The newest member of Toyota’s TRD Pro has finally landed! Andre recently got some hands on time with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro near Dallas, Texas at Toyota’s first drive event. Here’s what you need to know about the all new model:
Styling
Toyota’s been working hard over the past few years to apple a recognizable Toyota style to all their vehicles. From the front especially, the new Sequoia looks extremely similar to the all-new Toyota Tundra. That’s both good and bad: good because I think the new Tundra is a sharp looking vehicle, and the styling is a major step up from the outgoing generation. It’s bad because just like the Tundra, this new TRD Pro Sequoia doesn’t come with any recovery hooks. Come on Toyota!
Interior styling has been improved greatly as well. Just like the exterior styling, the interior of the new Sequoia is based on the Tundra and shares a lot of parts, so it all feels very familiar with the new digital cluster and 12.3″ infotainment display.
The Powertrain
Unlike the new Tundra, this new Sequoia will be available with only one engine option. That’s the 3.5L twin turbo V6 i-FORCE MAX Hybrid powertrain, which makes 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the Sequoia will be able to tow up to 9,000 lbs.
Off-Road Tech
What would a TRD Pro model be without a great off-road technology package? The new Sequoia is equipped with Toyota’s Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select System, which has four modes: dirt, sand, mud, and deep snow. It also has four drive modes: normal, eco, sport, and tow/haul. The Sequoia has a low-range transfer case with 2H, 4H and 4L modes, although it does not have a 4-auto mode, like the Chevy Tahoe Z71 or Ford Expedition Timberline. You’ll also find a switch for a selectable rear locker on the dash, as well as a 360 degree camera system.
Also part of the TRD Pro package is a set of skid plates, TRD branded side steps and a red anti-sway bar. You’ll also get 18″ forged BBS wheels with 33″ Falken Wildpeak AT3W tires, and a set of Fox 2.5 shocks that have been tuned specifically for this vehicle and high-speed off-roading. The shocks are a more premium offering than what you’d find on the Z71 or Timberline, but the ground clearance isn’t quite up to par with the competition. This Sequoia has 9.1″ of ground clearance, while the Z71 (which can be had with air suspension) gets 10″ of ground clearance.
Some Technical Numbers
The Sequoia has always had a longer wheelbase than the Land Cruiser by about 10″, and that continues with this generation (122″ total wheelbase). The Land Cruiser is built with global off-road requirements in mind, while the Sequoia is designed for Americans, where we prioritize easy entry and exit to the rear seats. Approach angle is 23 degrees, and departure is 20 degrees which isn’t fantastic. The Silverado ZR2 for example, has 31.8 degrees of approach thanks to its uniquely shaped front bumper. Hopefully Toyota will revise the front and rear bumpers of this Sequoia down the line to give it some better approach and departure angles.
Off-Roading Coming Soon!
We’ll have some off-roading content with the new Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro coming in the next few days, and you’ll want to make sure to watch that video to find out how the Sequoia does on the trail. Judging by the numbers alone, it looks like Toyota build a solid off-roader, but maybe not best in class in all areas. Pricing has not yet been released by Toyota, but will be announced next week, and the new vehicle is set to go on sale in the Fall of 2022. We’ll be sure to keep you updated as we get this vehicle on more trails, and hopefully compare it to some of the off-roaders in its class.
