2023 Toyota Sequoia Is Now A Hybrid

With the introduction of the fully redesigned 2022 Toyota Tundra, we knew it would only be a matter of time until Toyota came out with a new Sequoia. The 2023 Sequoia, after fifteen long model years, finally enters its third generation. The large SUV utilizes the same body-on-frame platform as Toyota’s full-size pickup and the Land Cruiser, which isn’t available in the U.S. anymore, and one of the pickup's trucks powertrains. One of the most important updates, apart from the bold design, reworked interior, and solid rear axle, is that the 2023 Sequoia will only be available as a hybrid.

While the Tundra and Sequoia control shared similar powertrains for quite some time, the 2023 Sequoia differs in that it’s only available with the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain and not the twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 engine found on the Tundra. The hybrid powertrain consists of a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission. An electric motor is included in the configuration. The combination results in an output of 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the outgoing 5.7-liter V8 engine, the hybrid brings an extra 56 hp and 182 lb-ft of torque. The Sequoia is available with rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.

Toyota hasn’t confirmed fuel economy figures for the 2023 Sequoia yet, but we expect the hybrid powertrain to be far more efficient than the last-gen V8 engine. With RWD, last year’s Sequoia was rated to get up to 15 mpg combined. Towing capacity has also been improved, as the 2023 model year can tow up to 9,000 pounds. That’s a large bump over the outgoing Sequoia, which topped out at 7,400 pounds.

There’s a new Drive Mode Select function on the Sequoia that allows drivers to choose between Eco, Normal, and Sport. With the available load-leveling air suspension, the adaptive variable suspension settings add more drive modes that include Comfort, Sport S+, and Custom. In Sport and Sport S+, the powertrain uses more of the electric motor’s grunt for quicker response when accelerating off the line. Once the SUV hits 18 mph, the gas engine takes over as the main force of propulsion.

We’re surprised to see Toyota choose to only offer the Sequoia with the Tundra’s hybrid powertrain. It makes plenty of sense, as it gives the Sequoia a unique feature that others in the large SUV segment can’t match. Plus, the hybrid aids in towing capacity, while improving fuel economy, two areas where the Sequoia suffered behind its competitors.

Attempting to sway consumers away from American automakers in the large SUV segment has been nearly impossible for Japanese brands, but the 2023 Toyota Sequoia certainly puts up a good fight. With a more powerful standard powertrain, similar towing capacity, and a bolder design, the new Sequoia is a more viable option than before. Consumers in need of a burly, three-row SUV with a seriously powerful engine, loads of tech features, an available upscale trim, and reasonable off-roading capability have another option to explore, as Toyota has finally come out with an impressive Sequoia.

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Pictured: 2022 Toyota Sequoia