The Sequoia was completely revamped for the 2023 model year. This marks the third generation for the Sequoia, which saw upgrades to include a turbocharged hybrid powertrain, an aggressive body style, and retention of the SUV’s truck-based roots. Also remaining was a badly-designed third row.
Oddly, the Sequoia has generally been an odd man out at Toyota. It’s market was never clear and rivals in the full-sized SUV arena were much better sellers. Yet the Sequoia remained, having high towing capabilities, a lot of upscale appeal, and Toyota’s now-legendary reputation for reliability. It just didn’t seem to have a target market that was as obvious as its rivals were.
That’s changed now with the new-generation Sequoia offering most of those same attributes, but adding a hybrid powertrain and stronger looks. The Sequoia is clearly aimed at suburbanites who need the capabilities of a truck, but also three rows of seating and interior cargo space. For that need, the 2024 Sequoia is a solid match.
Well, except maybe for those last two things. The Sequoia’s third row feels like kind of an afterthought. It creates a two-tiered cargo space when folded down and when in use, it’s neither comfortable nor especially accessible. And it can only be removed by busting out a set of wrenches and doing a lot of knuckle busting. Worse yet, there are no child car seat anchors in the third row except for an overhead tether at the center seat position. Which means children in child safety seats are safer in the second row and any added adults are, well, stuffed in the back.
Toyota says that the third row is how it is due to the hybrid powertrain’s need for batteries, which are located near the rear axle. This eliminated the already tight space that was previously used to fold those seats down flat.
So if the third row or lots of cargo space is a big part of your reason for buying a full-sized SUV.. well, this probably isn’t the one for you. But Toyota has the similarly-sized Grand Highlander as an option that might be a better for you.
If, however, you’re after towing, two-rows of comfort, and fuel efficiency.. the Sequoia is your best bet.
The 2024 Toyota Sequoia has a 437-horsepower 3.4-liter V6 that’s both turbocharged and hybrid-electric. This mates to a 10-speed automatic transmission that’s a near-perfect fit for this SUV. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but four-wheel drive is an option and includes low gearing for tougher off-road needs. Or for pulling a stuck trailer out. Since the 2024 Sequoia can two over 9,000 pounds. That beats almost every rival in its category and is highly impressive.
Fuel economy is rated at about 20 mpg overall. We achieved 21 mpg on the highway with our highway drive loop in the Sequoia TRD Pro, which is the least efficient of the model lineup. Compared to most other full-sized, truck-based, 4WD SUVs, 20-21 mpg is pretty great.
The new Sequoia is a solid ride with a lot of confidence and a good feel. It’s a big SUV with all of the downsides that can present, but if you’re shopping in its market, you’re already aware of and ready to deal with those visibility and parking issues. For those who need truck-like capability and the option of a third row of seating, the Sequoia is a top choice.
Pricing for the 2024 Sequoia starts at $63,125 plus delivery.
