Despite a Redesign, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Feels Outdated
The Toyota Sequoia got its first redesign since 2008, but the new generation isn’t living up to the expectations.
Written by Allison Stone
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The
Toyota
Sequoia, a large SUV based on the Toyota Tundra, pickup got a full refresh for the 2023 model year—its first since 2008. First impressions are in, but some reviews think that the affordable Japanese brand known for being
a popular choice among new car buyers
fell short on the long-awaited redesign. A recent test driver from
Consumer Reports
(CR) seems to think so, citing that some of the SUV’s new features fail to enhance the driving experience, while other unique features were lost to the redesign. Read on with the car ownership experts at Jerry as we break down why the 2023 Sequoia turned out to be such a disappointing ride.
Is Toyota going backward compared to other SUVs?
In CR’s test drive, the reviewer rented a 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone directly from Toyota.The 2023 Sequoia’s pricing starts at $58,300 for the eight-passenger SR5, $64,700 for the Limited, and $70,900 for the Platinum trim.
The top tiers include the $75,300 Capstone trim and the top-of-the-range TRD Pro at $76,900. A $1,495 destination charge applies for all.
The Sequoia Capstone rented from Toyota is technically a preproduction model, so some slight tweaks could still be in store, but still fails to live up to the precedent set by competitors like the Chevrolet Tahoe,
GMC Yukon
, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Wagoneer
. The biggest improvement Toyota made on the Sequoia is the new hybrid powertrain, which delivers SUV performance while sparing the poor fuel economy of previous generations.
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Design updates disappoint
While the updated hybrid powertrain is the main event of this redesign, there were some other features that CR liked. An improved driving position, roomy second-row seats, and use of physical controls in lieu of one all-encompassing touchscreen were all positive details.
However, among the new features, Toyota backtracked in some areas. Two major changes included reverting to only part-time four-wheel drive and opting for a live rear axle in lieu of improving the independent suspension of the existing version.
The cargo area is also surprisingly cramped, losing space to the new hybrid battery and rear suspension setup.
On the road, the Sequoia’s steering is slow and difficult, while the drive feels heavy and clumsy. It’s a slight improvement over the old generation, but considering that its last redesign was in 2008, that’s not saying much.
Only time will tell how the public receives the new Sequoia, but in such a competitive segment, CR feels like Toyota didn’t do enough to bring this SUV into a new decade.
MORE: Toyota Has Some of the Best Used Sedans You Can Buy
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