Toyota has been on a redesign spree. The automaker recently redesigned several nameplates revitalizing them and making them more appealing to drivers. None of its recent redesigns were subtle. In fact, one SUV got an entirely new standard powertrain system and axed its old powertrain. The Tundra and Prius redesigns were extreme, but one dying SUV nameplate was completely resuscitated following the addition of its new powertrain system.

The Toyota Sequoia practically got a defibrillation treatment

Clear! Toyota shocked the Sequoia back to life by adding a new powertrain system to the full-size SUV. It uses a 3.4-liter turbocharged V6 engine and an electric motor to make 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque.

The 2022 Sequoia model year uses a 5.7-liter V8 engine to make 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. The new model year is more powerful and more fuel-efficient thanks to the introduction of the new standard hybrid powertrain system.

The 2022 Toyota model year gets 13 miles per gallon in the city and 17 miles per gallon on the highway. The new version gets up to 21 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. Toyota’s redesigned full-size SUV gets at least seven miles per gallon combined more than the previous model year.

What about driving range? The 2022 model year gets roughly 396 miles of driving range, which isn’t horrible. Toyota’s redesign gets about 506 miles of driving range thanks to its improved fuel economy. That’s a range increase of 110 miles, meaning fewer gas station trips. Toyota is using a new powertrain system to bring a dying SUV nameplate back to life.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia addresses several previous issues

One of the most concerning issues that the full-size SUV faced in previous years was its fuel economy. The new model isn’t exactly a fuel-sipper but is more efficient than its predecessors. Ultimately that works out to hundreds of dollars in savings on fuel costs.

Toyota is effectively reducing the Sequoia nameplate’s cost of ownership with the addition of its standard hybrid powertrain. Many consumers are fans of Toyota’s burly V8, but the V8 engine has become antiquated in the eyes of many experts. The industry is finding that there are other ways to increase power output than just adding a larger engine to a vehicle.

Advances in hybrid technology are helping vehicles conserve fuel and produce more horsepower and torque. It’s a win-win for drivers who want to save gas money and enjoy a little power boost. Toyota also modernized the full-size SUV by updating its interior and exterior design.

Should you get a new Sequoia?

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia starts at $58,365. It has a quality interior, comfy seats, and a smooth ride quality. The full-size SUV also has more than enough power for many drivers. It exists in a segment that American models dominate.

The Sequoia nameplate is arguably more competitive than it has been in over a decade. That being said, it isn’t the best full-size model on the market. According to Car and Driver, that position belongs to the 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe.