Trail Damage! Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Takes On Ice, Water & Mud

[@4-LOW]

Absolutely mind boggling that they sell an "off-road" package that looks like it's on lowering springs and has no tow hooks. Just unacceptable.

[@ju4121]

No one in the correct mindset is going to take an 80k toy and "off road" 😮😮😮

[@reptoid7340]

I know I wouldn’t take sequoia off-road. What’s the point even? It’s big and makes off-road courses challenging ! I will be towing heavy with this baby while hauling family of 5 and a dog!!

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

​@@ju4121You are completely ignoring the point, and no, if it is marketed that way it should perform that way, a Bronco Raptor also costs like 80k and is made to go off-road, a Toyota Land Cruiser costs 100k and is made to go off-road.

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

​@@reptoid7340then the solid axle makes this worse in all the onroad duties.

[@gordmonteath6090]

Toyota idea of offroad is turning off a paved road onto Walmart parking lot in this

[@SP10371]

Thank you for putting the Sequoia to the real test and for your honest review.

[@TruckKing]

Always!

[@TramaineleDay5655]

Can't wait to hear what Toyota says about this. If your going to have an off-road focused suv give it clearance and tow hooks.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

TRD pro needs to be more utilitarian , than a 3 row luxury, family school bus , the fold down 3rd row seat take up to much cargo space , do like the solid rear axel Toyota /lexus are the only one who still use one , like the grille , and shorter wheel base over the tundra ,for the price one should get on the list at lexus for the GX550 overtrail

[@huanronghu4432]

yeah weird that the previous generation trd pro had the tow hooks and an extra inch of clearance. just needed the off road modes from the 4runner to be just about perfect

[@tboe-cr8pz]

Toyota doesn’t give a damn about the consumer any more ever since they started getting rid of the V8’s for full size and V6’s for mid size…

[@drn13355]

They won't say anything . They will just keep making money hand over fist. 99.999% of people could care less. That is why they make it this way. If they thought it would only sell with more actual off road ability they would sell it that way.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

@@drn13355 no one takes them off road any way do like the Lexus GX 550 over the sequoia TRD PRO more utilitarian for my needs want to camp out of the back

[@jasonthach44]

It needs another 1 inch lift. Its a bit embarrassing that the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness has more ground clearance than this.

[@dirkdiggler9964]

unfortunate the Subaru CVT is garbage and they have no lockers 🤷🏼

[@Pickle_Panther]

I get the feeling that this was more intended for the folks who build an overland vehicle to commute in and maybe camp 5 times each summer. But, for those of us who actually overland/off road it’s disappointing. Though in all honesty, I’d never take a vehicle this expensive at stock off road on any expeditions.

[@mikekuczynski1552]

The Subaru doesn’t carry 8 people. And we all know what Subaru is backwards:-)

[@mrvang8077]

Right!

[@mrvang8077]

This sequoia beeper isn't even worth its weight. It failed miserably where an outback, a crosstalk can breeze through those mild conditions, no problem. A hunk of high tech that don't even work the way you want them to. It's completely quite the opposite.

[@davidkaminski615]

My neighbor came home with an orange TRD Pro a few months back. He promptly put a matte-wrap on it, rear ladder, wheels and tires, and an exhaust. It's left the driveway a handful of times and I've never seen it dirty. Looks nice in front of his house, though.

[@sammyjammy6647]

That’s all that matters

[@Ali_ON3]

😂😅

[@SSatterberg]

Why would anyone take a 100k+ vehicle off road.

[@boxoffisa]

This is what Toyota thought that people will use sequoia for. That’s why it has no tow hook and has bad clearance. lol.

[@boxoffisa]

@@SSatterbergif it’s knew I wouldn’t do that. I would get a cheaper Subaru or a cheaper used Tacoma or 4Runner. You can’t waste money taking expensive machine in dirt. 😅

[@lukiw7044]

I love how You take it off road trails. You don't spare any car/truck/SUV. Thanks Yours tests we know what those vehicles are made for. Greetings

[@is6566]

I rarely drive a Honda Civic, but when I do and attempt the Ditch Crossing on the Elmer property it performs the exact same way as the new Sequoia TRD Pro. 😃

[@imnotusingmyrealname4566]

😂

[@JN0777]

My 96 accord stick would make that lol

[@wesshepard]

Haha🤣

[@monoped_adventures]

Kudos to Truck King for giving this some real world obstacles. Hopefully Toyota isn't too upset, but they should be embarrassed.

[@mulinzhan4167]

The Sequoia is built for Walmart parking lots. That TRD badge may be a babe magnet, but it doesn't play well in the mud.

[@jimjones-pz1tt]

Yeah, because every babe knows TRD........

[@Youtubeuser1aa]

@@jimjones-pz1ttusually hairy chicks

[@Youtubeuser1aa]

Literally 1% of women would even notice.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Stephen, We are looking forward to the day the compact and nimble Land Cruiser FJ gets tested on these same trails. 😉

[@Ali_ON3]

Yessssss!

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@Ali_ON3 👍

[@jimjones-pz1tt]

TOW HOOKS. This is what happens when your design studio is located in Southern California. Mall crawling TRD Pros!

[@arnick2]

The kind of review we needed!!!! Great analysis - even though It breaks my heart - I was thinking about purchasing the Sequoia TRD Pro - even with some of the smaller issues. But seeing it offload - not crazy stuff, just some typical over-landing - it was painful. I will wait to see how the Lexus GX550 does - I'm hopeful that it won't disappoint.

[@eljoven732]

it has a better clearance so hopefully better than the sequoia

[@bigslacker666]

The 'pro' gets stuck in mild offroad conditions and obstacles. Needs more lift, more armor and more tire. This is why anyone who wants to do more than fireroads in the current crop of Toyota 'offroad' vehicles should spec the TRD offroad package and do proper mods themselves.

[@IAMLEGIT2323]

Exactly what I did with my 2022 Tacoma. Trd OR 4x4 premium, instantly added a beefier suspension lift (approximately 2.5” lift and level), 33 inch falken at3w, and plan on adding a lowpro bumper and wench. All for less than 48k, better ground clearance, better suspension, better tires, and cheaper than a “pro”.

[@jimjones-pz1tt]

Where do you attach your aftermarket tow hooks?

[@huanronghu4432]

@@jimjones-pz1tt afe has a video on that where it mounts to the existing sway bar bracket holds. or u could also remove the fog lights and find aftermarket tow hooks there since the fog light brackets are a perfect spot for them. or u could always add a front metal bumper

[@SSatterberg]

I mean let’s be honest. People buy TRD Pro for status. If you want an off-road vehicle you’re buying a 4Runner or Tacoma and modifying it.

[@bigslacker666]

@@SSatterberg For real wheeling true. But if you're wanting to do some light/medium wheeling and take a family of 4, two dogs, all the gear, etc. for backcountry camping something like this can work. I did the above with my 4runner and it gets cramped. I just bought a pickup, but having the enclosed cabin has benefits too.

[@derrickschultz6871]

That front stabilizer bar is gonna be the tow hooks

[@CACressida]

Oddly enough there's a company that makes a tow hook that replaces the stabilizer bars mounting point

[@chir0pter]

someone watches Matt's Off-Road Recovery

[@ejesoriginal]

I think this is one of those nuance things when it comes to the TRD PRO badge. Let's not forget that that badging really springs forth more from Toyota's Baja racing division than from crawling through ruts, mud and rocks. This is why you have to really understand their trims and do your research, lest you are subject to the "buyers remorse". But, you are right, TK, Toyota likes to blur that line with off-roading to appeal to more people through marketing and also by offering more capability in those areas with other models. The Sequoia has always been a "people mover" and adding some of the PRO gadgets just puts it into more of a "ruggedized" version maybe better suited to taking people to the cabin in bad weather over the weekend or some light overlanding. It is sort of like adding a rubber case to your iPhone...

[@rodjbosch]

It boggles my mind that this and the Tundra have no tow hooks. I haven't had a vehicle without recovery hooks since a mustang in the 80s. WTF were they thinking.....TRD Pro ffs

[@Wecouldusemorethinking]

“Trd pro” at minimum should have a 2” lift standard. It’s a shame Toyota’s new products aren’t up to standard of their previous years.

[@illinoistiger8694]

Yeah I wouldn’t waste money on the TRD or TRD Pro package. It’s a minivan that kind of sucks at being a minivan because of the solid rear axle and lack of 3rd row space relative to the competitors. I hope the new 4Runner is not this disappointing off road.

[@alexblankenship7385]

Yeah. I think this is a huge downgrade compared to the 200 series 5.7 v8 Land Cruisers in terms of quality and capability for the price.

[@galaxygolden]

Just got my 2025 mudsport trd pro. Super glad I found yoru channel and review. The chassis feels so good and feels so nice having a new car / technology (Coming from a 2012 honda pilot). I've never been OFV / camper kinda dude but I am super excited to explore what I can and can't do with this new suv! Loving it so far!

[@MrM3drvr]

I must say this kind of contrasts with you previous video comparing it with the Armada. You guys said you would feel comfortable taking this off road, and I had my doubts about that. I'm pretty sure you feel differently after filming this about taking this off road. I would classify this and the Armada as rather similar in the off roading situation despite the package differences. Only difference is tires really, and you can easily swap that out on the Armada for the price difference.

[@mikekuczynski1552]

I think one thing you have to keep in mind is that it is a large SUV . I have a 2019 and live in Montana and four wheel all the time , and like any time your four wheeling the line you take and the speed you take it at makes all the difference . Thanks for sharing

[@lawdog516]

What happens when a vehicle gets damaged while testing? Do you have to make the repair or does Toyota eat the damage? Thanks Steve

[@richardoaks3597]

I agree with you Stephen. You can have all the gimmick off road features but if you don’t have decent clearance, approach and departure angles then it’s worthless. I like the Sequoia and plan on getting one but it needs a bigger lift from factory and or upgraded bumpers or high clearance bumpers.

[@ryanmartinage]

Toyota really went full mall crawler on the new Sequoia.

[@krashnpa]

I dont often pretend to offroad, but when I do, I use a vehicle without recovery points! 😂

[@balton6978]

😂

[@michaelgarvin8621]

Great information and truth about the TRD Pro limits. 👍👍

[@phhh3849]

He broke the driver side fog lights. Haha.

[@jamesmoore8059]

Just killed the few sales they have!!!

[@culinarycaravan]

Thanks for another real world, honest true testing that'll help buyers make an informed decision and manufacturers take note on future offerings. Great job Team Truck King!

[@kingstonsean]

Good point about the potential obstacle. We hit that very situation on a trail last summer on a very tight trail in North Frontenac. Fortunately we had a chainsaw, a heavy chain and a Nissan Frontier with tow hooks.

[@suzukikawasaki5165]

That's an appearance package it's not meant for serious trail blazing without modification

[@philiprohs]

It’s a minivan with a skid plate and a crap 3rd row

[@500spyder]

I'd like to see the Suburban Z71 on these trails. Maybe you'll get to review the new 2025 version?

[@skywalker2852]

Good review. I'm not following the purpose of the massive aluminum skidplate if tou take out the front bumper/valence before the skidplatr hits 🤔

[@vladimirjean-francois5161]

Awesome review! You're spot on. Most people who buy this truck like me are not going off road.

[@Hookemdavid]

Honest review. Thanks for doing this!

[@dannykrauskopf7404]

Excellent episode as always!!! 😁

[@zeusm8498]

What's the ground clearance on this damn thing and also the tundra looks super low to ground too

[@TeaTimeCorner]

TRD Pro now meant for urban off-roading.

[@estebandiaz3213]

Excelente video,muy buenos los vehículos de Toyota, son confiables saludos desde Córdoba, Argentina

[@Offshore1977]

Thanks for your real world review.

[@justinsalazar9070]

A lift and tires that’s it …… quit whining …. Not only that but I doubt folks paying close to 90k are gonna wanna take this beauty into deep ass woods and mud. It is a great family ride for those with 2 kids anymore get a bus. And if you serious want go off road then a simple lift is all you need for clearance. Engine and drive are simply amazing!!!! 🤩

[@adalbertoabreu2633]

You have an awesome channel and I see it growing way bigger. Keep going strong, buddy. Great content and quality filming.

[@TruckKing]

Thanks! Will do!

[@TRDTalk]

That “clearance” is hilarious

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

That’s disappointing. I’m glad you tested this like you did. Thank you Toyota for letting reviewers see what they can do. Hey Toyota, I’ll gladly test that new Land Cruiser on beautiful Colorado trails! Give me a call, lol.

[@awdeveau]

I wouldn't purchase any vehicle that doesn't come equipped with tow hooks. I've pulled a lot of random people in the snow, it's getting to the point I won't help someone if their vehicles doesn't have tow points. It's just too easy to damage something and as a regular person, not a towing company I don't have the insurance to cover $2,000+ plastic bumpers.

[@anywhereproductdevelopment614]

Just tow a trailer with a Polaris RZR and it’s a true off road machine!! It’s a great towing machine.

[@BigHouse907]

Q: what happens when you take an $80,000 mall crawler in the mud? A: You break it. I would never consider a full size SUV an off road vehicle. 😂

[@HotSizzleTV_]

I am waiting for the redesign 4Runner or possibly getting the 2024 Tacoma TRD off road premium

[@RangerRickTV]

Hopefully Toyota can redeem itself with the new 4runner or land cruiser. I was also a bit disappointed with the Tacoma with the gas tank being so tiny.

[@ChuongNguyen-up9fy]

How did you explain these damages to the dealer that loaned you this vehicle?

[@Youtubeuser1aa]

You dont

[@comradecaptain5710]

TK just ruined Toyota Sequoia sales for the foreseeable future. That being said. The fault is squarely on Toyota for manufacturing and promoting the TRD PRO Sequoia as a large "off road" capable suv, when it clearly isn't. Do better Toyota. Just saying.

[@Ali_ON3]

Appreciate ur honest review. 😊 Thanks.

[@scottyellis3442]

Great job. For me these new Toyota's have let me down in a lot of ways I once was a Toyota fan but not anymore. They are not the company they once were. It would have been interesting if you had the Nissan version of the Toyota to compare the two. Great job on the testing but it really wasn't surprising to me.

[@St.Irenaeus]

I have the Nissan version of this in the 2023 Armada and it would have handled this obstacles like nothing. It’s done amazing off road and has better clearance. They want you to pay the Toyota tax for the name and TRD badge and then you still have to add a lift kit. Ridiculous lol

[@vancehenry7738]

Thank you for this honest review

[@Glasscitycarnerd]

It’s a big SUV and most have compromises, however, why call it a PRO? That name advertises off road proficiency in my mind. They need to lift it or change the front facia or both. Great review!

[@timglascock5558]

Do you think another inch, especially up front would have made a big difference? It seems like both the sequoia and tundra trd pro's are extra low...and I'm sure part of that is saving mpg but it also makes then awful offroad stock.

[@blueridge8992]

Luckily there’s already high quality lift kits available for this new generation. It’s on the same platform as the Tundra, Tacoma, and Land Cruiser, so it’ll be just fine off road with a couple extra inches of ground clearance.

[@jamesadkins9988]

You just proved what I was thinking about the placement of the fog-driving lights on the new vehicles. Look good on paper but doesn’t work in the real world

[@ryand4786]

Next time do your off road tests at the mall , that way the vehicles are in their natural habitat, you should get better results.

[@Arexodius]

Considering the low clearance and the actual results, the TRD Pro option seems to be little more than an appearance package on the Sequoia, and probably an expensive one at that. At least the shocks should make for a nice ride over washboard roads and pot holes, but is it worth the up-charge? I seriously doubt it, but to each their own.

[@gregferris9378]

Has anybody ever asked Toyota why they don't have front tow hooks?

[@is6566]

Yes. They say “Safety standards”!

[@Youtubeuser1aa]

Prob cost cutting. Chief engineer rejected this on the tacoma

[@Greg-bu7mi]

honest! and good review

[@manuelparedes190]

Still a great suv I will buy it. thank you great test

[@tinhinnh]

I think it could use the Trail Hunter’s suspension that looks like it has 3” lift if you’re really offroading your $80k suv

[@highplainsdrifter9849]

Needs more ground clearance.

[@Jayda08]

Getting stuck and breaking things is the proper way to test a vehicles capability. 👍

[@RangerRickTV]

This or pilot trailsport?

[@damien7881]

I am glad did that video Its a real video (thank you)....I mean it's just plastic guys For the next test can you put the chevy Traverse through some paces ?

[@mikehughes8023]

The linkage components for these new Tundras and Sequoias for the off road packages are made of aluminum instead of steel like the 2nd gen vehicles. I’m not saying that it cant be better but it’s something that should be looked at since the articulation is minimal.

[@Ramblin_Rob]

Be interested in seeing an Expedition Timberline on the same test. Well done Steven

[@jamestribol1434]

did you turn off the safety warning sensors? I heard them going off when go thru taller grass. I have the tundra and find going thru a field, the sensors want to lock the trucks brakes up. that is annoying.

[@user-fq3uh7bt1t]

Hope they don't lose their long term mojo, but these newer generation toyota trucks seem to be missing their marks.

[@RidersInBlack]

Well, folks, let's look at this at face value. This TRD Sequoia is a step above The Honda Pilot trail and Subaru. It's sandwiched in between those vehicles and a true 4x4 off-road We can't be too hard on it. Considering for nearly $100K Canadian, it will be 100% fine for the people who will be buying it. Which are suburban families who tow the odd boat or jet ski to their cottage

[@eljoven732]

I am glad i saw your video, it is sad for the cost that you would think they would provide tow hooks nd better clearance. just seems that they cheaped out on the suspension.

[@Weatherby406]

It’s a minivan with a rear locker.. want off-road get a 4runner

[@is6566]

Exactly. Or a Tacoma.

[@NermsOfficial]

The highlander and grand highlander needs this 360 camera system instead of just the floating egg.

[@brokeduece1691]

Where is the Armada off road video? The Armada can be bought significantly lower so im very interested

[@is6566]

If I want to peel off the front plastic fascia then I want to do it on an 80k+ vehicle. Nothing less will do it. Armada might have the same capabilities but I don’t waste my money on cheap vehicles.

[@allendove2922]

Each generation of Tundra is missing something egregious like tow hooks or the last gen missing a locking rear diff on a 4x4 full-size truck. That falls on Mike Sweers. Now that Tundra and Sequoia are closer, it will affect it as well.

[@richardsimms251]

Great video.

[@dannykrauskopf7404]

What is the estimate for the damage on the front? Just curious since we have snow in Canada and if someone uses this vehicle in winter and drives in a snow storm while in a city after the plows have left improvised snow banks then they hit there front like you proved on a test what would they be looking at cost wise? Still a most excellent episode as always!!! 😁

[@SvenTSchixe]

Pretty well any of that stuff is a minimum of a $1,000 CAD plus Trudeau's portion of course.

[@dannykrauskopf7404]

That is nice to know, as I do not have one of these, I was just curious as to what the Truck King would have to say as the vehicle failed the test and what they were quoted for the repair. Thank again @@SvenTSchixe

[@marcodarko6941]

Turdbrain has to have his pound of flesh to finance the third world replacements being brought in up there.​@@SvenTSchixe

[@gustavosaravia1805]

Did the Armada donthe same trail? How did it perform?

[@MoNeenja]

I wonder if the Lexus GX550 Overtrail would have better clearance

[@dishwasherchao8646]

Some people just like to use front bumper as an extra off-road tire😂. Dude please do off-roading according to your vehicle’s shape and the tires you put on. I think sequoia’s lock is sufficient enough. But if you chose a terrain that doesn’t work for a car’s ground clearance, nothing is going to perform.

[@bigmountain7561]

The only off road thing it will do is get off on the rest stop on 75.

[@Red.Hot.Chili.Beans63]

Well there is one thing I think this Sequoia TRD Pro will be good at and that is on a slippery boat launch pulling out a heavy boat. The lockers and traction control will be great on trailering duty. Honestly, who is going to take that very expensive vehicle thru what Steveo just did...noone with any sense. It was a good test just not what this truck was meant for despite its name. If you want to do this type of offroad, try a Rubicon or Bronco Badlands or higher trim.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

@@Red.Hot.Chili.Beans63 4runner trd off road or trd pro

[@Red.Hot.Chili.Beans63]

@@youtubecarspottersguide1 Yes, agreed 4Runner in either of those trims would be a able to handle Steveo's course.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

@@Red.Hot.Chili.Beans63 4runner is the best trail rig sold, do like the new GX550 overtrail , over a sequoia TRD pro its just to much 3 row luxury school bus ,if one need a tank like the sequoia just sr5 has more towing and payload

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

down the dirt road to the lake house, watch out for that puddle, might need 4wd $80k and some one buys them add $10k markup

[@peiguy1982]

Even my non off road xlt lightning has tow hooks standard.

[@robertabbott8541]

Try putting a bridge in. Maybe a hard surface road.

[@nygelboyd1303]

The biggest aspect of this vehicle will come down to where you live. This vehicle will perform much better in the right environment ( desert / rocky road ). Put a 3.5 inch lift on it and 35’s, it will transform to an all terrain tank. Sucks it doesn’t come equipped off the lot for the price but lets not forget its a 3 row SUV. So many people buy high end “ off road “ vehicles and still have to add wheels , tires and suspension. This is no different.

[@connorjohnston4459]

My Subaru crosstrek almost has the same ground clearance stock and costs a sixth of the cost as the sequoia trd pro

[@dustinm8800]

Did you share this feedback with Toyota when you turned it in?

[@TruckKing]

they watch all our videos - so, yes,

[@RR137G]

Does it stay slammed? Or does it lift when put in 4x4

[@crtmojo2705]

I hope you get the Canoo American Bulldog to test out.

[@Dtt4]

Seems more like a family city vehicle than a off-road.

[@victoryengineer]

Evidentially it's not obvious to everyone that if you want to go through stuff like that (very common where I live) the Sequoia is going to need a small lift and 35's. For those saying it's marketed for that stuff so it should be able to do it, wow. If you can't figure out in about 3 seconds what kind of wheeling it can do you're way out of your element and should just stick to mall crawler patrols. It doesn't take much to drastically improve the Sequoia's off road abilities for the 2% or so that wheel it. There's no shortage of new Sequoia build and videos of them traversing some serious terrain. Jepp capable.....nope, Bronco capable....nope, but they can damn sure do a hell of a lot more without much effort for those that really do intend to use them that way.

[@dennissmith7214]

November😳…………it’s almost half way through December?!! 😂😂🤦🏽‍♂️

[@Sacapuntas69]

I remember that reviewer that got 4Runner stuck in a mud hole, he eventually was able to get out, Toyota banned him for a few years from getting vehicles to review.

[@anthonyc1883]

You're certain there was a ban? I recall that video very well, don't ever recall him or his channel being denied Toyota vehicles after that, and certainly not for "a few years."

[@TruckKing]

To be clear - Toyota has always supported us with test vehicles. They never interfere with what we report. Good or bad

[@tireflipper8000]

Soo what you are saying is that in the TRD Pro model, Toyota should have done a 3 inch lift and 35s to start? I agree full heartedly.

[@blakeroisen8703]

I feel ya , but hear me out , the American brands SUV’s are very similar….. I’ll give ya front tow hooks Toyota definitely needs to add those next year.

[@paulogar84]

Thanks for this great off-road test. I think this large SUV missed the mark with this “fancy” looking front and back bumpers. I’d expect a much tougher front bumper like from the Dodge Rebel or something… I mean, it’s a TRD Pro right?!?!

[@alexblankenship7385]

I want to like the new Sequoia but I'm a bit skeptical of some of the reviews from several owners such as the disappointment in the suv's interior quality for the price and lack of space in the trunk and 3rd row area as well as the unrefined hybrid powertrain and ride quality. I was a big fan of the prior generation Land Cruiser 200 with the 5.7 V8s when they were in production and everything about them was superb quality. I really like the Sequoia's new body style redesign but I really hope for the next couple years they can work out the flaws of this vehicle. I feel like it wasn't worth the switch for Toyota to go to this all new hybrid iForce Max system because it barely gets better MPG than the 5.7 or even the non hybrid twin turbo 6.

[@ChrisXif1]

Way too expensive in my opinion for the overall performance you're getting. And that little bit of plastic facia that you tore up is probably going to cost a couple grand to fix at their prices.