limited grade (pictured, above) includes the 14-in. touchscreen as standard and adds standard heated/ventilated front seats with memory settings, standard heated steering wheel, power-folding third row and hands-free power liftgate.

A first-for-Sequoia TRD Off-Road package is available for both SR5 and Limited 4x4 models. TRD Off-Road enhances off-road capability with the addition of a selectable locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select that helps control wheel spin for improved traction and Downhill Assist Control to aid with steep descents. Also standard is Crawl Control, functioning as off-road cruise control for low-speed trail navigation in 4WD Low, and Multi-Terrain Monitor.

The Platinum trim level offers added comfort and premium features including heated and ventilated front and second-row, second-row captain’s chairs, standard 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio system, standard panoramic moonroof and standard head-up display and more. Sequential turn signals and rain-sensing wipers are added to Platinum, as is standard wireless charging.

The TRD Pro package includes much of the same technology as TRD Off-Road but adds specially tuned FOX internal bypass shocks (pictured, below) and aluminum front skid plate. TRD Pro also provides premium features such as standard second-row captain’s chairs, heated steering wheel, roof rack and black 18-in. TRD alloy wheels.

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The top-of-the-line Capstone grade features unique chrome accents including standard 22-in. chrome wheels, a first for Sequoia. Standard power running boards provide access to standard semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats. The center console and passenger-side dash are accented with authentic American Walnut with an open-pore finish. Capstone is the only Sequoia grade to feature acoustic glass in the front doors for more exterior sound deadening.

The ’23 Sequoia’s new multimedia system, first launched in Tundra, is headlined by an 8-in. or available 14-in. touchscreen that controls the all-new Toyota Audio Multimedia system.

Toyota says this system offers an improved user experience thanks to new sight, touch and voice activation. With Intelligent Assistant available through Drive Connect – offered at no cost upon purchase and requiring a paid subscription after a trial period – phrases such as “Hey Toyota” activate the system for voice-activated commands to search for directions, adjust audio controls, change cabin temperatures and more. The cloud-based in-vehicle navigation system offered through Drive Connect allows for real-time over-the-air updates for mapping and points of interest.

Drive Connect also supports standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Toyota Audio Multimedia allows for simultaneous dual Bluetooth phone connectivity. A Wi-Fi Connect subscription offers 4G connectivity for up to five devices by turning Sequoia into an AT&T Hotspot, and it also offers the ability to link separate Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the SUV’s infotainment system with Integrated Streaming.

The ’23 Sequoia will be assembled at Toyota Motor Mfg. in San Antonio, TX. Pricing information has not been disclosed.

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