People will name Chevrolet, GMC, or Ford when speaking of the best large SUVs in the U.S. market. However, Toyota set out to change that when it unwrapped the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro - a meaty three-row SUV focused on off-roading but also well-mannered on city streets.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro specs crown the ride as the flagship SUV of the Japanese carmaker. Toyota redesigned the Sequoia for its third-generation release, and it is now built on the same platform as the Tundra pickup truck. It has the same wheelbase as its predecessor, but the new Toyota Sequoia is longer, narrower, and shorter in height.

Along with the aggressive exterior styling, under the hood of the full-size SUV is a hybrid powerplant setup that aims to ensure the ride is capable wherever you bring it. Add to these a host of creature comfort features and technologies that give drivers and their families an overall enjoyable vehicle.

Toyota combines performance and style as the main selling points of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia. It’s an excellent option for those missing the big and friendly Toyota Land Cruiser killed off in 2021 or those looking for a bigger ride than the mid-size Toyota 4Runner. Beyond that, here are some of the best features of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro.

Related: 10 Things You Need To Know About The Toyota Sequoia Hybrid

1 Potent V-6 Hybrid Powerplant

Engineered with adventure-seekers in mind, Toyota placed a potent setup in the engine bay of the new Sequoia SUV. Just like its Toyota Tundra cousin, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia sports a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that churns out 389 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Between the 10-speed transmission and the aluminum block is a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that produces 48 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. In combination, the twin-turbocharged i-FORCE MAX Toyota engine delivers 437 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 583 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 rpm.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is a heavy beast registering at 6,150 pounds on the scale, but the torquey engine delivers that oomph that gives you a sense of driving a sports car with some exciting boom from the exhaust.

Engine Specs

2 Amazing 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro towing capacity

Another impressive entry on the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro specs sheet is its 9,020-pound maximum towing capacity. The new Sequoia full-size SUV is a towing monster, with a 26 percent towing capacity increase compared to the older generation. Hauling an RV, a trailer, or a boat will never be an issue. For a quick comparison, the 2023 GMC Yukon AT4 max towing capacity is only 8,400 pounds, and the 2023 Chevy Tahoe lags further behind at 8,200 pounds.

Aside from the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro's towing capacity, the carmaker also included some useful technologies to make the task easier for drivers. The Sequoia TRD Pro comes standard with a Tow Tech Package, which includes Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist. Both towing technologies use cameras and sensors to make life easier when backing up your vehicle, even with a trailer attached, or keep you on the intended path when backing up.

3 Going Off The Beaten Path? The Sequoia TRD Pro Is A Capable Off-Road Machine

When the going gets tough and the trail gets rough, the 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro can confidently handle it. The vehicle comes standard with a part-time four-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, two-speed transfer case, automatic limited-slip differential, and technologies such as CRAWL Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and Downhill Assist.

Furthermore, the TRD Pro Sequoia is equipped with TRD Pro off-road suspension with 2.5-inch FOX Internal Bypass coil-overs, rear remote-reservoir shocks, a TRD skid plate, and TRD Pro front stabilizer bar. The full-size gasoline SUV has a ground clearance of 9.1 inches, an approach angle of 23 degrees, and a departure angle of 20 degrees.

Toyota built the TRD Pro version of the new Sequoia to ensure that families who want to venture into some off-roading will be confident and safe, whether driving on deep snow, mud, gravel, or some water.

Related: Why The Toyota Sequoia Is The Best SUV On The Market Today

4 Well-Balanced Ride, Great Handling

Considering the new-generation Sequoia does not sport an independent rear suspension, the big ride still delivers a smooth and comfortable ride. Built on the ever-reliable Tundra frame and made of lightweight and strong materials, the 2023 Sequoia is stable and balanced on any terrain. Add to that its modern suspension and steering system, and you’ll be confident that you’re safe wherever you take it.

The adaptive variable suspension, combined with the load-leveling rear height control air suspension, allows the shocks to adapt to varying road conditions and control body roll when negotiating tight corners.

You also have easy access to several drive modes using the SUV’s Drive Mode Select. Whether on the highway or on the dirt road, you can easily switch to Normal, Sport, or Eco to get the performance you need from the vehicle.

5 Imposing TRD Pro Looks

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is an eye-catcher, especially if you opt for the Solar Octane color in screaming orange. Walk around the vehicle, and you’ll know the TRD Pro variant of the Sequoia SUV demands attention with its rugged exterior. One cannot miss the blacked-out grille with a heritage Toyota badge even from afar, with the beautifully designed auto-leveling triple-beam LED headlights to its side and an LED bar on its center.

You’ll notice the TRD touch with a faux hood vent and digital camo on its fender flares from the side. The TRD Pro also features an extendable side mirror to aid drivers when towing. Toyota also installed 18-inch TRD Pro-specific alloy rims with a bigger offset to give the vehicle a wider stance.

The back of the Sequoia TRD Pro reminds you of the Land Cruiser, plus the added appeal of the TRD Pro dual exhaust tip.

6 Utilitarian Interior With A Good Dose Of Luxury

When you hop into the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, the ride exudes a tough yet sophisticated vibe. There are touches of the TRD Pro branding, from the red TRD engine start button, and the heated steering wheel, to the leather shift knob. At the heart of the cabin are the digital cluster and the 14-inch infotainment display, but the push buttons and knobs add to the overall well-thought-out functional design of the vehicle.

The TRD Pro Sequoia also boasts seats hugged by TRD Pro SofTex with contrast stitching and camo pattern inserts. The ride also comes with heated and ventilated front seats. It also comes with TRD Pro floor mats, aluminum sport pedals, and an option for a panoramic roof with a power sunshade.

On the second row, the Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro comes with two captain’s chairs, making its seating capacity max of seven, while the rest of the brood that comes standard with a bench second-row seats have enough space for eight people.

Related: If You Need A Versatile And A Reliable Three-Row SUV, Go For The Toyota Sequoia

7 The 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro Is A Hefty But Comfy Ride

The 2023 Sequoia is a massive SUV comparable to the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and other large SUVs available on the market. The engineering and technologies included with the third-generation Sequoia ensure that the ride is comfy despite its size. Aside from handling bumps on the road well, the interior is pretty spacious.

Exterior Dimensions

Interior Dimensions

If you want to get behind the wheel of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, get ready to shell out $76,900. This 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro price excludes the $1,495 delivery, processing, and handling fee. Here’s a quick comparison of the different trims and their base prices:

• SR5 4x2 ($58,300)
• SR5 4x4 ($61,300)
• Limited 4x2 ($64,700)
• Limited 4x4 ($67,700)
• Platinum 4x2 ($70,900)
• Platinum 4x4 ($73,900)
• Capstone 4x2 ($75,300)
• Capstone 4x4 ($78,300)

8 The 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro Can Be A Reliable Overlanding Buddy

Because of its good off-roading capabilities and towing prowess, the new Sequoia TRD Pro SUV can satisfy the needs of individuals or families who want to go overlanding or camping. Toyota has been globally known for its reliability, and the boxed ladder frame of its body-on-frame chassis translates to excellent strength, comfortable ride, and superb handling.

On top of the vehicle is a roof rack where you can put storage cases, supplies, and gear. Inside, you have an easily configurable interior that you can easily turn into a flatbed, to serve as a sleeping or cargo space.

Aside from the generous space inside, you also have provisions for safety, comfort, and connectivity. With its hybrid engine setup, you have an engine that’s more efficient than its predecessor or its current rivals in the market.

Cargo Capacity

9 Loaded With Tech For Better Driving Experience And Safety

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia specs sheet also lists technologies that enhance capabilities, driving safety, and convenience.

Aside from the technologies used in its i-FORCE MAX engine, off-road features, and towing capabilities mentioned above, here are additional items on the list:

• 12.3-inch Digital Meter with Selectable Gauge Display Screens
• 14-inch Multimedia Display with Apple Play or Android Auto
• 14-Speaker JBL Premium Audio System
• 120-volt Power Outlets
• Wireless Smartphone Charging
• Auto-dimming Rearview Mirror
• Panoramic View Monitor With Cameras
• Electronic Locking Fuel Door
• 12-volt Auxiliary Outlet
• 10-inch Color Head-Up Display
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Hill Start Assist
• Drive-Start Control

The TRD Pro Sequoia variant also comes standard with Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5, a technology bundle that includes oncoming pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, oncoming vehicle detection, pre-collision system with risk avoidance, sway warning system, among others.

Related: Toyota Sequoia – How Toyota's Flagship SUV Fills The Land Cruiser’s Shoes

10 Better Fuel Economy Than Competitors

Perhaps one of the best decisions Toyota made when it manufactured the 2023 Sequoia was putting a 3.5-liter V-6 and an electric motor under its hood. Aside from resulting in a zippy drive, the hybrid engine setup gives the Sequoia TRD Pro a fuel economy of 19 MPG on city streets and 22 MPG on the highway, or 20 MPG combined. That’s a good improvement from the old Sequioia’s EPA fuel rating of around 15 MPG combined city and highway. These are also good fuel economy numbers when comparing the latest Sequoia with some of its leading competitors.

With a 22.5-gallon gas tank and an estimated five gallons per 100 miles, you have a considerable range and can definitely go on an adventure with the new Toyota Sequoia.

Fuel Economy