ToyotaSequoia

　　

2023 Toyota Sequoia Review

byAlex NishimotoCorrespondent

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　, rating written byAlex NishimotoDirector, Vehicle Testing

　　Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at zzdcar, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career. Jonathan got his start testing cars for Road & Track magazine as a newly minted mechanical engineer grad from University of California, Irvine, and has also contributed to Motor Trend and the Associated Press. He likes to say he learned to drive a manual transmission in a rear-wheel-drive mid-engine vehicle but often omits it was his family's 1991 Toyota Previa minivan.

　　Up until this year, the Sequoia was one of the oldest vehicle designs on sale, having lived through three presidential administrations and countless world events since its introduction in 2008. But Toyota finally brought its three-row SUV into the modern age with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, a modern design using the same body-on-frame architecture that underpins the Tundra pickup.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$171/mo  for Sequoia SR5

　　Sequoia SR5

　　SR5 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $58,365 MSRPSR5 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $61,365 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $64,765 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $67,765 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $70,965 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) (Most Popular) - $73,965 MSRPCapstone 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $75,365 MSRPCapstone 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $78,365 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr SUV 4WD (3.5L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 10A) - $76,065 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　For its third generation, the Sequoia gets new looks, an independent front suspension, a new turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain, increased towing capability and an updated collection of advanced driver assist features. The new Sequoia's interior is much improved too. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a newly available 14-inch touchscreen, which definitely adds to the new Sequoia's high-tech cabin design. Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard on all models, meaning you don't need to use a USB cable to integrate your phone's apps into the touchscreen.

　　The Sequoia competes with other big three-row SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Jeep Wagoneer. It has a higher starting price, but it also has more power, gets better fuel economy, and comes with a number of advanced driving aids that cost extra on its rivals. Check out our Expert Rating below to get our test team's full report on where the 2023 Sequoia shines and where it comes up short.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Sequoia drive? Equipped with a turbocharged V6 engine infused with hybrid electric thrust, the Sequoia is among the quickest and most responsive large SUVs on the market. At the zzdcar test track, our Sequoia TRD Pro test vehicle accelerated from zero to 60 mph in just 6 seconds flat. That's moving! Braking power is also relatively confident and effortless, even with the TRD Pro's chunky all-terrain tires that compromise on-pavement grip.

　　Considering the off-road focus of this model, we were pleased with the way our Sequoia felt stable and secure when driving around turns. The light and accurate steering plus the responsive engine and transmission make it easy to hustle the Sequoia through everyday traffic. And if you do plan to venture off-road, know that the Sequoia TRD Pro is one of the more capable big SUVs around.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Sequoia? Large truck-based SUVs are more capable but also inherently less comfortable than the smaller unibody SUVs. That holds true for the Sequoia. Its solid rear-axle suspension design is great for things like towing and off-road driving, but it makes for a bumpier ride around town, especially for rear passengers. The rear seat cushions in both rows also sit a bit close to the floor so your knees ride higher than what's optimally comfortable. The front seats are thankfully more comfortable and have powerful heating and ventilation functions.

　　The main thing holding the Sequoia back in this category is cabin noise. There's more noticeable road noise than in competing SUVs, and the powertrain gets pretty audible when you go hard on the throttle. We also noticed that the fans for the ventilated front seats can get pretty noisy. If you want a serene SUV, there are better choices.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below