2023 Toyota Sequoia Review
In 2008 Toyota launched the all-new second-generation Sequoia. My buddy Jared owned one and loved it as the years went on, he’d ping me occasionally curiously asking about Toyota’s plans for a redesign. And even knowing Toyota as I do, never did I imagine it would be 2022 before it would happen. If you’re curious, Jared got tired of waiting and bought a Q7. So here it is – the all-new third generation Sequoia and here are 4 things you’re going to like, and 4 things you won’t.
1) The design is stellar – it’s everything you’d want from an $80,000, top trim SUV. It’s bold but not ostentatious, the wheel size has increased from 20 to 22” and it has this sporty, rugged, yet elegant stance. Same wheelbase as before but it’s now 3” longer so it won’t fit in my garage.
2) There’s a huge touchscreen infotainment system with wireless phone projection. And it’s within easy reach of the driver so there’s no need for control redundancy down here. Though the layout of its features isn’t my favorite this is 14” of multimedia peacocking that’ll have your passengers talking.
3) The V8 is gone and you’ll never miss it. This Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid is the most important and exciting Sequoia upgrade. With up to 583 pound-feet of torque and sounds you’d swear were coming from 8-cylinders, the Sequoia drives like a boss. And it leaves abysmal gas mileage in the rearview mirror. As opposed to 14mpg this one nets 20 which also increases the driving range to 450 miles. The new 10-speed auto does its part, as well.
4) This new Capstone grade is the high roller model and everything you see here is standard minus the new dash cam – a $495 option. Though some of the touchpoints feel cheap – like this center console, it’s visually appealing to the point of being Lexus worthy. As you would imagine it’s loaded with luxury features and makes the Chevy Tahoe’s cabin look even worse – a key sequoia competitor.
1) On the downside, where’s the automatic 4-wheel drive setting? With Sequoia you have to choose between rear-wheel and 4-wheel drive. So let’s say you’re driving home like I was last night through intermittent snow squalls which left a coating on the roads. It’s not enough to shift into 4-high you’l just bind up the driveline but enough to cause the rear tires to spin. Huge oversight by Toyota.
2) If you’ve got off-road intentions, first off you’re probably not choosing this Capstone. A TRD Pro is better suited for you. But there’s 1” less ground clearance than before with a much reduced approach angle.
3) Massaging seats, hands-free highway driving, remote start on the key fob – not here for 80 grand so the Capstone is coming up a little short in its pantry of offerings. And this vertical wireless charger does not work with the new iphones the same problem I experienced in the Lexus LX– you just can’t get it to stay.
4) And lastly, and most disappointing, is the Sequoia’s new Sliding Third Row with Adjustable Cargo Shelf System. As I learned yesterday trying to get a chair home from the furniture store, the inability to create a low, flat load floor is the Sequoia’s biggest no-no. No matter where you put the shelf, these seats are in the way. On top of that, this Sequoia provides less headroom, less legroom, less shoulder room and cargo room behind the 1st and 2nd rows has been greatly diminished.
Darn it, after this long of a wait I really wanted to love the Sequoia but my mind keeps drifting back to my last 2 Chevy Tahoe test drives and for similar money I’m pretty sure that’s where my $80,000 would be spent.
1) The design is stellar – it’s everything you’d want from an $80,000, top trim SUV. It’s bold but not ostentatious, the wheel size has increased from 20 to 22” and it has this sporty, rugged, yet elegant stance. Same wheelbase as before but it’s now 3” longer so it won’t fit in my garage.
2) There’s a huge touchscreen infotainment system with wireless phone projection. And it’s within easy reach of the driver so there’s no need for control redundancy down here. Though the layout of its features isn’t my favorite this is 14” of multimedia peacocking that’ll have your passengers talking.
3) The V8 is gone and you’ll never miss it. This Twin-Turbo V6 Hybrid is the most important and exciting Sequoia upgrade. With up to 583 pound-feet of torque and sounds you’d swear were coming from 8-cylinders, the Sequoia drives like a boss. And it leaves abysmal gas mileage in the rearview mirror. As opposed to 14mpg this one nets 20 which also increases the driving range to 450 miles. The new 10-speed auto does its part, as well.
4) This new Capstone grade is the high roller model and everything you see here is standard minus the new dash cam – a $495 option. Though some of the touchpoints feel cheap – like this center console, it’s visually appealing to the point of being Lexus worthy. As you would imagine it’s loaded with luxury features and makes the Chevy Tahoe’s cabin look even worse – a key sequoia competitor.
1) On the downside, where’s the automatic 4-wheel drive setting? With Sequoia you have to choose between rear-wheel and 4-wheel drive. So let’s say you’re driving home like I was last night through intermittent snow squalls which left a coating on the roads. It’s not enough to shift into 4-high you’l just bind up the driveline but enough to cause the rear tires to spin. Huge oversight by Toyota.
2) If you’ve got off-road intentions, first off you’re probably not choosing this Capstone. A TRD Pro is better suited for you. But there’s 1” less ground clearance than before with a much reduced approach angle.
3) Massaging seats, hands-free highway driving, remote start on the key fob – not here for 80 grand so the Capstone is coming up a little short in its pantry of offerings. And this vertical wireless charger does not work with the new iphones the same problem I experienced in the Lexus LX– you just can’t get it to stay.
4) And lastly, and most disappointing, is the Sequoia’s new Sliding Third Row with Adjustable Cargo Shelf System. As I learned yesterday trying to get a chair home from the furniture store, the inability to create a low, flat load floor is the Sequoia’s biggest no-no. No matter where you put the shelf, these seats are in the way. On top of that, this Sequoia provides less headroom, less legroom, less shoulder room and cargo room behind the 1st and 2nd rows has been greatly diminished.
Darn it, after this long of a wait I really wanted to love the Sequoia but my mind keeps drifting back to my last 2 Chevy Tahoe test drives and for similar money I’m pretty sure that’s where my $80,000 would be spent.