This week, we’re test-driving the 2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro in the Wild Wild, West rugged terrain. The third generation of the flagship SUV, which debuted in 2023, has undergone significant changes. The TRD Pro is the priciest option in the Sequoia trim lineup, not due to its luxury features but because of its impressive off-road capabilities.
Performance
The Sequoia, sharing a chassis and powertrain with the Tundra, boasts a powerful i-FORCE Max engine. This innovative engine, featuring a 48-horsepower electric motor nestled between the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 and a traditional 10-speed automatic transmission, delivers a staggering 437 horsepower and an impressive 583 pound-feet of torque. The standard 4-wheel drive and hybrid system, while not primarily designed for fuel economy, still manage to achieve a respectable 20 miles per gallon combined, a feat for an over-three-ton SUV.
Exterior
The exterior appearance can be described as athletic. The 18″ BBS wheels fit the motif and are wrapped in meaty 285/65 tires. The sculpted V-shaped hood looks excellent, and the fake vents on the raised hood indicate that this is the TRD Pro.
The new sequential front and rear turn signals are excellent, but the TRD Pro’s off-road features set it apart. The covers over the wheel wells have a camouflage pattern, and a spoiler extends from the roof. The TRD off-road suspension and Fox shocks are not just functional; they’re a sight to behold, adding to the excitement of driving this vehicle. These features are not just for show; they significantly enhance the vehicle’s off-road performance, making it a top choice for off-road enthusiasts.
Interior
Stepping into the cabin, you’re greeted by the comfort and convenience of the Sequoia’s interior. The easy-to-clean SofTex seats, adorned with a stylish camouflage pattern, are powered, heated, cooled, and equipped with lumbar support, ensuring your comfort on long drives. The seats, embroidered with TRD Pro, are slightly bolstered and generously sized, providing a comfortable seating experience. The steering wheel, featuring TRD at the bottom and a red stripe at the top, is a stylish and practical addition, allowing you to determine when it’s straight during steep climbs quickly.
When you press the start button, a 12″ configurable gauge cluster comes to life, providing various information on the i-Force Max powertrain. You can see the time, exterior temperature, a large speedometer, and a tachometer right in the middle. On the left, you can scroll through different pages to get info on fuel range and fuel economy and access many of Sequoia’s safety systems. The vehicle has various safety features, including [specific safety features], to ensure your peace of mind.
For the family, there are two captain chairs in the second row and a bench seat in the third row. The captain’s chairs flip quickly to help.
However, the massive 14″ infotainment screen steals the show. It operates the 14-speaker JBL stereo, navigation system, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This system is lightning-fast and super simple. It is one of the best touchscreens I’ve ever seen, with a high resolution and intuitive interface, although it could be more colorful; that’s just me.
Under that are your automatic temperate-controlled air conditioning and switches for the heated and cooled seats.
Moving down is another row of buttons, including enabling the trailer towing mode and the best 360-degree camera I’ve ever seen. The onscreen SUV circles, and you can see everything around you. This is a great safety feature, especially when in parking lots. On this row, you can turn off the traction control and lock in the rear differential if you get into rugged terrain.
The center console houses the gear shifter, drive mode selector, a button to engage the 4-wheel system, and a wireless phone charger. Drive modes are eco, regular, and sport, as always, my favorite. You can also engage in tow/haul mode and the MTS, which is multi-terrain mode. There, you choose deep snow, mud, dirt, and auto. There is also a button to engage in Crawl mode.
Moving to the second row, the captain chairs are as comfortable as the front ones; they recline but do not slide, are heated and cooled, and have a camo pattern. Rear occupants have automatic climate control settings, USB and USB-C ports, and a 120-volt power outlet. There is a raised hump that runs between the captain’s chairs but does not cause too much of an issue.
The second-row seats flip for easy access to the third-row seat, which has a power recline feature. Leg and headroom in the third row are less roomy than I expected, but they are usable for two adults or three children.
In the cargo area, a strange adjustable shelf can be moved to three heights, depending on what you want to store. I assume this is due to the placement of the hybrid battery. The 3rd row has power buttons that allow for quick adjustments. There is also a 120-volt power outlet in the rear. The total usable cargo area is less spacious than other large SUV competitors. However, levers on the 3rd-row seats allow you to slide the seats forward for more cargo space if needed, and no one is sitting there.
The tailgate is power-operated and hands-free, and if you desire a neat feature, you can open just the rear glass.
The capstone trim is for you if you want a luxury three-row SUV. However, if you’re interested in off-road features for outdoor adventures, then the TRD is the way to go. With upgraded Fox dampers, a front skid plate, and a locking rear differential, this vehicle has everything you need for outdoor excursions.
