For the most part, the new, redesigned 2023 Toyota Sequoia is a joy to drive. Reviewers seem to love it for many reasons, including its interior space and luxurious ride. However, every vehicle has pros and cons. Finding a full-size SUV without some problems is impossible, so deciding what’s worth dealing with can be challenging. We know a good Toyota SUV promises safety, reliability, and an affordable price. Here are the pros and cons with the 2023 Toyota Sequoia.

Good and bad: Redesigned Toyota Sequoia

The Toyota full-size SUV shares a platform with the Tundra pickup truck. As a result, it’s undergoing some renovations around the same time as its sibling. Thankfully the two models are getting a complete redesign because neither has seen significant changes in about half a decade. Moreover, the redesign makes the 2023 Toyota Sequoia an entirely new vehicle with a more efficient powertrain, a better interior, and an all-new design.

According to Cars.com, the Sequoia remains roughly the same size as its two biggest competitors, the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. However, Toyota’s SUV has new styling for its five trims, including the luxurious Capstone model and the off-road-ready TRD Pro. The publication tested a Sequoia Limited with four-wheel drive and “found a lot to like.” But as you’d expect, it suffers from some shortcomings, as all models do.

Pros of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia

1. Powertrain

The first pro of the new and redesigned 2023 Toyota Sequoia is the powertrain. Vital to its efficiency is removing the old V8, which has been replaced with a 437-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 hybrid. As a result, it produces 583 lb-ft of torque. Surprisingly, the reviewer says owners will not miss the V8, citing the new engine’s fast acceleration and responsive gas pedal. It’s the perfect balance of power for highway passing with calm drivability around town.

2. Interior

As for the inside of the Sequoia, it’s new and improved for the 2023 model year. Cars.com says the most considerable improvements are inside the cabin. This includes the interior’s material quality and overall feel, along with more luxurious features in higher trims. For example, high-end textures and leather are found in the Limited trim, which is joined by real wood in the top-of-the-line Capstone model.

3. Spacious rear seating

It’s one thing to look better, but the new 2023 Toyota Sequoia interior is functionally better too. Even in the second row, occupants are met with ample sitting space. The front seats are big and comfortable, but second-row passengers get a surprisingly large amount of hip and legroom. Unfortunately, the third row isn’t quite as spacious, which might hint you toward an incoming con of the full-size SUV.

4. Ride and handling

Interior space and technology are excellent, but the ride and handling matter even more. Fortunately, the redesigned Sequoia offers a “comfortable, well-damped and controlled ride even over rough pavement and bumps,” according to Cars.com. In addition, braking is easy and smooth, which isn’t always the case with sizeable SUVs like this one. The publication says it’s the perfect family SUV for driving around town or heading out on a long road trip.

5. Touchscreen

Although it might not seem too important, a better touchscreen makes using just about all vehicle controls much easier. Starting in 2023, every Sequoia but the SR5 base model gets a 14-inch touchscreen and the Toyota Multimedia System. It has clear, high-quality graphics and more functionality. Replacing the Entune system, the 14-inch unit is worth upgrading over the SR5 base version, which uses a tiny eight-inch touchscreen.

Cons of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia

1. Rear spaciousness

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia fails to supply enough interior space in the rear for a massive full-size SUV. Furthermore, it offers less room for third-row passengers and cargo than most would expect for a vehicle of this magnitude. Cars.com says the third row isn’t big enough for average-sized adults to sit comfortably, and the third-row seats can’t fold completely flat. This is primarily due to the Sequoia’s solid rear axle and the hybrid battery pack housed under the rear floor.

2. Fuel economy

Next, the new powertrain is better than the old V8 it replaced in many ways. However, fuel economy is disappointing, to say the least. The publication’s test vehicle got an average of 15 mpg overall during a week mixed with driving in the city and on the highway. The EPA-estimated mpg is 19 city and 22 highway, which is far better than Cars.com’s results.

3. Infotainment system

The new touchscreen and Toyota Multimedia System is far better than the previous Entune unit. Unfortunately, it’s not as good as its biggest competitors. For example, there’s no home screen to conveniently jump to various functions, meaning users can only access one thing at a time. In addition, it’s entirely cloud-based, meaning many things are unavailable without a data connection. This puts the Sequoia’s system behind the popular Ford Sync and GM infotainment systems.

4. The Sequoia is expensive

Finally, the price is the last con of buying a 2023 Toyota Sequoia. Even compared to the 2022 version, it starts about $8,000 higher. Furthermore, the Limited trim costs just below $72,000, which is very costly. Fortunately, it isn’t too far off from competitors. While this full-size SUV is expensive, you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that isn’t.

2023 Toyota Sequoia pros and cons

In conclusion, there are many good and bad things about the redesigned 2023 Toyota Sequoia. In addition to regular Toyota expectations, like reliability, buyers get much more. The full-size SUV offers an improved powertrain and infotainment system, a spacious second-row seat, and a punchy powertrain with a smooth ride. Unfortunately, the Sequoia is expensive, its infotainment system falls short of competitors, it gets poor fuel economy, and there isn’t much space in the third-row or cargo area.