The Toyota Sequoia has been completely redesigned for the 2023 model year. The new Sequoia now comes with a standard hybrid powertrain. Does the 2023 Toyota Sequoia get better gas mileage than the 2023 Toyota 4Runner?

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is a standard hybrid

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is one of several hybrid vehicles from the Japanese automaker. Hybrids were once an anomaly in the auto industry. Toyota introduced the Prius over two decades ago. The Prius gets plenty of hate, but it paved the way for several of Toyota’s most successful hybrid models by allowing the automaker to develop its hybrid technology.

Today, Toyota offers hybrid versions of most of its popular nameplates, including the RAV4, Corolla and Camry. Models like the Prius, Sienna, Venza, and Sequoia are only available with hybrid powertrains. Hybrid powertrains don’t guarantee stellar fuel economy, especially for larger models.

The Sequoia’s new standard hybrid powertrain gave it the gas mileage boost it needed to keep up with the times. The 2022 Toyota Sequoia achieves 13 miles per gallon in the city and 17 miles per gallon on the highway. The 2023 model year gets 21 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

The new Sequoia isn’t exactly a fuel sipper, but an improvement of 7 miles per gallon is no small feat for such a large vehicle. The Sequoia’s new gas mileage is enough to make some consumers consider buying it over the previous model year.

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner didn’t change much

The 2023 Toyota 4Runner doesn’t include any major updates aside from the addition of the 40th Anniversary Special Edition option. The 4Runner is a great off-road SUV, but it doesn’t make the best daily driver because of its poor fuel economy.

The midsize SUV gets just 16 miles per gallon in the city and 19 miles per gallon on the highway. The Sequoia gets five more miles per gallon combined despite being the larger of the two Japanese SUVs.

Is it time for a Toyota 4Runner redesign?

The Toyota Tundra has benefitted greatly from its recent redesign. The 2022 Toyota Tundra is the most powerful version of the truck yet. It’s also much more refined than previous model years and comes with better tech. The Sequoia got the redesign it needed to keep it in the game.

The 4Runner is clearly in need of a redesign soon. Car and Driver calls the 4Runner too truck-like. Its fuel economy, ride quality, and cabin materials are no longer competitive. Being great off-road isn’t enough for the midsize SUV to make a major impact in its vehicle segment anymore, especially as other automakers begin to offer off-road trims for their midsize SUVs.

The Sequoia’s superior fuel economy is a clear sign that it’s time for the 4Runner to get a redesign. The nameplate could benefit greatly from better fuel economy, a smoother ride, and an overall change in its design language. If the 4Runner gets the transformation that Toyota gave the Tundra and Sequoia, it could be competitive again.

Read more about the redesigned 2023 Toyota Sequoia in the next article below.