The new model year is right around the corner, and a brand-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia shows off with an impressive array of upgrades. The previous version of this full-size SUV has lasted 15 model years, but that’s a bit much for any vehicle, especially a modern three-row SUV. With this new makeover, we still wonder if it has everything desired to compete in a modern world of large SUVs.

Is Toyota going to redesign the Sequoia?

This has been the question plaguing the Sequoia for a few years. Until recently, this big Toyota SUV could hide in the shadows of its larger Land Cruiser sibling, but not any longer. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is the “big dog,” “mack daddy,” and “head honcho” of the Toyota SUV lineup. With this in mind, the Sequoia must meet and exceed our expectations. Can it do this?

What does the 2023 Toyota Sequoia SUV offer?

Car and Driver calls this new Sequoia a solid package. This SUV brings three rows of seats in the standard models, a hybrid powertrain, and plenty of modern technology. Towing capacity reaches between 9,020 and 9,520 pounds depending on the trim. Several trims are offered to give consumers the various qualities expected of a Toyota SUV.

What are the Sequoia trim levels?

SR5

• Moonroof
• Heated front seats
•  12.3-inch digital drier information display
• Rear seat alert
• 360-degree camera system
• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display
• Wireless Apple CarPlay/ Android Auto
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Adaptive cruise control

SR5 Premium

• 14-inch touchscreen infotainment display
• Power-folding third-row seats
• Hands-free tailgate
• Simulated leather upholstery
• Two 120-volt outlets

TRD Sport

• Sport suspension
• Black-finished 20-inch alloy wheels
• TRD Off-Road package

Limited

• Heated/ventilated front seats with memory settings
• Powered tailgate
• Power-folding third row
• Rear sunshades

Platinum

• Heated/ventilated second-row captain’s chairs
• Panoramic moonroof
• Wireless charging
• Head-up display
• LED exterior lighting
• Rain-sensing wipers
• 14-speaker JBL audio system

TRD Pro

• Upgraded off-road suspension
• Underbody protection
• TRD Pro roof rack
• Heated steering wheel
• 4WD

Capstone

• Full leather and wood interior package

What colors will the 2023 Sequoia come in?

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia will be offered in a wide variety of colors, including White, Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Silver, Lunar Rock, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Blueprint, Army Green, Midnight Black Metallic, Smoked Mesquite, Supersonic Red, and the TRD-exclusive color Solar Octane.

What powers this 2023 Toyota SUV?

All models of the new Sequoia use a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine plus an electric motor. According to Kelley Blue Book, this gives the Sequoia 437 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. This SUV hasn’t received an EPA fuel economy rating, but based on the new hybrid Tundra rating of 19 to 20 mpg combined, similar numbers are expected.

This Toyota SUV lacks driving excitement

While the power is plentiful, the steering and suspension remind owners they are behind the wheel of a full-size SUV. Many automakers have taken steps to allow their larger vehicles to feel smaller while on the road, but that doesn’t seem to be the case for the Toyota Sequoia. The vehicle has an extra-wide feeling, squishy brakes, and steering that’s too light.

How much will a 2023 Toyota Sequoia SUV cost?

This new Sequoia should start at $58,300 for the SR5 model. The Limited trim might reach $67,700, while the Capstone model could cost as much as $78,300. Starting prices of competitors are a little less, with the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Nissan Armada all beginning around $50,000 and the GMC Yukon offering a starting price of nearly $52,000.

Should you buy the new Toyota Sequoia?

If you want Toyota reliability in a three-row SUV, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is the right vehicle for you to drive. The new hybrid powertrain comes with an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, and the electric motor battery is covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles. Some competitors might cost a little less, but the Toyota brand and reputation might be worth the added cost to some consumers.

If you think you want to buy the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, check out the next article that gives you some great reasons to wait for it.