It took Toyota nearly 15 years to deliver a new Toyota Sequoia, and what it’s made starts behind its big rivals.
In those 15 years, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition cycled through four generations. There have been four new Escalades and Navigators, too.
Despite the lag, I had high hopes for the new Sequoia. But after spending a week with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone, all I could think was, “is this the best they could do?”
I wasn’t the only one either. All of our editors had nits to pick with the Sequoias we’d driven lately, from midline models to the TRD Pro and this Capstone.
The top-spec $76,960 Capstone model is aimed at the stealth-wealth crowd the Land Cruiser left behind. But with a thirst for fuel, questionable packaging, and middling interior materials, the Capstone disappoints, just like every other third-generation Sequoia.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
Toyota Sequoia: A thirsty hybrid, and uncalm ride
Every 2023 Sequoia sports a hybrid powertrain meant to save fuel. The 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 pairs with an electric motor that’s located in the 10-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque, it has more torque than any competitor aside from the $150,000 Cadillac Escalade-V. The Sequoia can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in the low six-second range, by my estimate, a good show for a 6,185-pound vehicle.
Upon cold start the powertrain sounds good with a deep exhaust note for a V-6. Part-throttle inputs off the line might trick some into thinking this SUV has more cylinders than it actually does, but the higher-pitched wail of a V-6 kicks in at higher rpm.
The hybrid system tries to improve fuel economy over the outgoing 5.7-liter V-8’s 15 mpg combined, but it doesn’t do much. EPA fuel economy ratings check in at 19 mpg city, 22 highway, 20 combined. Those are optimistic based upon our experience with this powertrain in both the Tundra and the Sequoia, where it averaged between 14.5 and 17.9 mpg.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
While it lavished money on the powertrain, Toyota left off some no-brainer hardware. It’s baffling that the expensive Sequoia comes standard with a part-time four-wheel-drive system, while every competitor has a full-time system. Toyota doesn’t even offer a full-time system in the Sequoia (or Tundra). At least my Capstone model was equipped with a limited-slip rear differential.
Despite using adaptive dampers, the solid rear axle and suspension tune give the Sequoia a crude ride compared to rivals. Broken pavement sends the Sequoia’s body shivering and pistoning. A Chevrolet Tahoe on air suspension and adaptive dampers outshines the Sequoia with a more controlled and comfortable ride.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
Toyota Sequoia: Poor interior packaging
The first row of the Sequoia’s interior is nearly a home run. The front seats are some of the best in the segment with wide, supportive backs and bottoms like the Expedition, but firmer cushions. The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is shared with the Tundra and features a clean, easy-to-read design with all pertinent information. It’s not reconfigurable like in the Expedition, but its layout is cleaner and it displays more pertinent information than what’s in the Tahoe, Yukon, and Wagoneer.
The 14.0-inch touchscreen has a lot of space for information, but oddly doesn’t offer a split-screen option, which would be especially helpful for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. There’s no homescreen baked into the system, and devoting 14 inches of space to the navigation map, radio interface, or vehicle settings feels like a lot. The space could’ve been used more creatively. Smaller drivers will have to reach to tap some CarPlay functions, such as “Now Playing,” at the top right corner of the screen.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
The Sequoia’s interior trim aims for high-rent, but even the Capstone’s white-and-black leather and open-pore wood don't feel substantial. Close the center console, or the little cubby on top of the center armrest, and they slam shut with a hollow plastic crack. Even the door lock and unlock mechanisms ring hollow. Toyota offers no option to avoid the white leather in top-trim Capstone models.
The captain’s chairs in the second row are also wide and supportive, and they’re more comfortable than those found in the Tahoe or Yukon. They also slide fore and aft to horse-trade space with the third row. That third row, however, and the cargo area behind it are poorly packaged.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
The third-row seats perch atop the hybrid system’s battery pack, which is mounted above the solid rear axle, creating a high seating position. At 5 feet 10 inches tall, I ran out of headroom despite a carved-out headliner. Toyota settled on this configuration because it allowed for better entry and exit to the third row while also avoiding foot traffic on the battery. Engineers were able to mount the second-row seats lower while still allowing them to tumble forward.
“This location provided the most efficient duct routing to ensure proper air flow to the batteries (cooling),” Toyota spokesperson Josh Burns told The Car Connection. The Tundra pickup truck, which shares its chassis and running gear, places its hybrid battery under the second-row seat bottom.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
2023 Toyota Sequoia
2023 Toyota Sequoia
2023 Toyota Sequoia
The third-row seat also doesn’t fold flat, so the cargo area doesn’t have a flat load floor. As a workaround, Toyota installed a small movable shelf in the cargo area. In its lowest position it leaves a small space beneath it that wouldn’t be very useful for storage. The shelf also creates a liftover height higher than just the bumper. Sliding the shelf into the second position up higher attempts to create a flat load floor with the folded third row, but that makes the space below it useful for only flatter items and creates an even higher load floor. Lifting the shelf to the highest mounting point makes no sense. It’s unclear why this option exists at all, though Editorial Director Marty Padgett noted real estate signs will fit with the highest mounting point.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
Toyota Sequoia: Looks like a Tundra SUV
The Sequoia continues to serve as the SUV version of the Tundra for its third generation. From the B-pillars forward it’s mostly the same as the brawny Tundra, which means sculpted headlights, a massive grille, and a high-set cowl that shortens the windshield therefore limiting forward vision.
“Given the high cowl, the thick A-pillars, and the huge trailer mirrors on my test Sequoia, I couldn’t see out of the damn thing," said senior editor Kirk Bell. "That’s especially bad considering how huge this beast is." The high cowl is a design flaw inherited from the Tundra. It can be spotted in a kick-up from the side window line to the hood. Add in the transponder for Toyota’s available telematics system—it dangles in the windshield like an appendix in need of removal—and the view out is poor.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
The rest of the Sequoia’s body has a punched-out look with strong body lines, while the chrome trim on the C-pillars creates a Lexus-like look that provides a hint of sophistication the rest of the hulking design lacks. Top-spec Capstone models like the one tested ride on 22-inch wheels cribbed from the Tundra Capstone parts bin.
2023 Toyota Sequoia
Toyota Sequoia: Is it worth the money?
A base 2023 Toyota Sequoia costs $60,960 including a hefty $1,595 destination charge (Toyota bolts these things together in Texas, not Japan). But the top-spec Capstone rings in at $77,385, and that’s with two-wheel drive. Add the part-time four-wheel-drive system and the price jumps to just over $80,000.
Thousands of drivers will decide that the Sequoia’s good enough simply because it has a Toyota badge, or because it’s available on a dealer lot, or for its hybrid system, or for its three rows of seats. Brand loyalty runs deep. So do the talents of Sequoia's rivals, in particular the Expedition, Tahoe, and Yukon. The Sequoia’s starting this race from behind.
FAQs
How much space behind third row in 2023 Toyota Sequoia? ›
1st/2nd/3rd-row legroom: 41.2 inches/39.2 inches/33.7 inches. Cargo volume behind 1st/2nd/3rd-row: 86.9 cubic feet/49.0 cubic feet/22.3 cubic feet.
What is the fuel economy of a 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone? ›Rear-wheel-drive models are EPA-rated at 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. Opting for four-wheel drive drops those numbers a bit, to 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.
When can you build a 2023 Sequoia? ›The third-generation all-new 2023 Sequoia is projected to hit showrooms in the summer of 2022.
Is 2023 Sequoia bigger than tahoe? ›A 2023 Toyota Sequoia measures 208.1 inches long, 79.8 inches wide, and 74.2 to 77.7 inches tall. The 2023 Chevy Tahoe is 210.7 inches long, 81 inches wide, and 75.8 inches tall.
How many miles per gallon does a Toyota Capstone get? ›2023 Toyota Tundra Hybrid Capstone: Up to 19 mpg city/22 mpg highway*
How much is a 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone Edition? ›The base Sequoia SR5 starts at $59,960 and comes with the same hybrid V6 powertrain, a panoramic sunroof, LED headlights, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and seating for eight. Step up to the Capstone trim, though, and that starting price bumps to $76,960.
How much is the Toyota Sequoia Capstone 4WD? ›TrueCar has 95 new 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone models for sale nationwide, including a 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone 4WD and a 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone RWD. Prices for a new 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone currently range from $80,318 to $91,697.
Is Toyota Sequoia 2023 reliable? ›We expect the 2023 Sequoia to have about average reliability when compared to other new cars. This prediction is based on Toyota's brand history and the Tundra full-sized pickup which it shares components.
What is Toyota Capstone trim? ›Toyota's new Capstone trim will be hybrid-only. Toyota. Like the TRD Pro off-road trim, the Tundra Capstone will come standard with the i-Force Max engine. This is the hybrid version of the turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 putting out 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Which Toyota SUV has the best ground clearance? ›Full-size SUVs with the most ground clearance are led by the 2018 Toyota Sequoia. Four-wheel-drive versions of the SR5, TRD Sport, and Limited models all stand tall with 10 inches of ground clearance.
How much is a paid Toyota Sequoia 2023? ›
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2023 Toyota Sequoia starts at $59,960 for the SR5 base-level trim with destination fee and popular options.
Can you preorder a 2023 Toyota Sequoia? ›If you would like to custom order the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, you can get started right now on our website. Our team can also assist you by phone or via email or chat, and we're happy to discuss current specials, provide personalize quotes, explore financing and much more.
What's better Suburban or Sequoia? ›Comparison Review
The Chevrolet Suburban will be popular with taller drivers and passengers in the front seat, due to its greater front head- and legroom than the Toyota Sequoia. The Chevrolet Suburban requires fewer stops at the gas station than the Toyota Sequoia, making it more convenient to drive.
The Car Connection's Take
The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander fills a small gap between the full-size Sequoia and smaller Highlander in Toyota's family of three-row SUVs. The redesigned 2023 Toyota Sequoia comes with three rows and a hybrid powertrain.
The 4Runner offers a max of 88.8 cubic feet of cargo volume compared to the max 86.9 cubic feet inside the Sequoia. Heated and ventilated front seats are available for both models but only the Sequoia offers them for the rear second row seats as well.
Does the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone have massage seats? ›It has a FOX suspension system, an off-road mode, and a TRD exhaust system. The Capstone is luxurious. It has a unique grille and 20-inch wheels. It also has heated and cooled seats, a massage function, and a rear entertainment system.
Which 2023 sequoia has captain chairs? ›2023 Toyota Sequoia Platinum trim level features
The Platinum trim level is one step up from the Limited. It emphasizes premium features such as heated and ventilated second-row seats, second-row captain's chairs, a premium audio system, and more.
With second-row bench seats that make room for up to eight passengers or available captain's chairs that seat up to seven, the whole family can stay close and still have plenty of space.
What is the lifespan mileage of a Toyota? ›The average lifespan for a Toyota vehicle is 200,000-250,000 miles. With proper care and maintenance, some Toyota models can last as long as 500,000 miles.
What is the range of Toyota Capstone? ›Which Toyota car has the best fuel economy? ›
Out of all the 2021 Toyota models, the Toyota Prius Prime Plug-In Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient Toyota vehicle with an estimated 54 city mpg and 133 highway mpg.
What colors does the 2023 capstone Sequoia come in? ›The 2023 Sequoia will be offered in a wide variety of colors including White, Wind Chill Pearl, Celestial Silver, Lunar Rock, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Blueprint, Army Green, Midnight Black Metallic, Smoked Mesquite, Supersonic Red and the TRD-exclusive color Solar Octane.
What kind of gas does a 2023 Sequoia take? ›You must only use unleaded gasoline. Select octane rating 87 (Research Octane Number 91) or higher. Use of unleaded gasoline with an octane rating lower than 87 may result in engine knocking.
Where are 2023 Toyota Sequoia being built? ›The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is being manufactured right here in the U.S. at the San Antonio, Texas plant. Toyota invested $391 million to open this plant back in 2019, and its claim to fame has always been Toyota trucks (the Tundra and Tacoma).
Does 2023 Sequoia have full time 4WD? ›The 2023 Sequoia will be available in 2WD or the available part-time 4WD on the SR5, Limited, Platinum and Capstone grades. The part-time 4WD system relies on a transfer case, controlled via a lever on the center console to elect between 2WD, 4WD High and 4WD low. TRD Pro will only be available in 4WD.
How much HP does a Toyota Sequoia Capstone have? ›All 2023 Sequoia will feature the powerful twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain. First unveiled on Tundra, this exceptional hybrid produces 437 horsepower and 583 lb. -ft. of torque.
How much is a capstone hybrid? ›| Caravan Overview | |
|---|---|
| Travel Dimensions | L 6000 x W 2150 x H 2375 mm (H2650 with Roof Air-conditioner) |
| Tare Weight | 2150 Kg |
| ATM | 2750 Kg |
| Draw Bar | 150 x 50 x 4 mm Hot Dipped Gal |
The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles.
How long do Sequoia engines last? ›Toyota Sequoia can hit almost 300,000 miles.
Why is it so hard to find a 2023 Toyota Sequoia? ›Consumers are still having a hard time finding new cars in 2023 because of supply chain issues and high demand for new vehicles. At the 2023 NADA Show, Toyota warned its U.S. dealers that inventory would remain limited for the first part of 2023, reports Wards Auto.
What is the difference between platinum and Capstone? ›
Edmunds says the only features the Capstone has over the Platinum are 22-inch wheels, Capstone-exclusive interior/exterior trim, power-deploying running boards, sound-reducing front windows, and a head-up display.
What is the difference between Capstone and 1794? ›Noticeably different from the Captsone model I tested are the wheels. The 1794 features 18-inch wheels over the Capstones 22-inchers and right from the start there was a far more improved ride and handling.
What is the best Toyota trim level? ›The top of the luxury lineup for Toyota is the Platinum trim level, which is available on the 2021 Highlander, Sienna and Sequoia.
Which Toyota SUV is the roomiest? ›The Toyota Sequoia boasts a lot of space in an SUV that will surely make a presence wherever it travels. It has an overall width of just under 80 inches, with a track width of just over 68 inches.
Do Toyota SUVs hold their value? ›Quality and Reliability: Toyota vehicles are known for being reliable, safe, and affordable. This helps them retain their value over time as they stay on the road longer than cars from other manufacturers.
Why does my Toyota turn off after remote start? ›Once started with Toyota Remote Connect, the vehicle will shut off if the: Door is unlocked by the key fob, key or Smart Entry*. Vehicle has been running for longer than 10 minutes. The “Stop” button is pressed on the app.
What is the 1 4 mile time for a 2023 Toyota Sequoia? ›The four-wheel-drive Sequoia Capstone we tested accelerated to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and reached a quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 94 mph.
Why does my Toyota remote start turn off when I open the door? ›Don't worry, this is normal! As a safety precaution against theft, your engine will automatically turn off once the door is opened. You can get in your car, restart the engine, and be on your way.
What will the gas mileage be on a 2023 Toyota Sequoia? ›The 2023 Toyota Sequoia gas mileage reaches up to 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined on the 2WD configuration; the 4WD 2023 Toyota Sequoia gas mileage ratings are slightly lower at 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined.
What is the gas mileage for a 2023 Toyota Sequoia Limited? ›The two-wheel drive 2023 Sequoia is rated by the EPA at 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway for a 22 mpg combined rating. The four-wheel-drive system—optional on all trims except the TRD Pro, where it comes standard—drops the ratings to 19 mpg city and 22 mpg highway for a 20 mpg combined figure.
How much is a fully loaded Toyota Sequoia? ›
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia carries a base MSRP of $58,300, which is one of the highest starting prices among full-size SUVs. The price rises to $64,700 and $70,900 for the midrange Limited and Platinum trims, respectively. The range-topping Capstone starts at $75,300.
Will 2023 Sequoia have rear seat entertainment? ›Interior, Features, Pricing
But it no longer offers any rear-seat entertainment system and it loses a signature feature beloved on the prior Sequoia and current 4Runner: the power roll-down rear hatch glass. There's now a flip-up rear window. The 2023 Sequoia loses the old model's power roll-down hatch window.
No worries, we've got you. The average garage in America is between 20 and 24 feet deep. The 2022 Sequoia is just a touch over 17 feet long, and those built before 2007 are even shorter, so you should have no trouble fitting it into even a relatively smallish garage. But now let's consider the width.
What is the cargo space in a 2023 Toyota Sequoia? › How big is the cargo space on the 2023 Sequoia? ›Well-Appointed Interior
Regarding cargo space, the 2023 Sequoia offers 22.3 cubic feet of storage behind its third row and up to 86.7 cubic feet with the second- and third rows folded.
The third-row seats can slide forward slightly, but they cannot be removed, nor can they fold flat into the floor. …
What are the dimensions of 2023 Toyota Sequoia? › How big is a Sequoia compared to a suburban? ›The Suburban has 39.3 cubic feet of space behind the third seat, which is over twice as much as the 18.9 cubic foot capacity in the Sequoia. The Chevy Suburban can tow a maximum of 8,300 pounds, while the Sequoia can only tow 7,400 pounds in total.
Does the Toyota Sequoia rear window roll down? ›Best of all the Sequoia comes with a roll down rear window for that pet of yours that likes to hang its head out the window at all times.
Do Sequoia seats fold flat? ›You can access up to 11.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and up to 86.9 cubes total. The 2022 Toyota Sequoia provides 18.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats with up to 120.1 cubes total. Dropping from 120.1 cubic feet to only 86.9 is a massive loss. Plus, the rear seats don't fold flat.
Is Sequoia bigger than Armada? ›
Dimensions And Cargo Space
The 2023 Nissan Armada is just a hair larger than the Sequoia in length, width, and height.
The Toyota Sequoia is significantly longer than the Toyota Land Cruiser and slightly wider. The Sequoia is 208 inches long, 80 inches wide, and 74 inches tall. The Land Cruiser is 195 inches long, 78 inches wide, and 74 inches tall.
Is a Sequoia or expedition bigger? ›The Expedition looks much like it always has: It's sleek, simple and has clean lines that work to deemphasize its size. Believe it or not, it's within millimeters of being the exact same size as the Sequoia despite the Toyota looking like a much bigger SUV when parked side by side.
Can you fit a 4x8 sheet of plywood in a Toyota Sequoia? ›The ability to load a 4x8 sheet of plywood can't happen. … The price is out of line.
Does the 2023 Toyota Sequoia have a panoramic sunroof? ›Designed to be spacious with luxury as its core, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia features a panoramic moonroof, rich leather-trimmed seating, heated and ventilated front, and back seats, and a 14-inch touchscreen display with a 10-inch Head-up Display (HUD).
Which 2023 Sequoia has captain chairs? ›2023 Toyota Sequoia Platinum trim level features
The Platinum trim level is one step up from the Limited. It emphasizes premium features such as heated and ventilated second-row seats, second-row captain's chairs, a premium audio system, and more.