Or a wallflower, either.
The Sequoia is a three-row SUV that was in need of an urgent mommy-makeover. Thankfully, the powers that be at Toyota agreed. The new 2023 version is now the third generation of the brand’s flagship large SUV. Fresh from its makeover, it’s now ready to take on its competition, which includes such stalwarts as the Chevy Tahoe, Nissan Armada and Ford Expedition.
New modern looks
The 2023 Sequoia model is more modern and muscular looking than its predecessor, which to us looked like one hot mama. Overall, its new exterior is the kind of design that screams “look at me!” Would you just look at this body?
Overlanders will rejoice. Under the hood of the new Sequoia sits a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter mild-hybrid V6 engine complete with an electric motor that makes a beefy yet refined 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, combined. It’s paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard but 4-wheel drive (4WD) is also available with a high/low transfer case standard with the off-road-oriented TRD PRO, which is beefier still and includes such extras as a front skid plate, Fox dampers, a locking differential, and all-terrain 33-inch tires.
A look at the Sequoia’s Interior
Its interior is more spacious than ever before. As standard, the Sequoia carries 8 passengers in a 2-3-3 configuration. An available second-row captain chairs cuts one passenger out of the fun but it’s a nicer look overall. As a bonus, a third-row bench can hold a trio of full-size adults. New flexible seating allows the third-row seats to slide backwards and forwards up to six inches giving extra room for entry and exit. you can slide fold them or slide them forward, giving you ample cargo space, which is a must for the overlander life. Behind the third row is a new optional cargo shelf system to maximize the Sequoia’s cargo carrying abilities.
The digital driver’s screen is a by-now standard 12.3-inch display screen. Sequoia SR5 models are complete with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, while higher trim levels receive a 14.0-inch touchscreen that offers connectivity monitoring, including Wi-Fi hotspot and smartphone mirroring, for easy access to all your trail navigation apps. All those conveniences are literally right at your fingertips.
Driver assistance features are standard in the 2023 Sequoia. These include desirable assists like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and more.
We spent a week test-driving the Sequoia and found it offered a very comfortable and quiet ride. While it may not be a rock crawler, it still offers a bit of fun from a large, spacious SUV. It can hold its own over Forest Service roads leading to unique overland destinations.
Our tester was equipped with a Tow/Haul mode, to help optimize power with select transmission shift points when towing. The Sequoia is capable of towing up to 7,000 pounds. It should be just the thing for pulling a lightweight sleep-inside trailer.
