We recently tested the 2023 Toyota Sequoia Platinum trim, and this week, I’m driving around in the rough-and-ready TRD Pro trim level. It’s huge, it’s orange, and it’s sporty… which feels unnecessary but fitting. Considering this three-row SUV is meant to haul families, their stuff, and their boat, the Sequoia TRD Pro has everything needed to get the job done, including some off-road kit. Did I mention that it’s orange?

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro has enough power to tow a Sequoia… kind of

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is the second-highest trim level in the lineup and provides buyers with a sporty take on the large SUV. That sportiness comes in the form of a TRD Pro Off-Road suspension with 2.5 Fox Bypass coilovers, rear remote-reservoir shocks, black 18-inch TRD wheels, and a TRD lightbar integrated into the SUV’s front bumper.

Does anyone really need all of this stuff? Sure, if you like to get dirty on the weekends when venturing up to the vacation cabin you undoubtedly own. I say that because the Sequoia TRD Pro isn’t cheap. My tester costs a cool $80,291, with a starting price of $76,000. The extra money went to options like a TRD roof rack, power-extending tow mirrors, and the special orange color that’s formally known as “Solar Octane.”

Sarcasm aside, that kind of money also affords you a lot of capability. Under the Sequoia TRD’s hood is an i-Force MAX twin-turbo hybrid powertrain that produces 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque. It’s enough power to pull 9,000 pounds, which sounds like the equivalent weight of an actual Sequoia tree.

Fun fact: It’s not. The average Sequoia tree weighs around 2.7 million pounds.

The Sequoia TRD Pro drives well on normal roads

While I couldn’t take the Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro off-road, I was able to drive it a lot on normal roads and highways. I’m happy to report that the engine feels smooth off the line, thanks to the hybrid part of the equation, and provides plenty of thrust to get the SUV moving. The 10-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and the TRD suspension feels stiff, but it’s not uncomfortable.

While driving the Sequoia, it’s easy to feel like the king of the road because it feels like a massive tank. Other cars look lilliputian when driving next to them, and smaller cars disappear from view when the large tow mirrors block them. Otherwise, the visibility out of the front of the Sequoia is good, and the rear is somewhat hindered by the narrow rear glass. Thankfully, the surround-view camera, which looks high-definition, makes parking a breeze, as does the vehicle’s surprisingly good turning radius.

As for the Sequoia TRD Pro’s interior comfort, the camo-themed SoftTex-trimmed seats look the part and are comfortable. The second-row captain’s chairs are supportive as well, but they don’t slide back and forth, which could be annoying for tall passengers. Also, the third row provides plenty of leg and headroom, along with a cupholder, vent, and sunshade. Anyone sitting back there need not complain.

What kind of gas mileage does the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro get?

According to the EPA, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is good for up to 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. In my experience, I averaged around 17 mpg, which was decent for an SUV of this size and capability.

Ultimately, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is fitting for the outdoorsy family that needs to get to soccer practice during the week and likes to remove themselves from civilization in a remote location on the weekends. However, if your family fits into this category, don’t pick the Solar Octane color – people will be able to spot you for miles.