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A certain pair of vehicle siblings aren’t living up to their nameplates. While the Toyota Tundra and Toyota RAV4 lead their segments, the Toyota Tundra and Toyota Sequoia are falling behind. What’s holding the 2023 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia back?

The 2023 Toyota Tundra and Sequoia face low sales 

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia off-roading over rocks
2023 Toyota Sequoia | Toyota

While the 2023 Toyota Tundra and 2023 Toyota Sequoia are solid options for work, off-roading, and families, they’re both falling behind. These full-size vehicles aren’t keeping up with top American rivals. 

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia managed to sell 22,182 units in 2023. In 2022, it only sold 5,314 models, so this is a 317.4% year-over-year increase. 

But before we celebrate the Seqoia for improving, we need to highlight how far it needs to go. The 2023 Chevy Tahoe sold 110,328 models, the 2023 GMC Yukon moved 82,271 models, and the 2023 Ford Expedition moved 73,396 units. 

The 2023 Toyota Tundra sold 125,185 trucks in 2023, and 104,104 models in 2022. So, that’s a 20% sales increase. But the 2023 Ford truck lineup (including heavy-duty models) moved 750,789 trucks.

Combining 2023 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra sales add up to 850,885 and the 2023 Ram 1500 moved 444,926 models. 

While the Tundra and Sequoia ride on the same platform, share similar tech, and have TRD Pro off-roading trims, they have different engines. Critics praise both options for having a smooth power delivery. 

But both options lose points for not being as refined as their rivals. The Tundra and Sequoia have more wind and road noise than expected. They both have a bumpier ride quality but are comfortable enough for longer family trips. 

The Sequoia and Tundra are also a bit limiting. The Sequoia has a cramped third row, the seats don’t fold flat, and you can’t remove them. The Tundra doesn’t have a multifunctional tailgate or as much interior storage. 

You can tow up to 12,000 lbs with the Tundra and up to 14,000 lbs with the 2023 F-150. The Sequoia can tow up to 9,520 lbs and the Wagoneer can tow up to 10,000 lbs. 

Despite having hybrid power their fuel economies aren’t great, the Tundra gets an EPA-estimated 17 mpg in the city and up to 22 mpg on the highway. But in some testing, it only got about 15 mpg. 

The Sequoia gets an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and up to 24 mpg on the highway. The Ford Explorer is rated at up to 26 mpg on the highway. 

The Tundra and Sequoia are well-rounded options but don’t outshine the competition in any particular areas.