2023 Toyota Sequoia

[Todd308]

Yeah if it had a non-hybrid option, I'd have already been to a dealer to try and order. It's not that I don't like hybrids, I think they are a great idea, but that design probably cost of 25% of the cargo space.

Let's assume you are losing a foot of floor height which from the pics seems pretty reasonable, and using 2022 cargo length/width measurements you are losing about 31 cubic feet of cargo space (90"x50"x12") when you consider that the total cubic footage for the 2022 was ~120, you are losing 25% of your cargo space leaving only ~90 cubic feet. That's the same as what the 4-runner offers, and only 20 cubic feet more than the Rav 4.

Won't know till the real specs are out, perhaps they made the vehicle a bit wider/taller in the rear cargo area to make up for it some. Normally I wouldn't care but the rest of the vehicle is almost perfect.

I didn't realize the hybrid in the Tundra didn't really improve the mileage much, but I know in a couple videos it seems like Toyota has stated they are doing the hybrid more for performance/power than max efficiency.

 

[Gamma Ray]

the lc300 starts at $46k in Japan.

I live in the worst country.

 

[John in NC]

Oh my! That rear cargo situation with the hybrid stuff back there is terrible! I couldn't buy that on principle alone, seems like sloppy engineering not to be able to get that stuff tucked away.

 

[Todd308]

Oh my! That rear cargo situation with the hybrid stuff back there is terrible! I couldn't buy that on principle alone, seems like sloppy engineering not to be able to get that stuff tucked away.

From the video interviews with Toyota on the Sequoia it sounds like it was basically on the chopping block. The only reason it stayed around is because they used a ton of stuff from the new Tundra development in it (which is why it went back to a solid rear axle and evidently the front seating area is basically identical and probably why production moved to the Tundra factory). I'd imagine trying to cut as a many cost corners as possible was required to make it viable.

I guess if all you haul is people it's not a huge deal, but that loss of cargo space is a tough sell in a big SUV

 

[Thai]

I think that Toyota decided to have one vehicle that overlaps with the previous Sequoia (people hauler, tower) and Land Cruiser (off-road, solid axle). The result is a compromise that is neither here nor there.

I personally think that the Expeditions and Yukons will destroy the new Sequoia in sales. I think that the Tundra has a much better chance of succeeding.

For me, the lack of full-time 4wd either standard or as a selectable 4wd (like previous Sequoia) is a deal killer. I understand that powertrain may have been selected due to the power of hybrid, but a big hauler like this does not need 4LO as much as AWD/full-time system. Families want traction. You will not see Sequoia TRD PRO on the trail that much. Other OEMs are able to provide power to the ground better than Sequoia where it matters most...on the road!

 

[Jetboy]

I think that Toyota decided to have one vehicle that overlaps with the previous Sequoia (people hauler, tower) and Land Cruiser (off-road, solid axle). The result is a compromise that is neither here nor there.

I personally think that the Expeditions and Yukons will destroy the new Sequoia in sales. I think that the Tundra has a much better chance of succeeding.

For me, the lack of full-time 4wd either standard or as a selectable 4wd (like previous Sequoia) is a deal killer. I understand that powertrain may have been selected due to the power of hybrid, but a big hauler like this does not need 4LO as much as AWD/full-time system. Families want traction. You will not see Sequoia TRD PRO on the trail that much. Other OEMs are able to provide power to the ground better than Sequoia where it matters most...on the road!

Toyota has over-saturated the BOF segment forever. I found it really odd that Toyota had the 4th gen 4Runner, the LC100, and 1st gen Sequoia at the same time when all 3 were so similar in size and function. The 5th gen 4R/LC200/ 2nd gen Sequoia all ended up being at least arguably different enough to justify all 3.

But now that all 3 will share a platform, it makes a ton of sense to go from 3 vehicles to 2. Especially if Toyota is going to offer a decent engine in the 4Runner this time.

The awd thing is odd. Even if a torsen isn't available that can handle the torque of the hybrid - why not offer a non-hybrid with the same powertrain as the LC300? Maybe the non-hybrid a TRD Pro with a 2 row with open rear cargo deck and it'd really be the LC300 replacement. Seems like a no-brainer to me for targeting that market segment. The hybrid makes it worse offroad anyway. Or just dial back the torque limit so it only really uses hybrid power for mpg improvement and not extra hp. Seems like there's a lot of ways to solve this problem with the parts already in the parts bin.

I think the awd transfer case would actually be a big selling point for the tundra too. I'm not a big awd fan myself, but I know a lot of people would like to have it if it were available.

 

[Flyer]

Now I would be a candidate for a good AWD (I do not see that fat a vehicle being a decent off-roader in any form) but I'll bypass the Sequoia. It simply does not have and probably can't have decent MPG at that weight and size. The hybrid's lack of space isn't much of an issue but the MPG is. I'm not overly worried about the cost of running it but I now have the EV thing as the goal.

I am hoping that GM and Ford come out with larger SUVs at a lower price point that the 90K+ Rivian R1S. Actually, I hope Toyota does but I am pretty sure they will lag a few years and 2028 would not be close enough. It will be interesting to see how people like the hybrid, and how it sells. I suspect it will sell really well if the real-world MPG is 25%+ better than the old version.

 

[Jetboy]

Now I would be a candidate for a good AWD (I do not see that fat a vehicle being a decent off-roader in any form) but I'll bypass the Sequoia. It simply does not have and probably can't have decent MPG at that weight and size. The hybrid's lack of space isn't much of an issue but the MPG is. I'm not overly worried about the cost of running it but I now have the EV thing as the goal.

I am hoping that GM and Ford come out with larger SUVs at a lower price point that the 90K+ Rivian R1S. Actually, I hope Toyota does but I am pretty sure they will lag a few years and 2028 would not be close enough. It will be interesting to see how people like the hybrid, and how it sells. I suspect it will sell really well if the real-world MPG is 25%+ better than the old version.

Based on the tundra - my guess is it'll be low 20's mpg. So it'll be better than the current 4R. Not bad. Not really close to the small diesel engine GM full sizers though. But in fairness, most of the GM full size SUVs are basically minivans without sliding doors now. They don't have low range transfer cases anymore in most trims and they have something like 7 inches of ground clearance in standard trims.

I don't know if/when we'll see an EV full size SUV from Toyota. A PHEV sequoia would fit my needs really well though. It's pretty disappointing that it isn't an option from day 1. It should be. Toyota really dropped the ball on efficiency and hybrid or EV tech on the new tundra and sequoia. They're 5-7 years behind the times on a brand new model.

 

[Flyer]

Oh that will get on that wagon but a few years (5-7 easy) after everyone else. They are a slow stodgy corporation now. I was the biggest Toyota fan but over the years, I have wandered away. They have been disappointing with product development and lagging too many years. Now we are 100% set on an EV SUV being the next vehicle so they are completely out (for now). I'm not even stuck on EVs if another technology comes out- fusion, hydrogen, whatever, but I'll bet it will not be a Toyota, at their pace.

 

[RedSled]

Oh that will get on that wagon but a few years (5-7 easy) after everyone else. They are a slow stodgy corporation now. I was the biggest Toyota fan but over the years, I have wandered away. They have been disappointing with product development and lagging too many years. Now we are 100% set on an EV SUV being the next vehicle so they are completely out (for now). I'm not even stuck on EVs if another technology comes out- fusion, hydrogen, whatever, but I'll bet it will not be a Toyota, at their pace.

This may be something to look at.
Toyota'''s bZ4X electric SUV has a solar roof and a wing-shaped steering wheel

 

[Thai]

Toyota has over-saturated the BOF segment forever. I found it really odd that Toyota had the 4th gen 4Runner, the LC100, and 1st gen Sequoia at the same time when all 3 were so similar in size and function. The 5th gen 4R/LC200/ 2nd gen Sequoia all ended up being at least arguably different enough to justify all 3.

But now that all 3 will share a platform, it makes a ton of sense to go from 3 vehicles to 2. Especially if Toyota is going to offer a decent engine in the 4Runner this time.

The awd thing is odd. Even if a torsen isn't available that can handle the torque of the hybrid - why not offer a non-hybrid with the same powertrain as the LC300? Maybe the non-hybrid a TRD Pro with a 2 row with open rear cargo deck and it'd really be the LC300 replacement. Seems like a no-brainer to me for targeting that market segment. The hybrid makes it worse offroad anyway. Or just dial back the torque limit so it only really uses hybrid power for mpg improvement and not extra hp. Seems like there's a lot of ways to solve this problem with the parts already in the parts bin.

I think the awd transfer case would actually be a big selling point for the tundra too. I'm not a big awd fan myself, but I know a lot of people would like to have it if it were available.

Agree. I also agree that Tundra would be killer with AWD. I think Ford, Chevy, and Dodge all have AWD in their Tundra competitors. So, it is Toyota here that is the odd man out with part-time 4wd in Tundra and Sequoia.

 

[John in NC]

Some consumers, me included, don't want AWD or full time 4wd.

I just want rear wheel drive with the ability to switch to 4wd.

Less wear and tear, and a little bit better gas mileage are my thoughts.

I sure hope Toyota hits a home run with the new 4runner, I'm getting nervous though and wondering if I should try to snag a 2022 to replace my 2011.

 

[Flyer]

This may be something to look at.
Toyota'''s bZ4X electric SUV has a solar roof and a wing-shaped steering wheel

A bit small for me but interesting. Right now, that Rivian SUV is still the best choice by far....roomy, seats seem to fold flat, great range, fast, does really well off-road. I am just starting to see the truck around here in Colorado. Well, just two so far. Interestingly, both were rigged with tents and racks. We will wait a bit.

Since our work went permanently remote, I think our monthly mileage went from 3,000 per month to almost nothing, at least from Oct-May, so I rarely see the gas station those months. I will likely sell one vehicle while we wait. If Toyota comes out with something similar as a lower cost, it will definitely get my attention. I now have the cash to buy a vehicle but have been resisting the urge to get some thing that turns out to not be ideal for us (especially the room...needs to be around what we have in the GL450 and bigger than the 4R).

 

[Todd308]

The Rivan SUV looks awesome, but I put it in the same camp as the Hummer SUV, it's going to be $100k. Also I like to go into the backcountry for long trips, so a full EV is out.

If someone made a hybrid Rivian SUV or Hummer SUV like design, even scale down features but got the price closer to $50k than $100k they couldn't make enough of them. That said it seems like they have no problem selling them.

 

[mscot]

We saw two different Rivian trucks out in Anza Borrego this weekend.
I like the SUV version, I just can''t justify a $100k vehicle.

 

[Flyer]

It is an amazing truck and SUV. The quad-motor is especially cool. I have a deposit down but it is tough to justify, especially when we have cut down our driving so much.

GM, Honda, and VW, are in the EV game big-time now so in a few years, there will be cheaper options. I just wanted to get out of the auto oil/gas game as soon as possible. IF the market does well, I'll stick with the Rivian plan unless someone comes out with a cheaper large SUV. If oil prices stay high all year, it will probably expedite production of new EVs.

 

[WarrIndustries]

Toyota has over-saturated the BOF segment forever. I found it really odd that Toyota had the 4th gen 4Runner, the LC100, and 1st gen Sequoia at the same time when all 3 were so similar in size and function. The 5th gen 4R/LC200/ 2nd gen Sequoia all ended up being at least arguably different enough to justify all 3.

But now that all 3 will share a platform, it makes a ton of sense to go from 3 vehicles to 2. Especially if Toyota is going to offer a decent engine in the 4Runner this time.

The awd thing is odd. Even if a torsen isn't available that can handle the torque of the hybrid - why not offer a non-hybrid with the same powertrain as the LC300? Maybe the non-hybrid a TRD Pro with a 2 row with open rear cargo deck and it'd really be the LC300 replacement. Seems like a no-brainer to me for targeting that market segment. The hybrid makes it worse offroad anyway. Or just dial back the torque limit so it only really uses hybrid power for mpg improvement and not extra hp. Seems like there's a lot of ways to solve this problem with the parts already in the parts bin.

I think the awd transfer case would actually be a big selling point for the tundra too. I'm not a big awd fan myself, but I know a lot of people would like to have it if it were available.

There definitely was a bit too much overlap for a while between the Land Cruiser and the Sequoia. Not necessarily in capabilities but in vehicle size, seating and cargo space.

It would be nice to see Toyota add more Land Cruiser-esque features to the Sequoia to fill the void.

 

[mscot]

GM, Honda, and VW, are in the EV game big-time now so in a few years, there will be cheaper options. .

Did you see that VW is resurrecting the IH Scout as a US made electric truck/suv? if its as good a vehicle as my Touareg was, I'll be buying a later year of the first gen.

 

[Thai]

So, i am pissed about not having full-time 4wd…….but is it true?

Sequoia TRD Pro….23 approach angle and 20 departure angle?!!

No tow hooks!

LOL…damn Toyota!

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The 2nd gen Sequioa was always an odd vehicle to me, it's too small inside for how big outside it was and far too expensive for how little it offered compared to say a LC200. It's main selling point was that it was longer than a LC200 and offered a smidge more room...

The 3rd Gen looks rather nice and I do like a fair amount of the asthtetics. I'm going to guess the lack of AWD probably has more to do with MPG regulations, given how quick Toyota is to saturate their own lineup with far too similar models to eek out a better fleet average (it also looks like they want Highlander XL or Grand Wagoneer, or whatever they're uncreative calling it to be their top "realistic" big SUV choice). I'm sure they decided that risking a dip in the overall due to an AWD option was not worth it. Though the lack of at least a Torsen is a little disappointing, I'm venturing to guess they'll try to compensate with electronic wizardry instead.

The powertrain being hybrid only is a bit interesting to me though, I'm guessing again because they couldn't risk even a 1MPG less ding given it is porkier than the Tundra. I was a bit shocked by the return to a solid rear axle but then again, the 2nd gens never really felt like they rode that much better with IRS; so perhaps Toyota has more confidence in their new spring rear end in the Tundra than they did in bothering to design a new IRS. As for the prior comment about it not being seen on the trails? I don't know... hard to say honestly. I doubt anyone is really going to be wheeling these hard, but out in my area you get a lot of people who do take big diesels and big SUVs on the trails around here and most of them aren't nicely gravelled fire roads. So I could see a few people using a Sequioa to get in the woods and camp/hunt/fish, whether or not that's a good idea... we'll see (would still be hesitant to take any HV/EV offroad unless it was a purpose built vehicle and even then still lightly nervous).

I think at the end of the day it will still have a market, albeit a small one. My dad for example is a bit too big for a 2nd gen Sequioa, wasn't impressed with the domestic offerings, and ultimately settled on a QX80. Had him sit in a new Tundra a bit ago and showed him the Sequoia, he's interested in it and maybe in a few years when he's done with the QX80 he'll consider the Sequioa. My step-dad loves his 2004 LX470, but he's getting up there in age and worrying about his and my mom's mortality, particularly now that they have a '19 Sienna they love to death for them and their two Basenjis for long trips and Costco runs. The appeal of a larger, safer, more powerful SUV that will have just about all the updated creature comforts of his LX470 has him pretty much sold so far on a Sequioa and he's also thinking in a few years to upgrade.

Personally, the new Tundra and Sequioa on paper are interesting and actually appealing to me vs. the prior two generations. Though if I'm getting a big truck, I'm just going to go with a diesel, but the Sequioa as a bit family SUV isn't something I'd discard out of hand. That is... assuming they'll have worked out the bugs and quality control issues; right now as nice a the Tundras are, the QC on them is so horrible and amazing. Like, genuinely shocked that Toyota is even okay to hand these to customers with how sloppy some of the assembly and trim looks.