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2023 Toyota Sequoia: As tough as they come in this class, and now itÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s a hybrid

With the price of fuel soaring dramatically, automobile owners are experiencing plenty of pain at the pumps. ThatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s particularly true for those piloting full-size utility vehicles, which, along with full-size pickups, are among the thirstiest rigs on the road. There doesnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t appear to be much relief in sight, but the Texas-built 2023 Toyota Sequoia Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” now with a standard hybrid powertrain Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” offers a measure of it.
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The Toyota SequoiaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s overall dimensions have increased for 2023, which translates into more passenger and cargo space. PHOTO: TOYOTA

With the price of fuel soaring dramatically, automobile owners are experiencing plenty of pain at the pumps. ThatÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s particularly true for those piloting full-size utility vehicles, which, along with full-size pickups, are among the thirstiest rigs on the road. There doesnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t appear to be much relief in sight, but the Texas-built 2023 Toyota Sequoia Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” now with a standard hybrid powertrain Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥” offers a measure of it.

The automakerÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s third-generation eight-passenger utility vehicle, which goes on sale in summer, has received a long-overdue redesign from top to bottom. Other than a few cosmetic refreshes, the previous Sequoia held fast to the same basic structure and optional 5.7-litre V-8 since the 2007 model year.

The new bodywork is highlighted by a larger and aggressive-looking grille. ItÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s flanked by more prominent fenders with deep creases, which underscore the character-changing appearance.

The SequoiaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s body-on-frame chassis is the same one used for the redesigned Tundra pickup and the Lexus LX luxury utility vehicle, both of which were introduced for 2022. Attached to it is a new independent rear suspension that replaces the previous solid rear axle.

Toyota says it helps improve the ride and steering qualities and allows for an available height-adjustable air suspension system with load leveling. That can certainly help when towing up to 9,000 pounds (4,090 kg) of trailer, up from the previous 7,300-pound (3,320 kg) rating.

For 2023, the SequoiaÂ’s V-8 has been replaced by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V-6 and an electric motor. Output is rated at 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, compared with the V-8Â’s 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet. PHOTO: TOYOTA
For 2023, the SequoiaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s V-8 has been replaced by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V-6 and an electric motor. Output is rated at 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, compared with the V-8Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet. PHOTO: TOYOTA

The SequoiaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s overall dimensions have increased for 2023, which translates into more passenger and cargo space. The folding third-row bench seat can now be adjusted fore and aft by up to 15 centimetres.

All but the base-model trim comes with a 14-inch touch-screen that resides between a set of prominent air vents and above the dual-armrest floor console, which houses a chunky shift lever.

For 2023, the V-8 has been replaced by a twin-turbocharged 3.5-litre V-6 along with an electric motor. Output is 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, compared with the V-8Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet. A 10-speed automatic transmission directs torque to the rear wheels. Four-wheel-drive is standard.

The hybridÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s official fuel-consumption numbers havenÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t been released, but theyÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™re expected to be similar to the TundraÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s rating of 12.7 l/100 km in the city, 10.5 on the highway and 11.7 combined. That would be a huge improvement over the 2022 SequoiaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s 18.5/13.9/16.4 numbers.

All but the base-model trim comes with a 14-inch touch-screen that resides between a set of prominent air vents and above the dual-armrest floor console, which houses a chunky shift lever. PHOTO: TOYOTA
All but the base-model trim comes with a 14-inch touch-screen that resides between a set of prominent air vents and above the dual-armrest floor console, which houses a chunky shift lever. PHOTO: TOYOTA

As of this writing, Toyota hasnÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™t revealed pricing details, but a reasonable estimate would be $70,000 for the base SR5 trim. It comes with a moonroof, heated front seats, 12.3-inch digital driverÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s information display and 360-degree surround-view exterior monitor.

The Limited gets heated and ventilated front seats with memory settings, heated steering wheel and power folding third-row seat and power liftgate. The Platinum trim comes with second-row captainÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s chairs, panoramic moonroof, head-up information display for the driver, wireless phone charging and rain-sensing wipers.

The off-road oriented TRD Pro builds on the PlatinumÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s content with special off-road Fox-brand shocks, selectable locking differential, front skid plate and Crawl and Downhill Assist control that holds the Sequoia to a fixed speed without the driver touching the brake pedal.

For 2023, Toyota has added a top-rung Capstone grade to the Sequoia lineup that includes premium leather seat covers, fancier interior and exterior trim, ambient mood lighting, power running boards and acoustic window glass. Also included are 22-inch chrome wheels (18-inch wheels are standard).

All Sequoias arrive with plenty of dynamic-safety technologies, including emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning/intervention and pedestrian detection.

The Toyota SequoiaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s numerous strengths related to style, power and carrying/towing capacities continue to make it strong a contender in the big-ute class. The improved power plus best-in-class fuel efficiency, especially during a time of high pump prices, should be enough to tip the scales in its favour.

The SequoiaÂ’s overall dimensions have increased for 2023, which translates into more passenger and cargo space. The folding third-row bench seat can now be adjusted fore and aft by up to 15 centimetres. PHOTO: TOYOTA
The SequoiaÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™s overall dimensions have increased for 2023, which translates into more passenger and cargo space. The folding third-row bench seat can now be adjusted fore and aft by up to 15 centimetres. PHOTO: TOYOTA

What you should know: 2023 Toyota Sequoia

Type: Four-wheel-drive full-size utility vehicle

Engine (h.p.): 3.4-litre V-6, twin-turbocharged, plus electric motor (437)

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Market position: The Sequoia competes in the large seven- and eight-passenger utility-vehicle segment that includes entries from Ford, Chevrolet/GMC, Nissan, Kia and Hyundai. Luxury-class models from Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi also participate in this class.

Points: Previous dated styling gives way to a more modern and rugged appearance. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Standard hybrid system is arriving at just the right time and delivers plenty of power. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Upgraded suspension components should add greater comfort and practicality. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ Wide variety of trim levels and price points. Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥¢ A battery-electric version would add overall competitiveness.

Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic backup alert (std.); active cruise control (std.); front and rear emergency braking (std.); inattentive-driver alert (std.); lane-departure warning (std.); pedestrian warning (std.)

L/100 km (city/hwy): 18/24 (est.)

Base price (incl. destination): $70,000 (est.)

BY COMPARISON

Chevrolet Tahoe AWD

  • Base price: $65,200
  • Shorter version of the Suburban offers both gas and turbo-diesel engines.

Ford Expedition 4x4

  • Base price: $72,000
  • Updated 2022 model can be had in regular-, or MAX-wheelbase versions.

Nissan Armada

  • Base price: $72,600ˆ
  • Seven-passenger tall wagon comes with a 400-h.p. V.8.

Ï㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥“ written by Malcom Gunn, Managing Partner at Wheelbase Media

If youÏ㽶ÊÓƵֱ²¥™re interested in new or used vehicles, be sure to visit to find your dream car today! Like us on and follow us on



About the Author: Black Press Media Staff

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