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The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size body-on-frame SUV that shares a chassis with the Toyota Tundra. Toyota gave the 2022 Toyota Tundra truck a third-generation redesign, vastly improving power and efficiency. But the 2022 Toyota Sequoia SUV still rides on the outdated second-generation chassis. The third-generation 2023 Toyota Sequoia is shaping up to be far more advanced than the current, second-generation of the SUV.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia: already outdated

This is a promotional photo of a second-generation Toyota Sequoia, similar to the 2022 Toyota Sequoia. But the third-generation, debuting with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, is shaping up to be much better.
Second-generation Toyota Sequoia | Toyota

Second-Generation Toyota Sequoia (2022) specs

  • Engine: naturally-aspirated 5.7L V8
  • Transmission: 6-speed automatic
  • Horsepower: 381
  • Torque: 401 lb-ft
  • Fuel Mileage: 15 mpg (13 city/17 highway)
  • Towing Capacity: 7,400 pounds

The drivetrain powering the second-generation Toyota Sequoia (2008-present) has been outdated for years. For example, Toyota only offers this SUV with a naturally-aspirated 5.7-liter V8. This aging engine gives up both horsepower and fuel efficiency to the Dodge 5.7-liter HEMI V8. Behind the V8 is a six-speed automatic transmission. While reviewing the Tundra, Car Gurus said this transmission is “outrated by everything in the segment.” The 2022 SUV will be among the Toyota Sequoia’s worst model years.

As a result of its outdated drivetrain, the massive Toyota Sequoia is one of the thirstiest vehicles in Toyota’s lineup. The EPA gave the 2WD Toyota Sequoia a 15 mpg fuel economy rating. Specifically, that rating breaks down to 13 city/17 highway mpg. The 4WD edition achieves similar city and highway numbers, yet its overall average is just 14 mpg.

The Toyota Sequoia’s towing capacity is also limited by its drivetrain. The Ford Expedition can tow up to 9,300 pounds. Both the Dodge Durango SRT and Lincoln Navigator are rated at 8,700 pounds. In addition, the Nissan Armada and Infiniti QX80 share a tow rating of 8,500 pounds. Therefore, the 2022 Toyota Sequoia lags behind all these SUVs with a tow rating of just 7,400 pounds.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia redesign: worth the wait

Third-Generation Toyota Sequoia (2023) specs

  • Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.44L V6
  • Transmission: 10-speed automatic
  • Horsepower: 437
  • Torque: 583 lb-ft
  • Fuel Mileage: mid-20s
  • Towing Capacity: ~11,000 pounds

Eagle-eyed SUV fans caught a 2023 Toyota Sequoia test vehicles driving near Toyota North America’s headquarters. The heavily camoflauged SUV appears to be a Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro. In addition, it is built on the same chassis as the 2022 Toyota Tundra. This fits with Toyota’s news. Specifically, it will manufacture the 2023 Sequoia at its San Antonio factory, alongside the Tundra.

Toyota will likely offer the 2023 Sequoia with two powertrains. In addition, the 5.7-liter V8 is no more. Firstly, the 2023 Sequoia base engine will be a turbocharged 3.44-liter V6. This V6 leads Toyota’s Dynamic Force engine family. The Dynamic Force engines leverage VVTi technology for precise control of the combustion process. The result is a V6 engine more powerful and efficient than most V8s.

For the Tundra, the engineers at Toyota tuned the twin turbochargers on the new V6 for low-end torque. As a result, this engine makes 389 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

The top trim 2023 Sequoia will feature the iFORCE MAX hybrid drivetrain

The top-trim engine Toyota will probably offer in the 2023 Sequoia is a hybrid drivetrain. For the 2022 Tundra, Toyota sandwiched a 67 horsepower electric motor between the V6 engine and 10-speed transmission. The resulting iFORCE MAX drivetrain makes 437 horsepower. Also, the Toyota produces more torque than the Ford Raptor: 583 lb-ft.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra can tow 12,000 pounds when equipped with the iFORCE MAX. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia will probably be slightly heavier than the Tundra. Therefore, we can expect its tow rating to fall between 10,000 and 11,000 pounds.

Toyota has yet to release fuel mileage numbers for the 2022 Tundra. But the turbocharged V6 should sip fuel while not towing. In addition, the hybrid drivetrain’s regenerative braking further boosts mpg. Therefore, experts predict this drivetrain will achieve fuel mileage in the mid-20s.

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Staff Writer

Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.