Wait for Grand Highlander? 2023 Toyota Sequoia Family Review

#Toyota #sequoia #landcruiser #tundra
We test out the Sequoia full with kids. Here's what we discovered.
All-New Sequoia Builds Upon Three-Row Toyota SUV Heritage
Capstone Luxury Grade Leads Full Lineup of Full-Size SUVs
Standard Hybrid i-FORCE MAX Powertrain Offers Power, Efficiency
i-FORCE MAX: Impressive 437 hp, 583 lb.-ft. of Torque
Maximum Towing Capacity of up to 9,000 lbs.
Assembled in U.S.A. at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas in San Antonio
#trdpro #capstone #iforcemax #hybrid #twinturbo
00:00 - Engine & 0-60
01:01 - Exterior
03:15 - Cargo
05:08 - Backseats
07:47 - Frontseats
11:17 - Driving Impressions
20:39 - vs. Armada, Grand Highlander
24:22 - 4k B-roll / Credits
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[@KirkKreifels]

Just took the Sequoia out in 91F sun midday. Best way to cool it off is manual override, set to LO, then adjust fan control as needed. Recirculate if necessary. Cheers!

[@americandude3825]

Cool engine off or the interior ??

[@smath5841]

@@americandude3825 interior

[@chibbyylol]

3rd row / cargo space has left the chat

[@Ultramimimaxxx]

Ty for the latest content on Toyota Lexus keep us updated with Lexus rx as well

[@juddblaney9320]

Sequoia- so much space, but no room for anything I would definitely go with an Armada or rich brother QX80.

[@AutomotivePress]

Great review Kirk! I do like the Sequoia but I think the Grand Highlander will do so much better in this market.

[@thomas735]

I actually really like this, especially the looks. I wish they could improve the mpg though for a hybrid.

[@kosanmr2]

Looks great but man 80k is tough for families. Better off using it for a dp on a house. Haha

[@javayna2353]

Yes. The vehicles will all depreciate. A house is a better investment

[@alengreen589]

I think it´s better to wait for the GH. Thanks Kirk 😀.

[@toronado455]

Totally agree the front end is nicer than Tundra.

[@LittleDalton13]

It’s the same depending on trim. I have the platinum version and it’s the same as the sequoia in the video.

[@CarsTechWood]

Thanks for giving the armada some love! I would take that beautiful 5.6 any day

[@chaunceysnodgress3672]

I’ve been crushing on the TRD PRO, but after watching this, every esthetic design shines on the Capstone. From the grill to the interior, just gorgeous. I wish these esthetics were applied to the terrain performance of the TRDpro. Maybe that’s what the Trailhunter is? Do away with the sport theme and go glamorous with rugged and rough overlanding capabilities?

[@theofficialpeterkim]

Create the long wheel base for it and it will fix their 3rd passenger area with the back storage.

[@MrDudleytheCat]

Exactly. This. And bring back the split gate from the Land Cruiser. RIP split gate.

[@DeadAir21]

Toyota will never do a LWB. The Japanese brands don’t like to do super long vehicles.

[@josephyang3260]

I don’t know man, a long wheel base would be nice, but I think that it should be a requirement to get special training for driving them. Or they’ll need back wheels that turn. I say this bc I drive an ambulance which has a long wheel base and hot damn my co-workers are crashing every other week. Usually when turning out of a parking spot or at a gas station. They forget to take every turn wide.

[@blairbrown4812]

21:19 The Grand Highlander is what you take your family to church in. The Sequoia is what you take your family and when they want to have a little fun.❤

[@americandude3825]

I’m thinking grand highlander hybrid max with a 3” lift and some 33” bfg ko2. After all it has more room than the sequoia, and more cargo behind the third row than a second gen sequoia

[@DayCoiler]

Fun with what? There is hardly any trunk space, if the third row is up.

[@americandude3825]

@@DayCoiler so the new sequoia is a direct replacement for the Land Cruiser. I’ve hated having to admit this. The grand highlander is the replacement of the typical first and second gen sequoia. I have owned a first and now own a second gen sequoia 5.7L for over ten years. It has 212k miles as of yesterday and runs like new. I hated the new sequoia as soon as I knew the interior specs. But I also knew they would release the grand highlander. The third gen sequoia has less cubic feet behind the driver than the current 4Runner….which I think is a joke. But it has more passenger room in all rows. The grand highlander has more cargo room behind the third row then the second gen sequoia. Amazing. It also gets 20 more mpg with the hybrid engine (not hybrid max). Perfect for family trips. I’d love to snag up the grand highlander XLE AWD hybrid but I’m almost debt free except for my house. Plus….interest rates are insane.

[@bradcolby3624]

Great review nice family…thanks Kirk

[@stephenhillstz]

Kirk, there is a 2nd USB-C port in the third row on the opposite side of the one you saw (it's more hidden though so not surprised you missed it). Also, there is a way to control the ambient lighting with a button up near where you open the moonroof. We are loving our 2023 Sequoia!

[@miguelvaldez9449]

Agreed the front end of sequoia should be on new tundra…….

[@alwaysiyi272]

New SUVs in general are just expensive, a Chevy Tahoe High Country will also run you about 80k, same with the Ford Expedition Platinum, and I personally prefer the interior of these to that of the Chevy and Ford. Compared to the Armada, the Armada is a lot cheaper but it is also much older, the interior while still nice, doesn't give the same feel of luxury that I think the Seqoia does, but you can find them more for less money just due to the fact that they are much older vehicles. The top trim of any of these SUV's aren't great deals when you think about it, for me the Platinum and SR5 are the best deal, you get way more power than any of its competitors for about the same price and a better infotainment system as well.

[@RandyD1972]

Great review. I can't wait to see the GHL. Our lease is coming up on the 4runner and I'm getting tired of squeezing my 14 mos old into the back seat!

[@ashman454]

Kirk, what i'd like to see is a physical side by side size comparison between current gen 4Runner and Sequioa.....as in height, width, and size in general. Etween currw t and new gen

[@JaxT83]

I had a rental for a week or so. Looks are amazing, turned heads and caused envy pretty much anywhere I went. It’s practical enough (3 kids, 1 on the way). But second row not in sliders, no way to get to back with car seats in the back, small third row. It dwarfs our Telluride externally but internally we’d be making it work because it’s so badass, not buying it for practicality.

[@zanebischoffrn6356]

Very similar to how I feel, I like the looks of some trims BUT the Sequioa gets left in the dust as far as the interior functionality, adjustability, and creature comforts when compared to '23 Telluride or '23 Pilot

[@canoeshoe]

Are you supposed to step over the pilot seat cupholders to get to the third row?

[@jimmyamico4713]

Hi Kirk, In my opinion, this is your highest strength video. Your power to influence is absolutely outstanding because you speak the facts and in some cases very well educated opinions; moreover, your family is outstanding; I give all the credit to you and your wife, raising such wonderfully behaved children, I will tell you I purchased a 2018 Lexus GX 460 and a 2021 Lexus LX 570 because of your family videos that you did with , the Lexus GX 460 I think it was a 2017 and the Lexus LX 570 which was a 2018 and a 2019… again, thank you for your passion to your craft and your family is phenomenal. God bless all of you , may peace be with each, and everyone of you always. Respectfully Submitted, JimmyUSAF 🇺🇸✈️❤️🤍💙🇮🇹❤️🤍💚🙏👍🌎😇🚔🚖🐈‍⬛🐕🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks Jimmy!

[@NoMarkUpGil]

The Sequoia looks rugged 🔥

[@NeedSpeedRC]

Interesting 2:35 my ‘19 RAV4 rear doors unlock all doors.

[@AndrewWaston]

This SUV looks NICE

[@ashman454]

Btw, miss the ability to lower the rear window like in the 4 runner and sequioa

[@dibaz1]

Great info but, is the Armada as reliable? What year would you recommend second hand? I have about 30k to spend….

[@KirkKreifels]

Do your research but I believe the Armada is very reliable. I've had people say their QX56 (last gen armada) is still going with around 400k miles. Newest generation 2017+ is supposed to be even more durable and is built in Japan.

[@ShinobiTekken]

Got the GX460 2023 for its reliable v8, not dealing with turbo anything

[@tjmark67]

Not happy that thay got rid of the tow hooks in the front

[@jonawankenobi]

the only sequoia I saw was the one at my local dealer. The sales told me that's the dealer owner's personal car. GG toyota, keep sell your cars with yeezy shoe strategy ima buying from whoever has inventory.

[@Mexi_Productions]

In every review I’ve seen, nobody seems to talk about the decision Toyota made to go with a solid axle rear end, while all of the competitors are finally independent which makes for a better ride, load height, passenger room, and leg room for the 3rd row. I waited for years for the Sequoia to be redesigned (I had an 2010 model) and cannot understand why they went backwards on this. I also don’t understand why no reviewers talk about it.

[@KirkKreifels]

I mention it in my night time review. Check it out.

[@nintendoatarikiller]

I think the decision between the two vehicles depends on how often you shop at Costco.

[@mohammadalmomani8380]

Do you think Tahoe Premier is a better choice?

[@malignantnarcissism5892]

For reference here, i had the 'old" Sequoia with the 4.6 V8. The best I could ever get in the city with this boat was 10-12 MPG. Maybe, and this is a BIG maybe, 15-16 on the highway. 18 MPG if it were pushed out the back of a C5 Galaxy. Given the aero and the size of the TT V6, me thinks that this wont fare much better. Maybe a MPG or two more, but that's doubtful.

[@PattyKuluCakes]

Loving those Jesus slipper Kirk. 😂 Keep up the good work with your videos. 👍

[@KirkKreifels]

Thanks 😊

[@jxmar_]

Grand highlander is clearly the best choice if you’re going to be carrying full sized adults in the 2nd and 3rd row while hauling around their stuff. This is definitely overpriced. It should’ve been like 5K cheaper.

[@will0775]

Besides the gas milage the Nissan armada is a better and much less expensive choice,and also more reliable.

[@ytj22]

@@will0775 Reading your comment it seems like you're implying the Nissan is more reliable?

[@adam9936]

@@ytj22 seeing as that is *exactly* what he said, yes, I think he’s implying that 😂

[@ytj22]

@@adam9936 Ok I thought so, just wanted to be sure. Thanks for clarifying! 👍

[@will0775]

@@ytj22 in the case of the armada vs the new sequoia yes, look at David from autmotive press review he was a Toyota ingeneer,and to make things clear I'm a huge Toyota fan, I Own a 21 highlander,my father owns a 20 4runner ,and my brother has a 23 4runner ,all my recommendation ,but the way toyota is going lately is worrying.

[@paulneil7321]

Grand Highlander's both cargo and passenger volume is similar to Pilot and may be 5-8K expensive. Also based on current Toyota's production volume you wont be able to buy a GH for MSRP before end of 2024.

[@ivankorth4458]

Agree about front end, hate the look of the Tundra

[@lyonleo7150]

…but where’s the review of the Fanny pack? Great car btw.

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Awesome

[@kingmo4653]

😍😍😍

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

Toyota should offer the Sequoia with the non hybrid option. Lower MSRP.

[@BiPolarBear722]

But how does it do off-roading?

[@minthos4045]

the seats don't fold to a flat surface which is a big disadvantage .

[@DeadAir21]

The way I see it is Toyota knew they would never catch GM or Ford in this category as the full size market in both trucks and SUVs are the only segments the Americans dominate. Trying to take them on head on would of been a very expensive race they could never win. So I think they wanted to do their own spin on the full size suv. It’s not going to be for everyone but they knew the were only going to sell about 40k-50k units anyway.

[@chezzyperson3339]

More like 10-20k units

[@DeadAir21]

@@chezzyperson3339 this year probably because they are struggling with chips but at the same time these aren’t sitting on the lots they’re getting sold well before they get there.

[@chezzyperson3339]

@@DeadAir21 the sequoia has never really sold 40-50k units

[@normanli7085]

@@chezzyperson3339 just the first gen did

[@zanebischoffrn6356]

great if you need a tow rig for something >5000lbs but otherwise super inferior imo...worse highway mpgs than the naturally aspirated '23 Honda Pilot, no fold flat seats, solid axle rear end, basically the same cargo space as the MIDSIZE Pilot, 1/2 as many cup holders & they're smaller, and 30K more than the Pilot...LOL...Midsize SUV cargo space hiding in the body of a FULL SIZE SUV. Like the review!! great production, filming, and details!

[@tinhinnh]

Not the trim I’d pick - too much bling 😆. I see new Tundras but no Sequoia yet 😊

[@mr.mr.3301]

The front end the tundra should have.

[@p3dtesla118]

Yeah the Toyota Sequoia Capstone is 10 time better in every way than LX600 or Armada or even any other SUV including Cadillac escalade !!

[@cjayx]

This is for the mom who wants a Tahoe but her husband refuses to buy domestic so they get the Sequoia.

[@DJDynamik]

Wanna see a full size adult fit in the 3rd row? Try the grand wagoneer. So comfortable back there.

[@user-FTRU6GJ]

Better interior design than LC and LS

[@mikeo5673]

Tacoma, a couple weeks ago?🤔

[@tonysilva3527]

Dream truck is 2021 tundra with a supercharger

[@muhdkhairulhassan7736]

With current situation, 18 miles is not good enough. You need to prove gas can compete against battery power. Or just perish.

[@waynewallace2061]

Give me a 2 row version with a flat floor.

[@jameshiggins882]

Sorry just can’t get past the Fannie pack on this one. 😅

[@KirkKreifels]

All day

[@BoskoBuha99]

Looks great! However, this is never gonna be sold in European market...

[@electrikoptik]

That was never the target. You do see them in Russia.

[@DeadAir21]

This wasn’t made for the European market. This is clearly for the North American market.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

nice..... $80318 .....calif dealer in Sacramento $105313 plus fees for a Toyota

[@theclueguy3388]

I’m not really sure why the sequoia still exist with the grand highlander coming

[@Shadownian]

I waited for years for the new Sequoia. Loved what they did with the design. Loved the new engine. Hated everything else. The interior just matching the Tundra. The horrible cargo capacity. The way the seats fold...or dont fold to be more accurate. The second row doesnt move/slide.(why they kept the unmoving rear seats without using it for the battery placement like the Tundra is beyond me) The battery placement. The lack of newer tech. The stupid shelf system. etc etc. Huge letdown and no way to try and bring back the Sequoia into a sales competitor. So if you ask...Sequoia or Grand Highlander..... Grand Highlander all day long. Or wait for the return of the Land Cruiser.

[@tomquimby8669]

In 200 years 18 MPG will be considered grotesque, complete waste of finite resources.

[@KirkKreifels]

in 200 years we won't be driving cars.

[@Justsomedude64]

Sounds like you both said the same thing.

[@SuperSaqer]

No, wait for the new Nissan Patrol (or Armada for you guys).

[@brz757]

Buy a 2012 instead, use the extra $60k for gas.

[@afzalshaikh2128]

Great review. The sequoia is useless vehicle for 99% of families.

[@VOLVO2LUV]

HEY

[@joehowell5024]

I really don’t know how folks are justifying a 70-80k vehicle.

[@ganmudan]

side note what fanny pack and sandal brands are those? lol I need a new fanny pack.

[@KirkKreifels]

Fanny pack is addidas. Sandals are Earth runners. Check the description for a discount!

[@diabolox1272]

I would suggest not doing 0-60 in the city.....?!

[@craigo2142]

Wow, great example of American excess.

[@al151]

Ofcourse wait for the Grand Highlander, the price difference is pretty big lol

[@electrikoptik]

Only Kirk can pull a fanny pack off.

[@oluseyigearhead4466]

I still don't understand why Toyota makes a big SUV and the packaging of the interior space is horrible.. probably largely because the chassis was significantly shortened compared to the Tundra and unlike most of its competition, a live axle had been fitted at the rear when most of the competition had moved to a multilink independent rear setup. 3rd row for a vehicle this large .. extremely small. For a family hauler, the upcoming Grand Highlander is a better proposition.

[@gotcoke795]

2nd and 3row space is super disappointing with this new gen. Hopefully Toyota will refresh sooner than later and find a better placement for the hybrid battery so seats will fold flat and have more space. One of the worst point of this SUV.

[@AndrewWaston]

My family bought this suv because it really stands out and makes great performace. Yea the trunk and 3rd row is not great but we almost never use a 3rd row anyways. If we need truck space we just take our Honda Pilot. People keep asking us about it and it turns heads for sure.

[@springertube]

IMO, like the Tundra (Sequoia only slightly less bad) a big 'no' inside and out. Trying way too hard, and rear cargo/seat configuration a massive fail, whatever the manufacturer's reasoning.

[@matw1x]

Both the Highlander & Grand Highlander look so bad. I'd rather pay a lot more for the waaaay better looking Sequoia.

[@KirkKreifels]

Highlander is not a strong design but I like GHL and Sequoia!

[@snuffeluffigis]

Cmon people. It's a regular Highlander that's 2 inches longer . Buy a Mazda CX90 instead and pay less to get more for your money .

[@truyng]

Toyota could've done better with the drl.

[@supervong1]

SUVs or minivans without the roof rack looks wierd and funny. I'LL pass on Toyotas Suvs. The new Pilot is the one!

[@andyleo8418]

Toyota needs to come out with a Grand Sequoia to compete with the Suburban and Expedition. The Sequoia is already too short and has that wonky shelving mess in the back. If it wasn't for "Toyota Reliability" this car company would be another Nissan. Get with the times Toyota!

[@OscarSchneegans]

Unless you need to tow, or you need the TRD Off Road or Pro, most families would be better off with the Grand Highlander.

[@faridrox]

This one has old tech and different ADAS system. As usual reviewers dont know nothing about electronics in the car...

[@KirkKreifels]

I used the lane keep today and it wasn't keeping my lane worth a hoot.

[@singledadsurrogacy]

Highlander and grand highlander seem unnecessary with this

[@markchevalier3572]

I like the new upgraded Sequoia but the lack of storage is a bit of a negative. The Grand Highlander has more storage capacity

[@ytj22]

Funny, I was thinking that this Sequoia is unnecessary with a Grand Highlander that can tow 5000lbs. This is nice though.

[@markchevalier3572]

@@ytj22 I agree. If they could only fix the storage problem. It is a great looking SUV

[@MegaWilderness]

More children are run over by their parents in cars that size

[@Bostonharborwater]

Rear cargo space is embarrassing. Deal breaker.

[@ibrahimbashir6634]

The space inside sucks

[@shadowcodr]

I can't take Aaron Rodgers seriously while he has a fanny pack on...

[@eyalschnider]

not a big sucsses...bring back v8.

[@kevinbarry71]

Solid rear axle; fail!

[@KirkKreifels]

Its not as smooth as a ride as the old one, but I imagine the ride is better on the smaller wheeled models.

[@kevinbarry71]

@@KirkKreifels perhaps, but you lose interior room. And this, after the Tahoe etc. has independent rear suspension now

[@DayCoiler]

Seqouia is a giant flop show from Toyota. I can’t believe they screwed it up so badly!

[@josepaoli4278]

It looks very overpriced, with low quality and cheap plastic everywhere. May be practical but way over price for the (Tundra without bed) Sequoia.

[@bunnypeople]

Would love for all SUV's this large to be banned

[@naveenthemachine]

The sequoia is a gigantic catastrophe of an suv. They should just kill this off like right now since it’s just not competitive vs other SUVs and this is a brand new vehicle. The freshest entry yet it’s already dated and it’s aged poorly Typical Toyota letdown That said the only reason to even get the sequoia is if you’re shopping for an lx600. The sequoia has more space than the lx, more power, more features and tech and it looks a lot better

[@braalo07]

Perhaps it’s a strategy not to cannibalise Highlander and Grand Highlander sales

[@thomas735]

I wouldn’t say it’s “dated” but it the rear storage area has me scratching my head.

[@SuperSaqer]

More features? What does it have that the LX lacks? The LX has a much superior 4WD system & floor folding 3rd row seats. Looks are subjective but the LX looks way better to me. Anyways the new Nissan Patrol should make the Sequoia irrelevant.

[@naveenthemachine]

@@SuperSaqer easy Pano roof, bigger touchscreen, bigger gauge cluster, locking 4WD system, separately opening rear glass, more horsepower and significantly more torque

[@SuperSaqer]

@@naveenthemachine I'll give you the pano roof, rear glass, and maybe the gauge cluster although it isn't even more configurable. The new Toyota instrument cluster found on the Crown, Rav4, Highlander, Corolla, etc... are superior to either which is funny. What do you mean by locking 4WD system? The LC300/LX full time 4WD system is significantly superior. I also forgot the AHC on the LX which rides much better than the Sequoia. The LX also has front & rear lockers available in Japan for now. And it has rear entertainment screens. The hybrid system on the Sequoia is anemic. 48hp electric motor and a heavy NiMH battery pack which caused the unleveled 3rd row situation. I suspect the LX will get lithium ion batteries and perhaps a more powerful electric motor. Either way, the upcoming Nissan Patrol (or Armada) is going to be the family SUV to get.

[@ayanlesugal7772]

I don’t like Toyota logo. it doesn’t look luxury 🤷‍♂️ sorry 👎🏽

[@majood245]

One of the worst reliability of this truck and SUV 😮