Toyota, the world’s largest automaker, debuted the ruggedly-named Sequoia Sport Utility Vehicle in the 2001 model with a second-generation platform rolling out in the 2008 model year.
The V-8-powered second-generation effort hung around for a good long while within automotive time-line parameters, lasting through the 2022 model year. Fourteen years represents an eternity between major redos, so we’re thrilled to welcome aboard Sequoia’s third-generation DNA.
Don’t expect a mild-manner pavement-pampered crossover. The three-row Sequoia shares underpinnings with the full-size Tundra pickup, which underwent a next-gen redesign of its own in 2022. Rugged, body-on-frame underpinnings ensures Sequoia’s ready for any-off-road adventures or heavy-duty assignments as towing capabilities exceed 9,500 pounds within certain parameters.
Sequoia drives like a truck since it IS a 6,000-pound truck with girth requiring extra caution when traversing mall parking lots. That said, the steering feel returns with a pleasantly light touch, bedeviling all those extra pounds.
When Gen Three debuted in the 2023 model year, Sequia boasted several upgrades including:
+ Much improved fuel economy, jumping from 13 miles per gallon city and 17 mpg highway to 19 mpg city and 22 highway in 4 x 4 editions. Add two miles more for the 4 x 2 counterparts
+ 10-speed automatic transmission replaced an aging six-speed variant
+ A standard turbocharged six cylinder gas-electric hybrid powertrain
+ Additional room as total length increases by three inches
Sequoia 2024 measures in about 8 inches longer than Toyota’s venerable, soon-to-return retro-style Land Cruiser, another beefy offering. Land Cruiser, all-new for the 2024 model year with a slimmed-down design, took a brief sabbatical after the 2021 model year to rest and recharge with a scheduled return in the Spring of 2024. Sequoia also has a kissing cousin at the Lexus Luxury brand in the form of the three-row LX, the brand’s biggest boast.
Five Sequoia trim levels return for the 2024 model year: SR5, Limited, Platinum, Capstone, and this week’s tester, TRD Pro. Rear wheel drive comes standard in most trims with the exception of our TRD Pro tester, where four-wheel drive is the sole drivetrain. All other trims offer 4 x 4 as a $3,000 option.
The Sequoia TRD Pro trim level made its debut right here in Windy City at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show within the Gen Two platform. It’s been the most off-road capable Sequia selection ever since. The TRD Pro upgrades off-road suspension and front stabilizer bars tuned to Toyota’s highest levels, aluminum front skid plates with red-painted front coil springs and can’t miss spot-red TRD Pro hood badge. It’s also the sole trim in 2024 boasting dual tip exhausts pared together towards the left lower end; others get by with a single-tip variety.
The TRD designation signifies ‘Toyota Racing Development.’ Think of TRD as an in-house tuning division upgrading existing vehicles with factory-built and specified parts largely gleaned via intense racetrack (NASCAR, etc.) and off-road competitions. No need to shop for aftermarket addons that may void manufacturer warranties.
Toyota’s TRD tuning designate breaks down into three branches; TRD Sport, TRD off-road and TRD Pro. Consider TRD Sport the on-road choice found in sedans and crossovers while TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro play in the off-road universe with TRD Pro the most capable and durable within Toyota’s in-house turner lineup.
In 2024, Toyota offers TRD Pro trims with the mid-size Tacoma pickup, full-size Tundra pickup and mid-size 4Runner SUV lineups.
Returning under hood from last year, Sequoia’s high-tech, ‘iForce Max’ twin turbo V-6 hybrid engine combining a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor never in need of a nighttime plug in as the battery self-charges. They team together for 437 horsepower and 583-pound-feet of torque.
It’s a major investment and mechanical upgrade replacing the naturally-aspirated 5.7-liter V-8 engine found in Gen Two. The hybrid V-6 generates more towing power and an additional 36 horsepower than the outgoing V-8. It’s the sole engine available. The turbo V-6 hybrid also finds a home in the newly restyled full-Tundra pickup and soon to arrive next-gen Land Cruiser.
The i-Force Max’s self-charging, 1.87-kilowatt hour, 288-volt sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery (Ni-MH) stores underfloor and consists of 288 battery cells grouped within 40 modules. The 1.87-kilowatt-hour size remains average for a gas-electric hybrid style battery, but far smaller than a pure, plug-in-style EV, which boast DC battery packs reaching 87.2 kilowatt hours.
Sequoia’s 240-celled sealed pack motivates a 48-horsepower single unit electric motor/generator with an open-close clutch slotted between the engine and transmission/torque converter. This parallel design achieves peak torque at very low revolutions per minute, resulting in smoother, quieter experiences while pulling trailer weight. The significantly-sized 22.5 gallon tank accepts and recommends regular, 87-octane fuel.
Expect minimal updates for 2024 after the major push in 2023, although a noir-like Nightshade edition is now available in both Limited and Platinum trims consisting of blackened out appearance items including 20-inch wheels painted in a matte black finish. Nightshade effects are found as an option with many Toyota-badged products.
Outside, power sliding side running boards come standard in Capstone trims while optional in Platinum. All remaining trims, including TRD Pro enjoy static lower side boards. Grab handles on the inside A and B pillars also assist conveniently with entry clearing the 8.6 inches of ground clearance. Thick, strap-like handles adoring all four side operate when utilizing thick workman-like gloves or winter mittens. Choose from 10 exterior colors except when purchasing TRD Pro, which limits exterior hues to four. Squared wheel wells included black cladding assisting with ding protection.
Each front comes with a trim-specific grille, bi-level bejeweled LED headlights and daytime running lights. Our TRD Pro featured a ‘Heritage” grille with big bold all CAPs TOYOTA spelled out. This “Heritage” concept appears inside directly in front of shot-gun riders with the same font TOYOTA spelled out.
The rear lift back powers up when touching/squeezing a cupped sensor beneath the glass, pushing a key fob button or a dashboard button. For quick trips inside, the hatch glass independently unlocks via a small grey push button right of the Toyota logo. Flanking the hatch LED taillights with Capstone, TRD Pro and Platinum adding a sequential theme creating a bit of light-bright movement when signaling.
Our TRD Terra colored Pro tester included a starting price of $78,710. A minimal number of extras included $500 for a power sunshade panoramic roof, $499 for a dash cam and $1,395 for a black roof rack bringing the bottom line to $82,945 with a rather hefty $1,850 destination charge. Packages and stand-alone options remain limited in scope. The lowest priced version, a 4 x 2 SR5, checks in around $61,000.
Once inside, Seven or eight rider capacity exists dependent upon the trim selected. Our TRD Pro included a pair of reclining captain’s chairs in row two bringing the head count to seven. Capstone and Platinum trims also include this seven-passenger design. Limited and SR5 trims come with a 60/40 split-bench in row two accommodating up to three riders.
Each captain’s chair’s back folds onto the seat cushion, than the entire unit easily tumbles forward, opening an ample path to row three. The path is doable even for aged, sixty-something rider, although tight headroom remains a concern as the floor gets gently raised to accommodate the hybrid battery pack.
The power-folding 60-40 split third row seats three riders, most suitable for preteens. Power buttons folding back rests onto seat cushions (but not below the floor) are found in the cargo region accessible with the hatch open, or near the C pillar when opening either of the rear side doors. These third-row seats slide fore and aft adjusting leg room and space available behind the third row.
With third row seats prone and slid forward, 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space awaits, pushed back, that number shrinks to 11.5 cubic feet. Along the floor, a wide, adjustable, partitioned floor storage caddy extending from side to side helping groceries and other items stay in place rather than roaming and rolling free. Above, a multi-level cargo shelf adds versatility.
The completely animated 12.3-inch instrument panel flashes an outdoor landscape upon start up. Our TRD Pro included an electric, red push-button start-stop button on the lower dash matching the red-stripped leather transmission shift knob.
The TRD Pro comes standard with a tow technology package (available in other trims) including (among other things) a digital display rear view mirror providing a four-color projector feed into the mirror. This smartly bypasses shoulders and heads that may find their way into the conventional perspective when riders occupy back rows, allowing drivers to maneuver in reverse with confidence and a clear view. This feed easily returns to a mirrored view with the flip of a mechanical switch on the frame.
Included is standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, eliminating the need for a plug port. Wireless Smartphone charging is also on board (Optional is SR5 and Limited trims) with a rectangular backing allowing the phone to stand tall while charging. Most trims include a sizeable, 14-inch square multimedia infotainment screen. The lone exception, SR5 with an 8-inch variety (although the 14-incher is optional). The bright touch-screen sensitive design is relatively well organized and simple to peck through. Both sides are bookend by sizeable air vents.
A large tactile volume/on/off dial comes standard, a wonderful perk as many big-screen designs eliminate the convenience of dials and/or buttons.
Below the screen resides a row a half-dozen averaged-sized HVAC up-down tabs monitoring fan speed and multi-zone temperature (including the second row) along with row of icon buttons below.
The mechanical, vertically-sliding 10-speed automatic transmission handle includes a left-side, thumb-activated release button for easy movement. Electronically switching from rear drive 4 x 2 into 4 x 4 high mode is accomplished via a small rectangular tab within a horizontal track between front buckets. Four-low is also available during lower-speeds or when off-roading.
Dual inline beverage holders reside to the right of the gear shifter. Also between front buckets, a well-crafted multi-purpose deep storage bin with an “H style” football, goal post topside. A rear hinge design allows the entire top to open from the front; or for quick snaps, a slide cover occupying the top half of the goal post manually moves fore and aft.
Sequoia qualifies for Toyota Care, an extra no cost perk covering normal factory scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Toyota offers this perk with just about every vehicle sold in the U.S.
At a Glance2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro
Price as tested: $82,945
Engine: 3.5-liter hybrid V-6
Horsepower: 437
Wheelbase: 122 inches
Overall Length: 201.8 inches
Overall height: 77.7 inches
Powertrain Warranty: five year/60,000 miles
Hybrid related component warranty: 96 months/100,000 miles
Hybrid Battery warranty: 10 year/150,000 miles
Curb weight: 6,150 pounds
Fuel economy 4 x 4: 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway
Assembly: San Antonio, Texas