Author: Yash
With all the hustle and bustle of modern-day life, it’s not surprising that more and more people are looking for a place to unplug. The problem is that most people don’t have the money to buy a cabin or even a remote second home. With an MSRP of $38,445, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is not exactly cheap. However, it has everything you need to get away from it all. With its cavernous cabin, off-road capability, ample third-row seating, and range of engines – including one hybrid model – the Sequoia is a car made to accommodate families or friends on weekend getaways. The Toyota Sequoia has a long history with Toyota. The first generation of this large SUV hit the roads in 2000, produced through 2003. It was brought back for the 2011 model year, but only for fleet sales. Now, it’s back again for another try — and this time, it’s here to stay. For this review, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about the new Toyota Sequoia. We’ll explain the differences between this model and its predecessor (the 2021 model-year Sequoia). We’ll also explore what sets this model apart from other large SUVs currently on the market.
- A Towing Capacity of 7,000 Pounds: Some SUV owners don’t want to go off-roading. That’s fine, but the Sequoia has a 7,000-pound towing capacity for when you need it.
- A V8 Engine: The SE Premium trim comes with a standard 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 381 horsepower.
- An Optimal Mix of Comfort and Handling: The Sequoia’s ride quality is just right. It has enough sportiness to be engaging to drive, but its suspension soaks up road imperfections with ease.
- A Hybrid Option: Those looking to maximize their fuel economy can opt for the Hybrid model. It has 295 horsepower, can tow 5,000 pounds, and even has a unique grille.
There are a lot of changes between the new and the old Sequoia. You can see them in the exterior design and the interior layout. The new exhaust system is different — a change meant to deliver a better exhaust sound. There are changes to the suspension, too, so it rides and drives a little differently than the previous model. The new Sequoia has a new engine, transmission, and chassis, making it a very different SUV from the previous generation. But the biggest change is to the exterior. This Sequoia is quite a bit larger than the previous generation. It has a longer wheelbase, longer overall length, and a larger overall height.
The car has an off-road-ready transfer case. Sequoia’s off-road-ready transfer case comes with low range and high-low range options. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System actively stiffens the suspension during off-roading to maximize grip. The Sequoia comes with Toyota Safety Sense-Plus, a suite of driver assistance features. The vehicle has a smooth ride, with just enough firmness to keep it engaging. The 2023 Sequoia is remarkably quiet, especially when considering its size. The car’s large windows and high seating position provide excellent visibility. Its seats are roomy and comfortable. Even tall drivers will find plenty of headroom in the Sequoia. The 2023 Sequoia also has an impressive amount of legroom in the first or third row.
The first generation of Toyota’s Sequoia started as a large SUV based on the Tundra pickup truck. It was sold from 2000 through 2003. It was brought back for the 2011 model year for fleet sales only. It was built as a large, rugged SUV meant for commercial use. The Sequoia was offered primarily in two-wheel-drive, rear-end-drive configurations, with a 5.7-liter V8 engine, an automatic transmission, and all-terrain tires. It was available with three-row seating, but the middle row was for occasional use only. The Sequoia didn’t get great reviews when it was first introduced, and many people weren’t thrilled with its appearance. It was a little too similar to a truck-based SUV and seemed to be missing the refinement of a car-based crossover. It was also considered too expensive for what it offered. The Sequoia didn’t sell well and was discontinued after 2011.
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is a much different vehicle than its predecessor. It has the same name, but that’s about it. This new model is based on Toyota’s new large SUV platform (the GA-L). It’s designed for a more car-like feel and is built to meet all current safety and emissions standards. This is a big change from the previous generation, which was based on the Tundra pickup truck’s platform and had some necessary compromises. The new Sequoia is much larger than the previous generation. Its wheelbase is 4 inches longer, its overall length is 9 inches, and its height is 3.5 inches. The new Sequoia can seat up to eight people — two in the front, three in the second, and three in the third row. The previous generation only had room for seven passengers because the middle row was not meant for everyday use.
The new 2023 Sequoia is available with several engine options. One of them is a 5.7-liter V8 engine with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine is designed to be both powerful and efficient — it produces 381 horsepower and a respectable 335 pound-feet of torque. It also has an EPA fuel economy rating of 16 miles per gallon in the city, 21 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg combined with 4WD. The 2023 Sequoia doesn’t offer much fuel economy, which isn’t uncommon for SUVs with large, powerful engines. Suppose fuel economy is a priority for you. In that case, you may want to consider a less powerful engine or a crossover with a smaller engine. If you want the ultimate fuel economy, the hybrid model comes with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces 295 horsepower. If you frequently go off-roading and want more power, the Toyota Sequoia features an TRD Off-Road model that comes with a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 381 horsepower.
The new Toyota Sequoia is a little bit bigger than its predecessor. It has a longer wheelbase, a longer overall length, and a taller overall height. It’s also heavier than the previous generation, making it feel like a more solidly built SUV. The Sequoia’s interior space is also vastly improved over the previous generation. The interior is roomier and much more user-friendly. The previous-generation Sequoia’s interior was cramped, and the controls were confusing. The new model has a much more intuitive layout and is much roomier inside. It’s easier to move around in the Sequoia, and passengers have more legroom. Even with three rows of seating, there’s ample space for everyone.
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia has an infotainment system that feels out of its depth compared to rivals. The seven-inch touch display has an outdated interface. But the graphics and the response time are good. The count of USB ports in the car has been increased to three to increase connectivity options. The car also has Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. But it was a little difficult to connect to the system. It kept disconnecting frequently. There are also four charging ports that are located in the cabin. The active safety tech is very detailed and standard on most models.
Conclusion
The new 2023 Toyota Sequoia is a huge improvement over the previous generation. It’s more car-like, and it’s larger and more luxurious. It’s designed for families, but it’s also a vehicle that people will choose for rugged off-roading adventures. The Toyota Sequoia is the perfect car for weekend getaways. With its cavernous interior, off-road capability, and impressive engine choices, it’s an SUV that can handle dirt roads and interstate miles. With its wide range of transmission choices, it’s also an SUV that can be driven year-round. With minimal drawbacks, the Sequoia is a car that will please any driver, whether they use it to get away from it all or just go to the grocery store. The 2021 Sequoia is a very capable SUV, and it’s built to last. It has an excellent pedigree and a lot of potential. It could be the car you’ve been waiting for.
