In the land of Toyota SUVs, one full-size option rules them all. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is known for its substantial size, capable performance, and spacious interior. Even though this large SUV checks all those boxes, it comes up short in a few areas. The 2023 Sequoia has an awkward cargo area, a small third row, and a relatively high cost compared to other full-size family SUVs.

How much does a 2023 Toyota Sequoia cost?

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia costs $59,865 for the base SR5, while the fully loaded TRD Pro is $77,565. That is slightly above average for the large SUV segment but still puts the Sequoia in an expensive category. The good news is that the Sequoia SR5 trim is well-equipped without additional packages or upgrades. Toyota included power-adjustable front seats, automatic climate control, a rear limited-slip differential, and adaptive cruise control. It also has an eight-inch infotainment display that is pretty easy to use.

How is the Sequoia cargo space?

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia has 22.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row and 49 cubic feet behind the seats folded. That increases to 86.9 cubic feet with both rows folded. While that seems like a lot, it lags behind the rest of the full-size SUVs in the segment. Toyota sent us the 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro to test out, so we got to see the cargo area in real life. It also has an odd setup that some drivers might not like, but you can fit 1,300 subs in the Sequoia if that helps at all.

Due to how Toyota changed the third row and cargo floor, it doesn’t exactly fold flat. The battery pack and suspension take up a lot of space under the floor, which sets the cargo area up a little higher. Toyota has an adjustable floor system to help create a flat space, but it doesn’t fix the issue. It can be complicated to remove heavy items, and the higher shelf means less space to shove things.

Does the 2023 Toyota Sequoia have eight seats?

For seating, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia technically has room for eight passengers. Shoppers can select two bench seats for the second and third rows, which increases the seating. Those who opt for captain’s chairs in the second row will have room for seven. The captain’s chairs are comfortable and spacious, as are the front seats. If you really only need space for four or five, the Sequoia is a good option. Those who plan to use the third row a lot might want to try it out first, as the changes make the Sequoia a little less family-friendly.

It isn’t the easiest to get into the third row, even with the captain’s chairs. As an average-sized human, I could squeeze back there and find comfort in the middle seat. A taller passenger might not find the third row as comfortable. Trying to fit three people in the back wouldn’t be comfortable for long periods. The challenge only increases if you have a bench seat in the second row.

Kids will be OK in the third row, but that oddly shaped cargo area will complicate things. Adults will find that the raised floor means your legs are slightly uncomfortable. The bench seat isn’t the most comfortable either. Most other large SUVs will have a less complicated and roomier seating position.

Is the Toyota Sequoia bigger than the Highlander?

Yes, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is bigger than the Toyota Highlander in many ways. It has more seats, a longer length, and a bigger overall footprint. The thing is that the Toyota Sequoia gets a lot right. It does have a lot of space, and the i-Force Max hybrid system is pretty impressive. Toyota’s twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine is paired with an electric motor, a 1.87-kWh battery pack, and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

This offers enough power to move the large SUV around town. One gripe we had with it was the air conditioning. On the TRD Pro model, the air conditioning didn’t work well unless the Sequoia was moving. While sitting at a light or parked in the driveway, it felt like the air conditioning was struggling.

Weighing in at more than 6,000 pounds, it doesn’t get much more capable than the Toyota Sequoia. It isn’t a perfect SUV, but Toyota is always improving and upgrading vehicles in its lineup. If you need a reliable, large, and modern SUV, the Sequoia still makes a lot of sense. It doesn’t get everything right, but it comes pretty close.