The upcoming redesign of Toyota's big SUV could be disruptive as it seeks to claim a bigger piece of the full-size SUV share with this latest version.
The Fast Lane Truck on YouTube offers an inside look into the all-new, upcoming 2023 Toyota Sequoia SUV. Redesigned inside and out, the Sequoia shares many components with the Toyota Tundra pickup truck, which itself recently went through a redesign of its own.
In the video, the exterior, interior and mechanical details receive a thorough review, all of which go into the analysis of whether the new Sequoia has what it takes to become a serious competitor to perennial class bestseller, the Chevrolet Tahoe.
The Sequoia belongs in a vehicle class comprised of only a few options including the Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada, Jeep Wagoneer and the Chevrolet Tahoe which has historically been the bestseller in this segment. The GMC Yukon also belongs in the segment, though it shares much of its mechanics and features with the Tahoe.
Toyota's new Sequoia seeks to claim a bigger piece of the full-size SUV share with its latest iteration, which undergoes a number of changes.
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The new Sequoia, featured in lunar rock exterior paint in the video, offers a single twin-turbocharged hybrid V6 engine option that outputs 437 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, the same power source that the Tundra pickup utilizes, paired with a ten-speed automatic transmission.
All 2023 Sequoias will be hybrids, a significant shift from the outgoing version. It will feature a full truck frame underneath, which it will share with the Tundra. At this time, fuel economy numbers for the Sequoia have yet to arrive from the EPA, though it's expected that the Sequoia will achieve similar MPG ratings as the Tundra does. Unlike Ford which offers the Expedition Max or Chevrolet which offers the Suburban, Toyota does not offer a larger and longer version of the Sequoia.
Inside the cabin, the Sequoia offers seating for eight passengers and shares design elements and overall feel with the Tundra. The SUV has a power-folding third row and a rear hatch with glass that opens separately. The model in the video is an SR5 trim, which is essentially a base model, though it does have some premium extras such as a sunroof and rear camera mirror.
When driving the Sequoia, under the right set of circumstances, it is possible to drive on electric power alone, examples of which are in the video. The Sequoia offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport, all of which adjust the way the Sequoia maneuvers to achieve different desired results.
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Seating in the Sequoia in the second row is spacious and offers enough space for adults to sit comfortably. Headroom is somewhat limited in the second row, but adequate overall. The 3rd row provides less space, particularly when it comes to headroom, and taller adults would be likely to find the 3rd row uncomfortable to sit in. Space in the 3rd row is further affected by the hybrid battery, which affects legroom, an issue less prevalent in the Chevrolet Tahoe or Ford Expedition. When all seats are down, the cargo room is generous but still less than the Tahoe offers and the Sequoia also loses to the Tahoe when it comes to ground clearance, particularly when compared to the Tahoe Z71 model.
Ultimately, “time will tell” if the Sequoia becomes a prominent challenger to the Tahoe's sales dominance, but it should serve as a worthy option for Toyota loyalists who want something larger than the 4Runner or with greater towing capacity than the Sienna or Highlander.
Cody Colella is a freelance News Writer for HotCars. A lifelong car enthusiast with a degree in Automotive Marketing, Cody has worked for dealerships, OEMs and automotive marketing agencies. His shared passion for cars and writing lead him to HotCars.