2023 Toyota Sequoia Review | A new full-size contender?

The Toyota Sequoia finally gets a big redesign. Can the new-look SUV compete with the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition?
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The Toyota Sequoia certainly looks the part. Big, bold, and sporting an imposing grille, this SUV will get plenty of attention. And, with a more powerful but also more fuel-efficient hybrid V6 engine, it looks like a technological step forward, too. But the Sequoia's third row is tight and its cargo space is tighter. Will shoppers embrace the new-look Toyota?
For more information on the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, read our full review: cargur.us/SMvhY
Shop for a new Toyota Sequoia on CarGurus: cargur.us/Nd4n2
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Presenter: Dave Undercoffler
Cinematography: Phil Shuyler
#toyota #sequoia #review
---------
0:00 The 2023 Toyota Sequoia
0:47 Exterior Impressions
1:48 Powertrain
2:41 Interior Redesign
4:10 Rear Seats and Cargo Space
6:15 Driving Impressions
8:52 Competition
9:50 Pricing and Verdict

[@johnathoncastro]

Imagine a complete redesign and a hybrid but still get 15mpg!!

[@Louis1059]

LOL It's huge. I don't think people buying this care. The hybrid is mostly for the torque.

[@gabevillarreal96]

Yes the hybrid in the RAM that is matched with the 5.7 hemi is similar in that it has less to do with efficiency and more to do with torque off the line. The only big trucks and suvs thar get great gas mileage are electric. 10 speed automatics and smaller displacement turbos aren't going to give you toyota corolla and Honda civic type fuel economy. Keep dreaming. But I do agree it should have been a bit better with a brand new turbo v6 and hybrid system. But look at the power and torque figures.... those numbers come at a cost. The cost is on mpgs. But not durability or reliability.

[@j.dieason7527]

Lol your gonna get even less if you decide to use its towing capabilities

[@Kanti12311]

They could of throw in acoustic glass for all glasses. My Pilot has it and it helps with wind noise

[@wacoodude6567]

Are you kidding me? You think an adult can be comfortable in the third row of this Sequoia? It pretty much a squatting position sitting in the third row. Also this car can carry 7 people and luggage for 2 ... I dont understand how Toyota redesigned a full size SUV and gave it mid-size SUV specs. Disappointed because I was lining up to get one. This is at best a two row SUV with really good towing. Nothing more.

[@mcchickenmcflurry3636]

Overweight American complaining about first world problem

[@k.w5804]

Completely agree. 3rd is for occasional hauling of in-laws or other kids that my kids invited for dinner at school. I wouldn’t take this over the Escalade if I have more than 2 kids.

[@Pengo64436]

I’m with you I just don’t understand why Toyota won’t just stretch the Sequoia like a suburban or Ford explorer

[@wacoodude6567]

@@k.w5804 but the second row does not slide back. So there is no extra leg room if you are not using the third row. Also do you honestly think you can drive this car on vacation with its abysmal cargo room? You can't fit any full size suitcases.

[@wacoodude6567]

@@Pengo64436 it's not just stretch. They need to raise the third row and provide more legroom along with atleast double the cargo room on the so called shorter wheel base version if you will. It would not have been that much more expensive to stretch the car. Wagoneer L is like just 2 to 3k more than the regular. In its current form its more appealing as a 2 row with class leading legroom and cargoroom with the third row removed.

[@gabevillarreal96]

What you spend in bad gas mileage, you save in never having breakdowns and added unexpected ownership expenses. Plus peace of mind is priceless to me especially with a family. I enjoy paying for things I can count on time after time. It's engineered into the brand. I'd buy this over everything in the segment! Different strokes for different folks. Some people buy Landrovers all the time as well as jaguar's mercedes bmws and audis and those manufacturers are horrific when it comes to reliability and dependability and cost to maintain as well as resale value. But those things aren't important to those buyers. They are to me.

[@wacoodude6567]

Yes we can see you will worship anything Toyota .... Even if its annoys you to death everytime you drive it.

[@naveenthemachine]

I own a Toyota Camry and as much as I love mine it may be my last Toyota I’ll buy.

[@gabevillarreal96]

@@wacoodude6567 To me what's WAY MORE annoying is paying well earned hard earned money and simply not knowing when I will be left stranded or having to spend more on breakdowns due to faulty engineering and manufacturing processes over and over throughout the life of the vehicle. That's the DEFINITION of ANNOYING TO ME! To each their own. Different people place different priorities on certain aspects of vehicle ownership. I've owned a VW from brand new to 150k miles and 7 years and it was fun to drive but a nightmare in breakdowns and repairs. I've owned 4 lexus's and a Honda since then with zero issues in the same amount of time and mileage. Much much more pleasant experience and one that I choose to experience from now on. That experience is 100% based on choice of manufacturer and brand along with excellent maintenance practices.

[@gabevillarreal96]

@@naveenthemachine why's that?

[@naveenthemachine]

@@gabevillarreal96 because aside from the Camry or the expensive GR corolla I can’t think of any other Toyota that’s even competitive vs Hyundai Kia Mazda or Honda. There’s always a compromise with Toyotas vs rival brands. From styling to interior design to materials quality to build quality, fit and finish, technology, space, practicality, value, handling and performance

[@luv2bottom]

looks great except for the fatal flaw of how the 3rd row seat folds down, it makes 0 sense

[@sonofnun1917]

It's because it's a hybrid and the batteries are underneath the third row. The lack of cargo space really ruined this car. I have no idea who would buy it.

[@PaulHo]

Shout out the Allbirds. 🤙🏾

[@KetoJames]

Everytime I come back to thinking about this, I change my mind when I see that wreck of storage in the rear.

[@yousef725]

Thanks for the thorough review. One KZbinr mentioned hesitation or chatter “Chadder” when the car switched from electric motor to gasoline engine? What are your thoughts? Was that hybrid to gasoline transition felt when you drove it or was it smooth?

[@jgs1564]

Great review. BTW, has anybody ever told you that you look like CA governor, Gavin Newsom?

[@dimsum1033]

No, he is far better looking than French Laundry Newsom.

[@CN-ez1wv]

I like Toyota Sequoia a lot I wish I can get one.

[@kareljanraska6703]

Love the new Sequoia! People have complained about luxury/features compared to rivals, but at the end of the day it's a Toyota - you buy it to last forever.

[@wacoodude6567]

Well why don't you use your cell phone forever?

[@arhamkhakwani5851]

@@wacoodude6567 try using a bashed up Blackberry today vs your current iPhone. Best you won't even last a week. 💀💀

[@wacoodude6567]

@@arhamkhakwani5851 your point being?

[@brianmack3665]

The issue is your reliably driving around with an uncomfortable rear row and a diminished storage area. So if you only need to bring 4 people with moderate luggage, this is for you. Everyone else will comfortably be riding around in a Suburban or Expedition.

[@arhamkhakwani5851]

@@wacoodude6567 point is why upgrade to a new car regardless because any old car can do most cam do most of the work a new one can, sometimes being better at it.

[@DM-fv7hw]

It's got a great powertrain, but a swing and a miss on the thrid row.

[@gabevillarreal96]

And the ride quality.

[@KeystoneTexan]

For sure

[@clayjones1767]

does anyone know if it can be removed? Not needed for me

[@farazq]

Absolutely horrible.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

love the grille , over the tundra, only drawback is the 3rd row ,when its folded down takes up to much cargo space ,as a car camper overlander ,we have no need ,want or will ever use the 3rd row .I want cargo space for my camping kit, cant bolt down my slide out fridge .on top of a folded down 3rd row seat . do like that toyota went back to a soild rear axle

[@notsecure]

Looks like it has less trunk space than the mid-size SUV

[@Webbcorp]

Toyota took utility out of sport utility. 80 cubit feet! It was 130. An Accord has more storage. And removing the rear window! Absolutely horrible decision. The only thing I can say positive, is the TRD is a great 4wd. It’s insulting to compare a TRD Pro to a GM or Ford. No one, and I mean no one, would even think about really taking one of those into a true off road adventure.

[@Mr1wd]

why is the wheel missing a couple spokes

[@Biker1124]

Honestly, The Sequoia is the Highlander Off-road version. Virtually same amount of space inside. Just taller and looks like a Tundra.

[@RJ-vc2ju]

Also, it's the only one without either 4auto or selectable full-time 4WD (like the previous Sequoia). That and the minuscule 3rd row and only half the cargo volume of the previous generation Sequoia, as well as the complete ridiculousness of the multilevel cargo space make it a significant fail. My money is on Toyota discontinuing the Sequoia after 2-3 years when sales don't occur. Btw, I'm an avid Toyota fan and owned a 2012 Sequoia for 10 years and bought the last of the 22's (TRD PRO Sequoia 5.7L) after this model was revealed.

[@wacoodude6567]

100% Agree ... A beautiful SUV ruined by lack of vision from Toyota. I am thinking they did not design this for the US market. I was so ready to pull the trigger on this but went and got a Wagoneer instead after seeing the interior and Cargo space.

[@dwaterpolo]

Yep 3rd Row is worse than the competition, MPG worse than the competition (Diesel options), and less cargo space. Never in my wildest imagination will I figure out why they ruined the trunk (lack of space and configuration issue) is a big no for me.

[@motmot2377]

@@wacoodude6567 How do you like the Wagoneer so far? I’ve never owned a Jeep but it’s a nice looking ride.

[@wacoodude6567]

@@motmot2377 I have a Series 1 4x4 with a couple options. It's feels amazing everytime I drive it. It's an aspirational vehicle ... kinda like if you own one you know you made it. Very comfy, rides like it's floating, super quiet. People willingly sit in the third row. Overall it's exceeded my expectations. And when you floor it man this thing takes off! Corners like a sports car, min body roll. Almost 8k miles. Get close to EPA mpg.

[@peterrao1]

I got an Expedition. It’s reliable, efficient engine and space allocation is much better! I had to tow this past week and the package on the Expedition is much better than the Sequoia.

[@JadaCol]

When is gonna be at the damn dealership, I been on the waiting list for months, where is my truck, stop showing us,

[@jplay0426]

It defeats the point of getting my a full size suv, that third row space is mediocre

[@jerryyang8174]

It’s more of a Highlander than sequoia.

[@docholliday2961]

Forget it 15 MPG with gas prices hitting 7 dollars a gallon in California no thanks 👎

[@panderspdapdx]

I waited sooo long in anticipation of this vehicle. I'd walk barefoot thru ten miles of broken glass to choke the living s#%t out of the project manager that signed off on that interior cargo design. Who thinks this is even remotely acceptable, it's less than a 4runner cargo space and half as usable.

[@ssjdarren]

You KNOW you don't fit in that back seat. Stop playin'.

[@dtay8913]

I'd get it over the Armada definitely and maybe the jeep but that's it.

[@beezilla87]

Now you know you were uncomfortable in that 3rd row

[@mhravenk7686]

Disappointing… Toyota seems to have rolled the dice on 3rd row & cargo space to make room for this hybrid powertrain that yields 15 mpg? I don’t get it.

[@beezilla87]

Right, I was excepting more MPG being That it was a v6 hybrid, I might as well get a pre-owned with a v8

[@dustinm8800]

The host is so handsome 😍

[@656harnish]

I love the new look but the cargo space is terrible. I have 3 kids and the Nissan Armada is ideal for cargo space, because of that fact I am going with the Armada.

[@nacho-man1063]

The cargo space is a big no

[@noneewqwe]

second & third row headrooms are disappointing.

[@agietu]

❤

[@MyMy-rp2ku]

💪💪💪💪🇱🇾🇱🇾🇱🇾🇱🇾

[@geovannivarela6932]

This sounds like a miss. All the important points are a negative. The positive points are in every other vehicle in that class. So this to me was a miss.

[@garrettperkins9021]

The vehicle is meh. The host is tops.

[@dsell37]

To wait well over a decade for a full redesign only to get this? Major fail by Toyota.

[@farazq]

Everything about the vehicle is great EXCEPT for one of the main reasons why people buy SUV's, the REAR STORAGE! Wow. What a total screw up. Does not have a flat load floor. Some weird shelf system which I'm certain will crack under excess weight. That solid rear axle is killing the entire rear of the vehicle. I was excited for this vehicle and was looking forward to perhaps purchasing one but this is a HUGE pass for me. I'll look at older models or other vehicles entirely. Sorry Toyota. Maybe next time.

[@wacoodude6567]

I will take the Wagoneer or Tahoe over this anyday ....

[@mactimo333]

lol good luck with your Fiat 😂😂😂😂😂

[@annarakannan6620]

Way Overpriced for what it offers. Terrible fuel economy for a hybrid. For 70G I should be looking at a porche .

[@a-man-of-heart]

I don't like hybrid cars.

[@khaanadian9648]

Boosted hybrid V6 is gay and will never last as long as a naturally aspirated V8. I'll be sticking with the 2021 Toyota's.

[@gabevillarreal96]

Probably not but if I have to purchase a turbocharged V6, I trust that Toyota engineers will get it right and do it better than anyone in the industry

[@naveenthemachine]

No it can’t compete. This has to be THE most CATASTROPHIC suv redesign to date. The interior space and cargo have shrunken SIGNIFICANTLY Not to mention no independent rear suspension meaning the worst ride and handling balance in its class The capstone interior materials aren’t class leading. Nor is the tech. On top of that the hybrid mpg is very disappointing considering the GM triplets get better fuel economy Overall a colossal failure for a 15 year redesign. you can’t just redesign a vehicle and be class trailing in every possible category. But Toyota managed to do it and as a result this is the laughing stock of a large suv You can’t use your pathetic reliability excuse with all this complex tech. May be the freshest but that doesn’t mean squat. The freshest doesn’t always mean better Explain to me why I shouldn’t be laughing at your faces because all of you laughed at me for badmouthing this vehicle and Toyota in general even though I own a Toyota. That doesn’t make me a slave to the brand

[@okc557]

Hush

[@naveenthemachine]

@@okc557 you’re all just mad because you can’t process some Toyota owning guy on the internet bashing on Toyota yet that person has always ended up being right. What the reviewer was saying was exactly what I’ve been trying to tell everyone from the get go only in a more harsh tone

[@naveenthemachine]

@DavidRC sales numbers? What sales? The GM triplets and the expedition all outsell it by many miles

[@mseriously911]

Weird how invested you are in your hate for this car. I’m buying one, works for me.

[@LuwigChannel]

Not big on the capstone, really feel like it's trying to be something that it's not. But the TRD Pro is what I'm after. Aside from the weird cargo space, it ticks all the boxes for me. Updated infotainment, off-road capability, hybrid drivetrain, attractive (to me) exterior, fairly large cargo space. One thing I will say is that the Escalade exterior does look better than the TRD Pro sequoia, I really don't think they're competing in the same segment.

[@j.dieason7527]

70k?