The Toyota Sequoia, as its name would suggest, is a very big SUV. So big in fact, that it shares the same underpinnings as the new Tundra. As a somewhat scaled back version of the luxurious Lexus LX600, it’s an exciting option for anyone in the market for a powerful apartment on wheels. Making it more exciting still is the top to bottom redesign for 2023.
This latest version of the Toyota Sequoia marks the third generation of its sales cycle. Replacing the outdated second-generation model, which stubbornly stuck around for over a decade. To say a major overhaul was overdue would be an understatement. Toyota rose to the occasion though, kicking things off with tough, truck-like styling that’s both imposing and handsome. Next, they added a powerful and fairly efficient hybrid powertrain. Finishing things off with a comfortable cabin that’s spacious up front, quiet and surprisingly lavish in higher trims. Especially the Capstone.
Coming standard in the third-generation Sequoia is the same twin-turbo V6 hybrid system we find in the Toyota Tundra. Good for 437 hp and a whooping 583 lb ft of torque. Plenty of power to get you quickly up to speed. With an advanced 10-speed automatic transmission that features sequential shifting, different drive modes for towing and hauling, and 4WD. I challenged the latest Sequoia with a few days of very slick driving conditions. Road surfaces that were putting less capable cars in ditches and up snow banks to the left and right of me. The Toyota Sequoia was composed and confident no matter how slippery the going got. Helping me to feel safe and secure the entire time.
Bad as conditions were outside, nestled in the cozy warm cabin, I felt isolated and safe within my cocoon of luxury. The Capstone model has two captains chairs in the middle row, with a bench seat in the back. With that third row in use, you’ll find the mere 12 cubic inches of cargo space a little tight. Head room in the very back is limited as well. What’s more, is that the third row doesn’t fold down completely flat. This feels like a big miss to a major appeal of large SUV’s. Practicality and cargo capacity.
Setting that aside, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia comes with plenty of packages at a range of price points to fit a variety of budgets. The top trim Capstone represents the closest you’ll get to the hyper-luxurious LX 600, without having to spend into the six figures. It features plenty of extras that will surely pamper and spoil. To list a few, 22” dark chrome wheels with a beautiful machine-finish compliment the behemoth dimensions of the big Sequoia perfectly. Seats feature premium contrast stitching and semi-aniline leather-trim. Power-extending running boards are a big help when climbing up into the cabin. The Capstone edition also has dark American Walnut wood-grain trim, metal speaker grills, instrumental panel and door ambient lighting with illuminated footwells. LED pocket lights, a large and bright 10” heads up display and even a big, backlit CAPSTONE on the passenger dashboard.
After over 10 years of the same song and dance, the big SUV from Toyota finally receives its third-generation transformation. With a handsome new design, posh interior, powerful hybrid engine making 20 combined mpg and alluring Capstone treatment, there’s undoubtedly a lot to love. It’ll make you feel spoiled rotten, with all of the right technology and 4WD magic to keep you firmly on the road no matter how bad conditions get outside of your leather and walnut wood-trimmed safe space.
Price as tested: $80,481.00
