10 Things You Need To Know About The Toyota Sequoia Hybrid

May 12, 2023

The Toyota Sequoia Hybrid is one of the most practical three-row SUVs currently on sale, and the hybrid engine is the cherry on top!

Introduced in North America in 2001, the Toyota Sequoia is internationally recognized as the first-ever full-size SUV to be inducted into the North American market by any Japanese manufacturer. Based on the Toyota Tundra, the Sequoia had fairly long generational runs - just two over two decades - which made it comparatively outdated and trail behind its competitors. To fix this, Toyota completely redesigned the Sequoia with all the technological modernity for the 2023 model year.

The recently launched Toyota Sequoia is the latest generation and comes with a price tag starting at an MSRP of $59,865. This latest generation of the Sequoia marks its presence with a powerful, sleek exterior due to its body-on-frame architecture. It is equipped with the standard iForce MAX hybrid powertrain of the Tundra, with an overall 437 horsepower, combining the 3.4-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor. In its interior, it is integrated with the latest technical specifications, along with a sizable cabin space. Confronting the likes of the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Jeep Wagoneer, and Nissan Armada, here are 10 things you need to know about the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid.

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The top-tier feature of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid is its hybrid engine in the form of the i-Force MAX Twin Turbo V-6 Hybrid powertrain. It combines a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor. With the capability of this configuration, paired with the 10-speed automatic transmission, the powertrain transmits an exhilarating 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet torque. The drivetrain is considerably reliable due to the long-lasting Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) battery that adds longevity to it. This hybrid engine provides the SUV with an EPA-estimated 22 MPG combined mileage rating without compromising its performance. With this embedded Hybrid technology, the Sequoia is fuel-efficient with a dynamic performance.

The third-generation Toyota Sequoia possesses a modern exterior design with a powerful presence and a sleek shape. Its updated outlook is intermingled with its massive size and detailed technical features that facilitate its exclusivity. The front view displays a masculine design with imposing height and ground clearance. The enormous chrome-wrapped front grille fitted with the Auto-leveling LED headlights, the silver skid plate, and the operative air vents upscale the front look. The sharp-edged lines along with the 22-inch alloy wheels give a smooth side look. The rear section is comparatively standard with regular LED backlights and a built-in rear spoiler. The technical features incorporated within the vehicle's exterior include the Auto-leveling LED headlights with Sequential Turning Signals, power-extending tow mirror, and touch-sensor front door handles, among others. With modern shaping enriched by premium touches, the Sequoia Hybrid showcases smartness and significance from all angles.

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The latest generation Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5) is the premier safety feature included in the Sequoia Hybrid. The TSS 2.5 comes standard with sophisticated detection and control systems, especially, the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) and the Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC). The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/PD) enables obstacle detection followed by forward-collision alert and automatic emergency braking under non-reactive circumstances. And the Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) is designed to enable vehicle-to-vehicle distance control, particularly, in highways.

The TSS 2.5 also incorporates driver-assisting systems in the form of the Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist (LDA w/SA), Lane Tracing Assist (LTA), and Road Sign Assist (RSA). Also, the Automatic High Beams (AHB) system automatically switches between high and low beams according to the brightness of the lights of passing vehicles. Stacked with these advanced safety features, the Sequoia is a symbol of safety and security in the SUV class.

The Sequoia Hybrid has received a complete technological update, scattered throughout its spacious interior. Integrated into the dashboard is the 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia Touchscreen system (configured with the Dual Bluetooth and Drive Connect services), enhancing the driver's hands-free phone capabilities and navigation proficiency. For an improved driving experience, a customizable 12.3-inch Full-Color Multi-Information Display is also available. The adjustable Digital Rearview Mirror integrated with the HomeLink system projects a lucid and extensive vision of the rear side. For powering purposes, the SUV is equipped with the Qi Wireless charging system for hassle-free charging on the go, along with the available 120V/400W AC power outlets located in the cabin and rear cargo area. It also offers an impressive multimedia setup installed with an exclusive JBL Premium Auto sound system with 14 speakers (with subwoofer and amplifier), as well interactive features like the Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto. Other useful connectivity features include Remote Connect, Wi-Fi Connect, Safety Connect, Drive Connect, and Service Connect. With all these updated technologies, Sequoia is technically advanced more than ever.

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Traveling with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Hybrid is a pleasant experience, courtesy of its comfortable and sizable interior. With standard heated and ventilated seats, the passengers get a touch of chill and warmth year-round. The semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats with contrasting stitching also add extra coziness to the ride. The panoramic moon roof bestows an ambient atmosphere, viewing a blue sky during the day and a moonlit skyline at night. Regardless of the type of trip, the Sequoia always has extra room to settle in, with a touch of comfort.

The all-new remodeled Sequoia Hybrid presents a range of different trims that offer a suite of additional configurations. The Sequoia offers five different trim levels in the 2023 model year, including the SR5, Limited, Platinum, Capstone, and TRD Pro, with all of them being available in different packages for specific purposes. These five trims can be purchased either with the 2WD or 4WD drivetrain systems, based on their price tag. The SR5 model is the new Sequoia's base trim level, with a price tag starting at $59,795 with 2WD and $62,795 with 4WD. For more technical upgrades, there is the Limited model priced at $66,195 with 2WD and $69,195 with 4WD. The luxury-focused Platinum trim with 2WD starts at $72,395 and 4WD versions start at $75,395. The off-road-oriented TRD Pro trim is only available with 4WD and starts at $78,395. The most luxurious variant of the Sequoia is its Capstone trim priced at $76,795 for the 2WD, while the 4WD costs $79,795. With a range of trim variations suited to multiple packages, the third-gen Sequoia provides loads of options to choose from.

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The Sequoia's body and frame are manufactured with lightweight and high-strength materials, with the ultra-high-strength steel cabin being fixed to the fully-boxed high-strength steel ladder frame. For off-road purposes, the technology-aided traits included in the car are the Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension, Multi-Terrain Select and Downhill Assist Control, Crawl Control, Electronic Locking Rear Differential, and others. On top of all these features, the Sequoia also offers the TRD Pro as its highest-caliber trim with superlative off-road specs. The mechanical updates incorporated in the TRD Pro package include the TRD-tuned Fox internal-bypass shocks, an aluminum TRD front skid plate, a standard selectable locking rear differential, Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, crawl control, and hill descent control. For exceptional visibility, it also provides the Multi-Terrain Monitor that displays a sharply defined view of unclear spots. With the use of modern technical features and the car's mechanical strength, the Sequoia is built for off-road adventures.

One of the dynamic performance-based features included in the Sequoia is the Drive Mode Select. Depending on the trim configuration, the vehicle is equipped with different drive modes to select from, including commonly the Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes. These three common drive modes are offered as standard for both the 2WD and 4WD versions of all the five different trim levels. And the highest-spec drive mode with Eco, Comfort, Normal, Sport S, Sport S+, and Custom driving modes are available as part of an optional package in the Platinum and Capstone trims only for both the 2WD and 4WD versions. Along with the common three drive modes, the TOW/HAUL and TOW+ mode also comes as standard in all the trim levels of the Sequoia Hybrid. This towing mode adds extra versatility to the car by enhancing the towing capability and performance. With all these dynamic drive modes to select from, the third-gen Sequoia is adventure-ready for all terrains.

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One of the major shortcomings of the Sequoia can be tracked down in its inferior third-row seat and cabin space. Although the front and second-row seats are substantially spacious and comfortable, the third-row seats have short legroom with a shortage of space included in the cabin as well. Despite the fact that the third-row seats have sliding options and power-folding capabilities, adjusting the third-low leg space results in compromising the cabin area. Conversely, for additional storage space in the cabin, the third-row legroom is shortened. For a vehicle that can accommodate up to eight passengers and with a background of being a full-size SUV, confined legroom in the third row is a massive drawback.

Compared to its immediate competitors in the North American full-size SUV category, the 2023 Sequoia Hybrid has received a higher price tag. The main rivals of the Sequoia include the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe, 2023 Ford Expedition, and 2023 Nissan Armada, with each of their base trims being priced at a cheaper rate than the Sequoia's base model. Their base trims are priced at around $55,000 on average: the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe LS at $55,995, the 2023 Ford Expedition XL STX at $55,725, and the 2023 Nissan Armada S at an even lower $50,700. In comparison, the entry-level SR5 base trim of the Sequoia is more expensive, starting at $59,865 and is equipped with the same features as the rivals' base trim models. With almost equal standard features, the Sequoia Hybrid comes at a costlier price tag compared to its competitors.

Fardeen is accredited with a B.Sc. in Mechatronics Engineering. With an Automotive major, his final year project involved an aerodynamic analysis for an active (angle-adjustable) front wing of a Formula-type Electric Vehicle (EV), followed by the vehicle's full fabrication. He maintains a detail-oriented obsession with automotive EVs, backed by his long-term passion for content writing. The interception between his automotive admiration and writing addiction is where his obsession meets his passion: his resilient viewpoint. Accompany him on the highway towards EVs, en route to the future of automotive.