2023 Sequoia

As a current owner of a 2021 Sequoia TRD Pro I was watching the recent release of the 2023 Sequoia closely.

I watched the in-person review on TFL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgrtakE6DTI

I was surprised to see that the IRS is gone, and instead it's a solid rear axle. Great for people who want to do more serious off-roading with the Sequoia, but for my purposes, I would not want it, I like the roomier third row. Overall I am pleased that I bought a 2021 Sequoia, even if it weren't for the questionable reliability of the V6 Turbo.

What are your thoughts on the new Sequoia?

 

I watched a few videos this morning. Overall, I like it.

 

I can understand the engineers probably had a difficult choice on their hands. Many customers like the Sequoia for the IRS and more room in the third row. Others want a vehicle which will tow more and do more aggressive off-roading.. not an easy decision.

 

I too was surprised it no longer has the IRS. Looks like the power rear window is also gone, a feature that I would not buy a Tundra without. I imagine the change in the suspension is due to their new platform sharing approach to trucks and SUV's.

The new Tundra reportedly rides better than the previous generation due to the change from leaf to coiled springs, so maybe the ride in the Sequoia won't suffer too much...

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/i’m...2023-sequoia-thanks-to-the-2022-tundra.95477/

 

I’d like an option to remove the third row from the factory… or at least be able to remove it afterwards easily vs just folding flat

 

I really like this thing though I'm sure it will be more than i'm willing to pay (even though i'm likely the target audience) as most new vehicles are....

i have to say i was underwhelmed by the look of the middle row captains chairs. i hope that in person they are comfortable, heated, ventilated and more bolstered than they appears in the videos i've watched so far. At this price point i expect the middle row to be as comfortable as the fronts.

 

Very nice!

 

No power tailgate window...mistake imo. They took away a unique selling point and a big reason I've been buying only 4Runners and Sequoias for the past 20 years. Every time I considered a different make and model, I always shot them down for one reason....no power tailgate window.

Thanks for linking the video!

 

It’s nice indeed, but super glad I got mine when I did. I’ll keep it!

 

I'll be checking this out in 2030 or so.......

 

It is using the same platform as Tundra and LC300 so has to go the same route on suspensions. IRS dropped But gained multi-links, this is even better at creating room for 3rd row/behind And smoothing out ride.

I do like the exterior, looks like a giant 4Runner now!

 

Do you drive with it down? I liked the feature on my Tundra but mainly used it to let all the summer heat out real quick. Driving around with it down seemed to suck every bit of dust in the world in. The new Sequoia has the lift glass like my GX which would be a PITA without especially with the tire carrier. The lift glass provides quicker access but that is about it.

 

Same boat on the rear glass. I've always wondered why other manufacturers don't adopt the retractable rear glass. Is it some sort of proprietary technology or simply because they see the function as a PITA or useless feature?

I've driven 4runners, Tacoma's and now Sequoia's exclusively for the past 25 years. the retractable rear glass on my '85 4runner was one of the best features. I wish my 4door '03 Tacoma had this function. I love this feature on the Sequoia. being able to put the dog back there and roll down the window is key. Driving around in the summer with it down is great. Being able to access items without popping the tailgate is also great. It's definitely a feature that makes Toyota trucks and SUVs unique in a good way.

 

We recently bought a '22 Sequoia for my wife because she did not want the V6. It was difficult to get the '22 that she wanted, but after annoying the dealer for a few months they were able to find one. I don't think there are many '22 Sequoias. Anyway, after seeing the pictures and reading the advertising of the '23 I am very happy that we got the '22. I do not like the look of the inside or the outside of the '23. Other than the increased towing capacity I don't see any advantages and plenty of risk with all the new technology.

 

I'm excited about it and will seriously consider buying one this year, if price and availability work out. I get the disappointment on the rear window, but to me it's just a party trick type feature. On my Tundras and Sequoia I rarely used it because of dust and exhaust being pulled in. I probably used it more when parked to throw something in the back, so the pop up glass will actually function better for that since it'll open quicker.

I suspected the solid rear axle was coming because the spy shots gave away the rear links in the side profile photo. (https://www.tundras.com/threads/2023-sequoia-spy-shot.97334/) Toyota eluded to the fact that the new Sequoia would somewhat replace and satisfy the Land Cruiser market in the US. I was skeptical being a Land Cruiser guy, but I have to say that I am convinced that this will work out for us. Especially if Toyota comes around in the next few years with some type of base model Land Cruiser variant available to us.

I do hope that the 3rd row is easily removed because I do not like that it cant be folded completely out of the way. It looks like the hybrid batteries are causing this problem more than the rear axle as people are saying. It seems like the designers could have stored the batteries under the second row to allow a more seamless floor when all the seats are folded, but I'm sure they vetted all ways to design that set up.

 

Just when I think I have my mind made up on the replacement for this Tundra Toyota goes and does this.
I am a little sad to see the roll down window go. But am glad they got rid of the god awful ridiculous tubular FJ inspired roof rack. I guess I’ll keep an eye on the Sequoia again. That’s what I wanted when I got this 19.

 

With the batteries under there one would hope there would be an easy access by simply removing the 3rd row seats

 

The front view on the TRD Pro version is amazing, side profile just tries too hard and doesn't do it justice.

The crazy thing is that once again, and for no valid engineering reason, they've left out the locking centre diff from the LC300, LX600, and the previous gen Sequoia. I think this will be a huge turn-off for potential customers. I've heard all the BS arguments that a truck doesn't need full-time 4WD with a locking centre diff, but those are just excuses. Without the mainstream customer (urban, soccer parent, wants a large reliable SUV that is safe in all driving conditions) this won't be a sales success. Certainly the only models that may make it are the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro, both that attract the non-mainstream customer and will directly steal sales from the 4Runner and vice versa.

I've happily owned a 2012 Sequoia for 10 trouble-free years and just sold it to either buy a new old one (2022 TRD Pro) or the 2023. As a family SUV, the Sequoia was unbeatable for two reasons: 1- a very large and functional 3rd row with amazing fold-flat cargo room behind the second row; and, 2- a bullet-proof locking Torsen centre-diff that allowed my wife to drive it in 4HI for 6 months of the winter on any surface without any risk of damage, and with amazingly sure-footed grip in any situation that guaranteed my family's safety. Removing those two features means that it is completely out of contention as a replacement vehicle, and I've decided to buy the 2022.

Now, if I was looking for a larger 4Runner for my personal use with a focus on off-roading or overlanding, I'd take the new 2023, rip out the garbage 3rd row, replace the stupid compromising marketing slight-of-hand embarrassing shelf with nothing, and be very happy with a capable off-roader...but that's it. This doesn't bode well for the new Sequoia, and we may very well see this go the way of the Dodo after 2-3 years when the Grand Highlander and new 4Runner/GX550 are released.

Picking this up tomorrow: 2022 TRD Pro Lunar Rock

 

I agree about full time 4wd. Our first gen has it and it's a huge benefit in winter, especially for my wife. One less thing to worry about.

The people on this forum probably don't care as much, but the largest user group of sequoias has to be soccer mom's/families who would much prefer the full time 4wd capability. Huge screw up on Toyotas part in my opinion and probably a deal breaker for us.

 

I'm in that camp that would love the full time 4WD but I wonder if the new tech functions as a replacement for maintaining traction in those situations when the roads don't call for switching to 4HI. The setup on the Tundra seems to be so good that some of those wish list items like a front locker & 4WD auto are unnecessary for 90% of drivers due to the way the computers manage throttle and wheel spin, even those of us that live in climates with snowy/slushy roads for a large part of the year. I love my '22 but looking at the new tech throughout the '23 screams that this is the upgrade I was looking for even if there are some compromises. I definitely won't miss the V8 fuel economy considering that even a 20-25% improvement in the hybridized version makes our long road trips & Costco runs easier on the wallet

 

Configurator is live: https://www.toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/sequoia/

 

You sure? All I can do is change the color. The full configurator only shows the current 2nd Gen for me

Maybe I'm missing something?

 

You can change color and trim. Full build tool does not have the 2023 Sequoia yet.

 

ok cool. Looking forward to losing an hour once the full thing is live....

 

Kinda want one

 

Disappointed with their mpg was hoping at least 30mpg…

 

Dang laws of physics…

 

Just rolled 5000km on my 2022 Sequoia TRD Pro on 33.4 inch Falkens. Average fuel economy (about 80% city, 20% hwy) and averaged 15.5l/100km (15mpg). This included a bit of towing a 5000lb trailer/jeep combo and some higher rpm outings for a proper break-in.

Most of my hwy driving is at 70mph (110-115kph).

For me, the new 2023 needs to average more than 20mpg for me to consider a trade into the new model in 3-4 years (once all the bugs are worked out and after a midlife refresh) and for me to give up the 5.7L V8.

 

They just showed a 23 Capstone in Barrett Jackson in Vegas. In the bright Red,,, it was eye catching because of a big chunk of RED!!!