The third-generation 2023 Toyota Sequoia hits dealerships in late summer. How much the model has changed compared to the previous generation?
In January 2022, the carmaker unveiled the next-generation Toyota Sequoia for the 2023 model year. The new pricing ranges from $59,795 to $79,795 including a destination charge. The 2022 model cost from $51,995 to $72,270.
As we can see, a price increase has happened, but what we are concerned about is if the Sequoia has become not just more expensive but better.
Improvements
- More power: the new Sequoia got a hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain, the same that powers the new Toyota Tundra. This is about a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 plus an electric motor mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The total output is 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. The outgoing model has a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 hp and 401 lb-ft, and a 5-speed AT.
- Better fuel economy: est. 20 mpg versus the previous 14 mpg combined EPA-rated.
- Max. towing capacity is up: it is 9,520 pounds now, while it was 7,400 before.
- More modern interior: Toyota uses materials of better quality, like semi-aniline leather, a color head-up display, an all-new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, standard 8-inch or optional 14-inch touchscreens, and a noteworthy new feature – exclusive sliding third row with adjustable cargo shelf system. The carmaker also improved the view around the Sequoia due to the plethora of cameras.
Drawbacks
- Toyota could update the transfer case but it remains unchanged, meaning there isn’t an automatic all-wheel-drive mode to help put down power on the pavement.
- In the 2023 Toyota Sequoia, the manufacturer replaced an independent rear suspension with a solid rear axle, and it affects the interior space.
- On the interior side, the cargo volume is just 87 cubic feet now with all seats folded, though it was 120 cubic feet in the predecessor. Third-row passenger legroom loses 1.6 inches and 3.0 inches of shoulder room. The bottom cushion is angled very flat and close to the floor. The model no longer offers a rear-seat entertainment system, and a power roll-down rear hatch glass is replaced with a flip-up rear window.
- Ground clearance decreased: it is 8.6 inches on most 4WD Sequoias of the 2023 MY and 9.1 inches on the TRD Pro, while a regular 2022 Sequoia with four-wheel drive had 10.0 inches.
- The old Sequoia had a sharper approach angle and a tighter turning circle than the new one – it affects maneuverability.
At the end of this summer, sales of the new-generation Toyota Sequoia will begin. We hope they will be better than the current model’s sales, which leave much to be desired. In the first quarter of 2022, only 422 vehicles were sold vs 2,037 units a year earlier. Maybe customers just don’t want to buy the aged SUV and wait for the new Sequoia to appear in the showrooms
Source: Toyota
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