Toyota’s full-size 2023 Sequoia SUV is all new from the ground up. It supplied trusty transportation last week when local roads were smothered in ice and slush, including one of eastern Snohomish County’s most challenging stretches, my long uphill driveway that has never seen a snowplow.
A burly twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine with 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque powers every 2023 Sequoia with ease. Sequoia weights range from 5,620 pounds to 6,185 pounds depending on configuration, so it’s an achievement. The 10-speed automatic transmission accompanying the V6 is an equally competent partner.
Sequoia is offered with 2WD or an available part-time 4WD system on SR5, Limited, Platinum and Capstone grades. The TRD Pro model comes only with 4WD. The part-time 4WD system relies on a transfer case, controlled via a lever on the center console, to select between 2WD, 4WD high or 4WD low. Four-wheel drive got a good workout during the rough week, and never failed to impress.
EPA fuel economy ratings for 2WD versions are 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. With 4WD, the ratings are 19/22/20 mpg.
Base pricing starts at $59,960 for a 4×2 SR5 and concludes with a 4×4 Capstone at $79,960. The mid-level 4×2 Platinum trim is $72,560. A destination charge of $1,595 is included in these numbers, and 4×4 is an extra $3,000.
Three rows of seats with a bench as the second row and eight-passenger capacity is the standard setup inside the 2023 Sequoia. An optional layout is captain’s chairs in the second row and a seven-passenger capacity. There’s plenty of room, and comfort is first-rate.
A third row of seats is standard in every 2023 Toyota Sequoia. Eight-passenger and seven-passenger layouts are offered. (Toyota)
When folded, third row seats create a sort of upper shelf in the cargo area, rather than a flat load floor. This isn’t ideal if sheets of plywood are among your cargo-carrying requirements, but I found the shelf more useful than a flat floor with the cargo I had to haul.
Power-extending running boards are standard equipment on the Capstone model I drove. They came in handy on several occasions and didn’t get in the way when not needed, as
many power-extending running boards can do.
The 2023 Sequoia has a new multimedia system with a standard 8-inch or available 14-inch touchscreen. It includes all the connectivity and infotainment features modern consumers have come to expect, and manages to make it work without being needlessly complicated.
A 14-inch touchscreen multimedia system is a highlight of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia. The Capstone interior is shown here. (Toyota)
2023 TOYOTA SEQUOIA 4WD CAPSTONE
Base price, including destination charge: $79,960
Price as driven: $80,546
Mary Lowry is a member of the Motor Press Guild and a member and past president of the Northwest Automotive Press Association. She lives in Snohomish County. Vehicles are provided by automotive manufacturers as a one-week loan for evaluation purposes only. Manufacturers do not control content of the reviews.
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