The last time the Toyota Sequoia got a true redesign was in 2008. Sure, that’s 14 years ago, but really think about everything that has happened since 2008. Honestly, it’s not even worth trying to list it all. We can just say, the world from 2008 is all but gone. Now that it’s 2022 and the Toyota Sequoia is getting its next full redesign, there is much to review. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia finally brings hybrid power and a matching, new futuristic look. 

What engine is the 2023 Toyota Sequoia getting?

MotorTrend reports the new Sequoia is getting an all-new powertrain. It is the first hybrid powertrain to come to Toyota’s three-rowed behemoth, and it’s also the most-powerful Sequoia to date. 

The Toyota  Sequoia and Toyota Tundra will continue to share a platform as they have for many years. The TNGA-F architecture – the new platform the Tundra and Sequoia use – was designed by Toyota engineers for use across the body-on-frame trucks and SUVs. This translates to the powertrain too. 

The 2023 Toyota Tundra and 2023 Toyota Sequoia will share the Hybrid i-Force Max 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine. This engine completely revitalized the 4×4 line for Toyota. The Sequoia is more than adequately powered by 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque between the gas V6 and an electric motor. While some morn the loss of the tried and true 5.7-liter V8 that Toyota used in both models for over ten years, this new powertrain is more powerful and efficient. 

There isn’t much on the new Sequoia that isn’t new. Amazingly, peak torque happens at 2,400 RPM, which translates to sharp power delivery right off the line. Besides torque and fuel economy, the electric motor fills in the gaps where you might feel turbo lag. All of these factors coalesce into a massive truck that is quick, torquey, and efficient. 

What else is new with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia? 

The new platform not only keeps the Toyota’s biggest SUV feeling sturdy and strong off-road but comfortable and soft on the streets. I spent years in a 2000 model Sequoia and then drove the 2020 model. Despite some creature comforts, the feel of the two models was nearly indistinguishable. 

However, when the folks at MotorTrend tested the 2023 model, the TNGA-F platform transformed the ride quality. Thanks to the new independent front suspension and a live rear axle replacing the former Sequoia’s independent rear suspension—technically a step backward, MotorTrend says it feels more planted than other new SUVs. 

Is the new Sequoia better than the old one? 

The overwhelming feeling from MT’s test drive is that the Sequoia experience has been tremendously improved from the previous generation. A few things bugged them, like the steering wheel’s light feel and a slightly noisy cabin, but the improvements grossly outweigh these minor disappointments.