By 2022, automotive critics agreed that the Toyota Sequoia–even in its TRD Pro trim–was thoroughly outdated. Then Toyota dropped the 2023 Toyota Sequoia and Sequoia TRD Pro. In one redesign, the automaker went from trailing its market segment to paving the way with the first SUV model to only come as a powerful next-generation hybrid. Here’s how Toyota improved ever aspect of the off-road ready Sequoia TRD Pro.

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro was outdated

Toyota began building the second generation of its Sequoia SUV in 2008. By 2022, automotive critics agreed that it was thoroughly outdated. Car and Driver gave the 2022 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro a paltry 4.5/10.

The publication noted the SUV’s mediocre interior materials–especially its outdated infotainment system with a small screen. In addition, it complained of the bumpy jittery ride. This was especially disappointing because while the Sequoia is based on the Tundra, Toyota engineered it with unique independent rear suspension. Finally, the V8-powered SUV suffered from some of the worst fuel economy in its class.

The TRD Pro was one high point of the 2022 Sequoia lineup. It came with a factory lift, upgraded shock absorbers, unique rims, and all terrain tires. But without a solid rear axle it didn’t enjoy the heavy-duty off-roading capability of SUVs like the Wrangler. It also didn’t get the off-road driver-aid software Toyota had engineered for the TRD Pro Tacoma and 4Runner.

The Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is all-new for 2023

Toyota just rolled out an all-new generation of its Tundra/Sequoia chassis. The first vehicle on this chassis was actually the Land Cruiser 300–which will not be available in the U.S–and it shows. Toyota managed to upgrade its full-frame architecture with a fully boxed frame to save weight. It also went back to a traditional solid rear axle, but upgraded it with rear coil springs. These changes improved the SUV’s approach and departure angles, as well as its overall off-road performance.

The automaker also chose to throw away the old naturally-aspirated 5.7-liter V8 that powered every Tundra and Sequoia. Its new engine is a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6. It also engineered a hybrid top-trim version of this powertrain with an electric motor/generator integrated between the V6 and 10-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid i-FORCE MAX is an expensive option on the Tundra pickup truck, but it is standard equipment on the 2023 Toyota Sequoia.

As a result of the new powertrain, Toyota bumped the 2023 Sequoia TRD pro’s horsepower from 381 to 437. It also increased torque from 401 lb-ft to 583 lb-ft. Even more impressive, it increased the performance drastically while also addressing the SUV’s Achilles heel: fuel mileage. The hybrid bumps the SUV’s efficiency by 5 MPG across the board.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is even better off-road

Toyota did not stop at upgrading the 2023 Sequoia’s interior–even doubling the side of its infotainment screen. It added a whole suite of off-road driver aids. The 4×4 now features a high definition trail camera, an off-road cruise control, and Multi-Terrain Select software which uses the brakes to prevent wheelspin while off-road.

With its factory lift kit and stiff suspension, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro does not offer an especially smooth–or quiet–ride while on-road. But unlike the 2022 version, at least the 2023 Sequoia TRD Pro sacrifices on-road performance in exchange for the off-road capabilities of a sturdy, solid-axle SUV. See how the 2022 and 2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro stack up in the table below:

Next, see how the 2023 Sequoia vs the Jeep Wagoneer or watch TRD Pro trim off-road in the video below: