The story of how the 2023 Toyota Sequoia was NOT going to be from the man that built it!

MotoMan meets up with Toyota Tundra & Toyota Sequoia Chief Engineer, Mike Sweers to go behind the scenes on how to make a car. Yes, Mike shares some industry wide knowledge as well as some Toyota specific insight, but in the process, MotoMan learns that Toyota was going to kill the Toyota Sequoia after the last generation . . . that is until Mike went on a mission . . .
#Toyota #ToyotaSequoia #Sequoia
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[@911Hammer]

Respect to this guy and Toyota for being this transparent. It builds trust.

[@1guyin10]

I'm glad they were able to save it in the lineup. They should be able to sell a whole lot more than 8,000 copies. The engineers did a great job on it.

[@clarencetaylor7455]

This is where motoman shines, you can tell the respect (and access) he gets from the quality of his interviews with car co execs

[@wsmcook]

The thing the new sequoia is lacking is cargo room. The bottom line is that is necessary for a true family hauler.

[@TomK-ti8kp]

It appears Toyota USA took a gamble with the cargo space, thinking the typical consumer will buy the sequoia for the Toyota badge. It worked. Sales are on the rise

[@kylem324]

Really like the new Sequoia. Makes the LC 300 loss easier to bare. What I think is missing from it now is a PHEV option. Even 30 miles of electric only range would allow most daily use to not need gasoline. Second is an AWD system that can be used without worrying about driveline binding, which may be more of an issue on the Tundra.

[@TheEarthwinders]

Agree 100%. PHEV are a great option right now with the limited charging network, and 30-50 miles covers most people's daily commutes even for those of us living in rural areas, which is perfect.

[@masterbuiltdesigns6734]

Yes, give me 30-50 mi range and AWD option on now an overpriced tundra and I'll upgrade my 2018 tundra and switch our family vehicle to a Sequoia!!!!!

[@PWCDN]

PHEV doesn't make sense for something this size, else you'd see a PHEV Sienna already, which is a more likely candidate since it actually has the efficiency to make it work. The suspicion (since I don't have the MPG number for this new one) is the hybrid on this thing isn't for direct efficiency, its for instant torque to make up for the loss from a V8 to a V6 Turbo. The fuel saving is really going from V8 to V6 turbo while reducing performance degradation with the electric motors. Problem with people who buy a Sequoia is they don't want to sacrifice power. Power and efficiency can't co-exist in a hybrid set up. its one or the other. I think the only solution is to go full electric to utilize the weight advantage of losing the engine and transmission for more batteries.

[@kylem324]

@@PWCDN PHEV has already been proven to work really well in this size range. There’s the Range Rover, Defender, and X5 that are all PHEV. I believe each of those cars has a tow rating of 3500KG. The benefits are if you drive less than 50km a day, you can use very little in the way of fuel. And benefit from low NVH. Then you have the instant torque and a decently quick car when run with the engine as well. And because it’s a hybrid, you don’t have any long distance range/charging anxiety. Harry Metcalfe ran an X5 PHEV and had monthly mpg average of 63.7mpg with near 60% of miles covered being electric out of 500 miles. Chrysler has a PHEV minivan. If Toyota had a Sequoia Prime, it would probably be in as much demand as there RAV4 Prime.

[@kingofthesofas]

@@TheEarthwinders I have one of these and 10/10 would have paid for a PHEV option for it. I low key wonder if in the future there might be ways to upgrade the battery and add a PHEV version, the electric motor is powerful enough for it.

[@SwannBus]

Very promising, needs a long wheelbase version to compete with the domestics; Suburban, Yukon XL, Expedition Max

[@Magnetorheological]

Honestly never understood people's aversion to minivans. They're so versatile and comfortable, absolutely perfect for road trips!

[@Littleathquakes]

true but the automakers are also to blame. Look at the Kia Carnival - that’s a great looking minivan. Other Automakers simply didn’t put any thought into the design of their minivans.

[@whyallthefuss201]

The same reason why people wear Rolex to check the time when Timex does exactly the same.

[@KidKingdomHearts]

@@whyallthefuss201 bro minivans are pretty expensive though. A fully loaded Toyota Sienna makes my eyes water

[@Jdalio5]

Some people have future aspirations of buying a jet ski or boat one day. With a minivan you're telling your fat wife there's plenty of room for more kids.

[@MrOiram46]

They aren’t the most aesthetically pleasing, the classic Volkswagen minivan imo is the best looking minivan to have come out and that was decades ago

[@amjadnajim962]

great humble transparent smart people like Mike Sweers is what makes Toyota the best, most reliable brand out there. I've driven 8 different Toyotas and still drive one. I don't plan on changing brands even when I can afford it. I think I'm getting the Sequoia once it hits the market in summer. Thank you MotoMan for a great insight-full episode.

[@soILLitsADVISED]

I loved this. For years, I’ve always wondered about the decisions made behind models offered. Toyota was really about to leave a gap from the 4Runner to the LX600. Yes, I like both of those vehicles but consumers aren’t choosing between those 2 models when there are plenty of mid size 3-row SUVs to choose from. You need an Explorer, Telluride, Pallisade, Yukon, etc to choose from before going high end with the LX or going dedicated sporty with a 4Runner.

[@matthewmoralesjames8699]

i think telluride and palisade are on the lower side of this market but you’re totally correct about toyota filling the gap with this new sequoia. i hope it sells

[@curiosityredpill7030]

@@matthewmoralesjames8699 they’re all around the 45-50k price range

[@gransport4246]

Selectable “auto” 4 wheel drive like Ram, GMC, and Ford. It’s a great feature when roads are ever changing in the northern climates during winter. It’s better than AWD because the transfer case still allows for 4 high and 4 low when needed.

[@hailus7714]

How about creating an extended version of Sequoia like Chevy Suburban? will you ever consider that?

[@ryanrenfro968]

Great redesign and I'm glad they finally got away from the terrible mpg on the previous models. It has one MAJOR flaw that might keep me from getting one and that is the back seats don't fold flat. I understand the batteries and rear axle might be preventing this, so you need to make them removable so that we can fit things like dog crates and have room to sleep in the back.

[@franzvanjulio5523]

I've listened to Mike Sweers quite a bit with the roll out of the Tundra and Sequoia. He seems like a nice guy and he's good at sharing the information he knows about his products.

[@MotoManTV]

Not only one of the smartest guys in the room, but truly one of the most genuine folks I have met in this business . . .

[@franzvanjulio5523]

@@MotoManTV Thanks for having him on. I truly consider you to be the same and it's a joy to watch your show. Be well.

[@UltimaRSfan]

One thing i would like NOT to see is subscription services for features you already pay for when buying the vehicle. ie: heated seats, remote start... etc. This not directly pointing the finger at Toyota, but rather ALL auto manufacturers. I see they are keen on subscription services and not thinking it through. Going overboard. Next someone will have the bone head idea of paying monthly remote for locks, then having a key fob... where does it end. At that point I'd rather just go buy an old used vehicle that isn't hooked to the internet in any way. The sequoia TRD is a beautiful SUV. You really knocked it out of the park with style, inside and out!

[@LakshmananVenkatesan]

This is a great video which goes into the heads of the decision makers in a giant auto company like Toyota. Its very rare to get free talking execs like this on camera. Great work Motoman!

[@nategeorge21]

Only thing I see missing from the Sequoia models are wheelbase options. Something that can compete in the Yukon XL category is a necessity in my humble opinion.

[@swiper1818]

This is a seriously interesting video - thank you MotoMan and Chief Engineer Sweers 👍👍👍

[@fabulousoffroaddesigns5080]

Love the Sequoia! Just a few questions. -How long until there is a TRD-Pro Max "PRIME"? -Will the front Torsen differential from the LC200 fit the Sequoia? -Did Lexus know the Sequoia was only coming as a hybrid before they introduced the LX600 without a hybrid? -Will there be a GR-Sport version with a front locker?

[@theclueguy3388]

Yeah, they knew cause toyota develops lexus. I think toyota may want to see how the hybrid max engine does in the Tundra and Sequoia before putting it in the LX600 and the Land Cruisers world wide. I doubt there will be a GR version or a front locker. Toyota always seems to avoid them on their American made trucks for some reason.

[@malifestro3319]

TRD steel front and rear bumper with winch support, and rear tire carrier that can hold a 35. 2" lift and adjustable shocks. That would be awesome for the LC crowd. Hopefully someone will begin work on it.

[@b4triangle]

To answer the "what are we missing" question, for me, I think this hits a really good triple, but not yet a HR. The HR would be offering an XL version, to expand luggage space behind the 3rd row. Then you have a true competitor to Ford and GM's offerings in this market. Note: I'm an LX 570 owner, and may already consider this over my LX if it can come CLOSE (don't expect it to match) to the balance of ride quality, sound dampening, and on road/off road capability that the LX offers. An XL version would seal the deal for me because although this 3rd row offers more leg room than the LX, it doesn't significantly increase luggage space behind it for oversized items (even considering the sliding 3rd row). Also, I have to wonder now if I prefer the fold up seats of the LX (that I've never previously preferred) over these seats that don't fold flat into the floor. I get it, hard axles have their advantages. Give and take. Just my $0.02.

[@brianc7474]

I love to listen your manufacturers interviews, they are very enlightening.keep up with the excellent content.

[@jayrichards3672]

Very informative with insight on where full size is going. Thanks for great interaction with Sweers, all that, and entertainment too. You always get the best interviews. Thanks again.👍

[@cue03]

People are becoming more accustomed to not having to turn things on/adjust certain items and after owning a vehicle with these automations I can 100% say that I will not buy another vehicle of any kind without the following: automatic headlights, automatic high beams, automatic wipers, adaptive cruise control with FULL stop and take off capabilities and surround view cameras that are available/selectable without having to be reverse. Lastly heated and cooled seats are a must. Forgot to mention automatic folding mirrors. Both front row and 2nd row heated and cooled and you have a winner. Couple that with full time 4x4 with locking center and rear diffs + a killer “terrain” programming (MTS/ATRAC) and you have a star on your hands. A star that really doesn’t need to be unobtainable price wise.

[@africanclassicalmusic]

You can just say you want a Toyota Mercedes Benz truck.

[@NattyGymBro]

My wife and went from a mid-size SUV to a minivan as our family grew and kids got older. We're now at the point where we want to transition back into a SUV and the new Sequoia seems like a great fit between having the room and the ability to tow. Even though it's a Toyota, my biggest concern is with the reliability of a twin turbo hybrid power train.

[@MrOiram46]

Toyota is very well known for their reliability

[@dakotalucky13]

They don’t sell us the land cruisers they have in Australia. We can only choose opulence. They have lesser models there.

[@slowsleeper550]

Insight, a longer wheel base version would be nice. Are drop down video screens still a thing? That would be a nice addition. Detachable/Removable 3rd row would be nice, for those times when the third row isn’t needed.

[@brianpara1407]

“I get it, MotoMan… I’m bald.. lay off the jokes.”

[@ag4eng]

I think Toyota could double the sales number with this newest version. Smart move to leverage the Tundra platform for a large SUV. If you build, we will buy it. Had this been available in 2020, I would buy it for my business. I am looking at it for end of 2022.

[@tommy516]

You think having an SUV that you cannot fold flat all the seats in the back to carry stuff is useful?

[@ag4eng]

@@tommy516 Should work with the shelf. Carrying pelican cases and such.

[@robertbonefant8271]

That does it for me. I’m purchasing a new Sequoia so I can drive my family from Boston to Wally World !

[@PaulCuenin]

We currently have a 2005 LX470 and it has 225k on it this could definitely be our next family vehicle especially if the MPG is good as well. Very interested in this.

[@marathonbaker]

I would have an option to not have a third row seat, or have the reclining rear seats from the sienna. Bring the sliding rear window, and have an easier flooring to clean up with dog hair.

[@kyleshearer639]

I guess we all Mike’s wife a huge THANK YOU for the 2023 Sequoia!!

[@6806goats1]

What a great video, Toyota, you're lucky to have a guy like this. My concerns are selfish. I have a 97 Land Cruiser that I've been thinking about setting up as an overland rig. I don't have a family but want something larger. Older Sequoia is perfect except fuel mileage. Take all the back seats out, boom off-road van. New Sequoia, battery pack reduces my volume. But an SR5 minus the back seats "could" work, I'll need to figure it out. Thinking diesel Suburban as well but I prefer Toyota quality. I have several older GM products but also have the 97 LC, 2013 Avalon and 2014 Lexus LS460 L AWD. I'm impressed with Toyota products and hope to take more factory tours. San Antonio, not a big deal. Visiting the Tahara plant is a big dream, doubt it'll ever happen but I'm sure looking to revisit the country. Stationed there 1992-1996, need some great sushi and ramen...and the best wasabi.

[@Link_1129]

Selectable Auto-4WD missing (at least previously) was a head-scratcher considering that I recall it being present on the 4Runner. As far as market growth, the market for large SUVs will continue to grow. The fuel costs will eventually come back down and just love to fluctuate violently, so the segment'll stick around even before the shift to everything being electric, especially with people panic-buying the largest vehicles they can find when they discover they're expecting their _first_ child.

[@SuperSnakePlissken]

I'm one of those Americans that bought a Sequoia back in 2014 and it has been the best vehicle ever. It is a Limited and has been just a pleasure to drive, and even though the mpg is 14 mpg in the city and 17 highway I do not care. The power, the reliability, and the comfort is absolutely worth it. Now that my kids are all full grown teenagers having the large SUV is great because everyone is still comfortable. I bought it when my oldest was eight and weighed 80 lbs. Now he is 6'3" and 18 years old but still fits in the vehicle with my other four now adult sized teens perfectly.

[@toneloc281]

He’s spot on. I have a growing family and I need a premium full size SUV to replace my compact SUV. I’d love t go German but the only car I’d consider is the X7 but I’m not interested in taking the depreciation hit plus I want the towing capacity. I look forward to test driving the capstone version this summer.

[@madhattersc4051]

This was a great episode. Very interesting hearing from the engineering team.

[@stevep5736]

Excellent video ! Very informative and as a Toyota Sequoia lover, I hope they sell thousands of them ! They are excellent reliable and safe machines. Keep up the great work Toyota!!

[@jerryding2359]

It’s neither roomy nor gas efficient. Not a family hauler, maybe you can go camping with a small family once a while, that you might be able to haul a small trailer. Not for daily driving or road trip with bigger family when 3rd row is actually needed, but without sliding second row, you are compromising the 3rd row leg space/trunk space. So the 3rd seat with really for temporary/emergency traveling…so really the sequoia is a short tundra with the bed covered.

[@tommy516]

Seriously, you cannot camp in this SUV, the freaking back seats dont fold flat so you have an interior space to sleep on....its the dumbest design ever! That back row seats sit up higher than the middle row seats.....

[@kostasg7109]

Congrats on the great interview! This vehicle needs a Diesel engine. I understand that VW ruined the idea of diesels but in a vehicle of this kind, a Diesel engine is a must; improves fuel economy and towing capability. GM offers a diesel on its big SUVs and the smart buyer always chooses the diesel over the gasoline powered ones. Being Toyota they can take it to the next level by offering a Diesel-Hybrid variant that will take fuel economy to the low to mid 30 mpg rating. Such an offering will eat into the sales of competitors that offer 2.5 rows (marketed as 3 rows) of seating; why would you buy a smaller SUV when you can get a larger with the same or better fuel economy? In general space for these vehicles, road and parking is not an issue in North America or wherever else this vehicle has significant sales.

[@damilolaakanni]

Toyota's diesels aren't as reliable as their gas engines though.

[@justalildream]

Smart doesn’t necessarily mean you go for the Diesel. At first one might think diesels are a smart financial purchase, but in the long run the after treatment system with DOC, DPF and SCR which uses DEF that costs more money at the gas pump and don’t forget you need to regen your DPF once every now and then. Oh I didn’t even mention the after treatment failures. Plus diesel is slightly more expensive than gasoline with all that processing to get to ULSD, which is less than 10 ppm Sulfur in the fuel. Wait until 2026, when EPA new emissions standards come out and watch that diesel price go up even more. Diesels are great for workhorses not for family hauls with occasional boat and camper hauling.

[@IceDree]

I always wondered why Toyota USA only imported the top dog Land Cruiser. The new LC300 starts at $60k & the previous LC200 was less than that. 40 grands is a lot of money & would've gave the LX570 more breathing room ... You know, instead of deducting 5k by removing the 3rd row seat. For Mike's question, for me comfort and reliability are what's important for me as a BOF SUV owner (midsize). About 12 years ago we had a Toyota Fortuner (SUV version of the Hilux) & used it for around 5-6 years. It was very reliable, but it wasn't comfortable at all. The suspension was too stiff & you could feel every imperfection on the road, down to the smallest stones, I dreaded driving it for long distances. They supposedly addressed with the current generation, but I haven't tried it. We currently have a Mercury, while its very comfortable, lets just say a little part of me dies every time I hear the acronym for Ford lol. As to your question, M. I think most of the growth will be in the midsize 7-seater baby buggy segment for the next few year. I think full size mainstream SUVs will continue to grow in some parts of world, but not others due to poor energy policies. Will it be enough to sustain the production of said SUVs until reversal of said policies? I don't know. Excellent work, like always, M.

[@onetwothree2617]

What is the deal with the fold down seat situation? Can the third row be removed? The little shelf and 1/4 of the height being taken up by a folded seat has me on the fence. Need a good vehicle for family and dogs in the back.

[@jeffwarren8154]

Wife and I have a 2003 Sequoia 4WD. Bought it new, has been super reliable. We are in the market for a second vehicle. Really want a Toyota full size van (think econoline with a high roof. We tow a 30 foot travel trailer. True 4WD in the van would be great. We feel Toyota is missing out on a significant portion of a market. Nissan did not meet the needs because it was too short, ugly, and too long a nose. Current Transit is too weak in the towing arena.

[@tonyw2167]

Very informative video, I’m surprised a Toyota corporate personnel is willing to talk so much about things behind the new Tundra and Sequoia.

[@TheEarthwinders]

I would love watching a series of videos on the various steps of development testing of a new vehicle to see what paces they go through.

[@jimwaller5465]

I have been waiting since my 2008 went out of service. Beautiful SUV and I can't wait to drive and hopefully own one! Great Update, Thanks!

[@americandude3825]

My 08 has 204k miles. Never an issue. The shop just said I’ve got about 100-200k miles left !

[@JeanCarlosDHernandez]

Buh bye Honda. Great work and thank you so much for these interviews @MotoManTV

[@isurugamage702]

I would like to see Sequoia in Australia. If not at least I would like to see LC 300 has the Sequoia power train.

[@GregHarty]

My wife and I have been looking for a vehicle that we can travel the US in after retirement in the next couple years. This vehicle ticks many thing we are looking for. 20 mpg is good enough. Off road capabilities are there. Comfortable seats for us. We occasionally would use the vehicle to carry two more adults and two grandchildren on short trips. Again these seem to be met with this design. So we will see how this vehicle does for the first year. Maybe in that time we will see the ultimate vehicle on this new platform an off road capable van. Great interview.

[@MrMgd33]

Great video and thank you for the insight on developing and building a vehicle. I couldn't agree more that the US market is unique and has its own needs that do not follow visions in other countries. The capabilities of the vehicle are very important to me and need an interior that is a good place to be over many, many hours on the road with a family. I currently own a 2010 Ford Expedition Limited and has served our family well. We have the need for hockey trips, college trips (visiting and moving stuff), elderly parents who don't want to drive to events but want to enjoy their grandkids, Costco trips, large dog with luggage trips to the cabin. I am so glad you convinced Toyota to continue with an offering in this segment and have given me an option with Toyota to consider for my next purchase. THANK YOU~ looking forward to seeing it at the Chicago Auto Show in person!!! Offering more miles per gallon is very important without making the vehicle sluggish. I love the hybrid approach to making power with better fuel economy. Nothing hurts more than filling up and seeing the pump in triple digits! Not pleasant.

[@SG-js2qn]

Previously, I always looked at the Sequoia with "WHY????" Now I like a lot of what I'm seeing. So, credit to the engineers.

[@jcabrera8425]

Man the new sequoia just has me wanting it more and more and I’ve never been a big fan of Toyota but the more I see about it the more I convince myself I need it for me and my family no matter what and that’s not good. Lol

[@smrtguy77777]

Really wish they had adjustable 2nd row seating as well. This would allow the 2nd and 3rd row to move up closer and still being comfortable while maximizing cargo space behind the 3rd row.

[@thomasdumais8511]

It would be nice to order a specifically designed Sequoia without the third row seat for either weight reduction and/or occupant comfort, something like a factory ordered limo.

[@americandude3825]

Doug mureno did a review a few months back of a bare bones new land cruiser. Check it out!

[@edconder2956]

I am always keen to hear Mike Sweers talk TNGA-F. Different content than other interviews. Nice work! I am interested in a new Toyota Sequoia for long-term reliability and off road capability. I like the return to solid rear axle with new suspension. Number 1 need is conditioned space cargo volume. I would like Sequoia XL to gain space lost by battery and rear axle.

[@mojicap]

It’s a really good inside picture on decisions making at Toyota… As land cruiser user and owner it’s very important to keep MPG improvement make sense this powertrain/platform I’ll love the the TRD Versión to drive it from Alaska to Buenos Aires to New York…

[@paulgreene1277]

So glad they finally redesigned the Sequoia and I cant wait to get one. Ive had two first gen Sequoias and have loved them. Probably wait a model year so its going to be a 2024 for me.

[@laxbro4ever]

Things all vehicles need: Birds eye view camera should be standard on all vehicles. Things no vehicle needs: subscriptions to use the services you already paid for

[@blythg1394]

I bought a new Land Cruiser in 1994 because it was a no nonsense, reliable, do anything truck. I still daily drive the same vehicle almost 30 years later. Over the years Land Cruiser became a luxury barge, loaded up with the latest must have gimmicks, with a ridiculous price tag. Had they kept with the original formula, priced in the $60000 range, it would have sold like hotcakes.

[@AngelInTheDesert]

I personally would love a massive SUV. What’s the point of an SUV if it’s not going to be an ultimate people & stuff hauler? I think cross-overs are way overhyped. That class of vehicle is inferior to wagons imo.

[@jhmcd2]

Over a billion dollars to develop a new vehicle...wow. So when they say it can take a million dollars to develop a single button, they mean it. That being said, with the push to EVs, I wish Toyota had just gone ahead and made this with a PHEV option. 20 MPG (what the Tundra gets) is nothing today, especially with today's gas prices.

[@curiosityredpill7030]

Body on frame makes these thing heavy but rugged

[@reedwetzel1324]

As a former FJ owner , I had to get rid of it because of a growing family. I bought a Ford explorer and absolutely hate it and regret buying it. I miss the toughness of the Toyota, but Toyota does not currently have a suv that handles my needs. Now I'm looking to spend $80000 on a tahoe/yukon becuase I need something that can tow 8000 pounds. I planned on buying a new Suv this summer but if more information comes out about this. I might hold off

[@yurichannart1592]

I see it in the Genesis GV 80 where when you turn the signal to right or left , you get a camera view of the road of that side. I thought that was added safety enhancement for the driver. I think this will be a hot selling SUV. My guess is it will be more like 50,000+

[@gohabsgoable]

I agree with everyone else Toyota needs PHEV powertrains for their off road capable vehicles - then it has the power when you need it and the fuel economy when you want it

[@bajasoobnut]

Being an owner of a 1st gen sequoia, one thing I can think of is simplicity of electrical and redundancy

[@GUIGU32]

Amazing discussion. This is the best car channel on KZbin. Bar none

[@wintermagebarthow8481]

First I would love Sequoia. Secondly, great interview, as usual.

[@aurorajones8481]

I would love to be in on those meetings chiming in. You know with real power and respect to go along w/ it. 😜

[@davidpegler6774]

Excellent!! More of this. Well done, thank you!

[@gymwarrior1]

Anti mini van millennial here.. the VP is right about us. I hate minivans with the passion of 12 suns! We will be going from a F150 to either the Expedition Timberline or the TRD Pro trim Sequoia (need more seats). Let the best SUV win - once they are actually rolling off the lines!

[@josephsantangelo2801]

Like the honesty a lot. But when you’re in sales…never say the word ‘cheap’. Say ‘less expensive’.

[@jagjitjhajj9488]

You can increase the sale alot if these that LC is not there anymore bring more engine options. Specially v6 without turbo or of not definitely without hybrid. And options. ALL LC buyers be buying this.

[@mrhonda1]

I have a 10 year old Armada that I've been towing with for 8 years and it's been great. I'm looking to order a Sequoia as soon as the configurator goes live. A couple things I'm going to miss though are an automatic 4wd option and a real console between the middle row captain's chairs. I also hope that the streamlined development translates into a minimal price increase. The outgoing Sequoia was overpriced for what it was. And the lack of an automatic 4wd has to keep costs down and considered when formulating the MSRP since it will be the only vehicle in its class without that feature.

[@dude-yg9ez]

Tell Mike to spill the beans on the tacoma!

[@brianneklopack9406]

Loved this! I think having as many car seat anchors (lower and tether) as possible in the second and third rows would increase the number of customers for a vehicle of this size.

[@kevinr5187]

This is intriguing and Toyota always has my interest, but they just have not put that total package together to get me to step over that line of a purchase when it comes to SUV's.

[@leivaandre]

I wish we could get more videos like this. Customers would be more understanding of some the choices car companies make when they see the people behind it

[@MotoManTV]

Would love to do more of these . . . but in most cases they don't garner anywhere near the views of our drive videos. How do we fix that? You guys sharing these episodes with your friends so they all do as well as this one and thus we can insure more of this format type in the future.

[@leivaandre]

@@MotoManTV you got yourself a deal!

[@O-PAC]

Millennial here, he is right, I can confirm my hatred for mini vans is VERY passionate.

[@afmtrans4441]

Thank you so much for all ur hard work to built these beautiful vehicles. Keep it this way and of course I will definitely get one of this soon. Thank you!

[@bobd8553]

2022 tundra tow hooks and a transmission cooler on my 21 tundra is what we want Sir. Oh and the sequoia grill on the tundra, please.

[@erikhaw7313]

Really like this guy, I am excited about the new Sequoia, too bad I just bought a GX460. But definitely would consider this as a family hauler in the future.

[@BinDabbab1]

Finally we see the new sequoia, I can't wait to see it here in Saudi Arabia

[@mcd5082]

Great insights from a very intelligent Toyota employee. Full size segment will continue to grow.

[@scottgalbraith6789]

I've been waiting for the new Sequoia for a while. With 3 kids, my 4Runner just doesn't have enough room beyond daily driving. However, I did not want the gas guzzling V8 of the previous generation.

[@pedrocitan9353]

I am ready when is available, I am thinking the Trd pro or the capstone they win me from a gmc Denali

[@behdadbanan]

Great great content, hearing about real Business side of production is fantastic. Depending on price, I’m curious about how luxurious it will be, but none the less, people will line up to buy one. I will get one in heart beat

[@mariovela22]

He’s right. And it’s about time to get a decent looking Toyota SUV.

[@cue03]

It will be great if the TRD pro also have trail turn assist like the Bronco and the LC300 GR sport has.

[@juddblaney9320]

I just want to know why there’s no roll down rear window anymore

[@Cleaning_Hero]

I can’t believe they engineered the third row to be smaller and less cargo room. Isn’t that one of the main reasons people buy these big SUV’s? So they can comfortably fit 6-8 adults plus all of their stuff? This design seems a little counterintuitive in that way; which is a big deal to get wrong.

[@proffsionl]

Loved the Buc-ee's reference at the end!!! Welcome to Texas!!!

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

like it and a soild rear axle ! , like the TRD PRO just wish it came in a 2row for us off roaders , overlanders , car campers , who have no need or want a. 3rd row , we need cargo space for our kit. cant bolt down a fridge onto the top of a fold down 3rd row seat, it can be a hit ,if toyota can build them and the dealers dont get greedy with the mark ups

[@electrikoptik]

The last US LC was actually 85k MSRP. But finding one at MSRP will not be easy.

[@Maxwell1989]

You should have asked him why no massaging front seats on the capstone edition I mean it's a 70,000 plus SUV they should come with multi-setting massaging seats with hot stone functionality

[@chrishollis6015]

Great interview, a nice change from your normal format. I never knew how much time and money was spent on development. I'm going with you on sales of large SUV's, sales will drop big time when gas hits $5.00 in the near future.

[@tommy516]

Gas will go down as more hybrids and ev''s hit the road...unless you live on the west coast...its still largely around or under $3 a gallon in the mid-west

[@avery4528]

​@@tommy516 Our international import economic policy is shifting further away from markets such as Saudi Arabia and Russia(Still trading guns for oil but only about 5%) Most of the oil comes from domestic, Canada, Alaska and Mexico so it is balanced more than ever with domestic inflation.You are right that EVs and Hybrids will go towards offsetting costs at the pump and the average light duty vehicle is 30% more fuel efficient than in 2005, but the overall vehicle market is extremely slow to adapt this technology when you look that the average vehicle is a 12 years old. Then when you look at inflation in the US gasoline will more than ever start reflecting that. Biden has increased the MPG requirement by fleet for 2026 but as for impact in the next 4 years (Trump's policies were more inline with taking an advantage of foreign producers) there will likely not be short term manufacturer changes. In the short term there will likely be increased costs of gasoline, potentially up the $5 a gallon as Tesla has shown it takes time to ramp up production and Chevy has struggled with recalls of their EV. It would be wise for the government to help states such as North Dakota and Alaska subsidize plant expansion costs(that could eventually go towards reserves and exports) while we wait for more wide spread EV production.

[@MercOne]

Really interesting. Did it ever occur to them that a vehicle introduced in 2007 might need an update to sell better? I mean they would have been a fool to give up on this segment because they let it rot on the vine.

[@jamesdietz1907]

Stayed too heavily truck based, families want full time AWD and a comfortable ride (IRS). They aren't looking for selectable 4wd and beam axle, save that for the wrangler/bronco competitors...and match the towing of the Wagoneer (10k pounds).

[@mukwanofred9147]

He very honest, great review

[@oscarr.molina66]

"Was it fuel economy or was it a product mix of having not much complexities in the factory?" "Yes." 😆😆😆 Great interview!!! You channel is the best! Keep up the good work!!!

[@bluecruiser2019]

Love my LC200, please keep the 300 in Australia !,