The current generation Toyota Sequoia is a model developed on the brand’s latest TNGA-F body on frame vehicle architecture. This frame and basic component set underpins the Toyota Tundra pickups and the Lexus LX full size SUV. A downsized form can be found driving under the new Land Cruiser and 4Runner SUVs as well as the all-new Tacoma pickups.
It’s modular and flexible so a variety of lengths, track widths and powertrain options are available. In our 2024 Sequoia TRD Pro it features the 3.4-liter twin turbocharged V6 engine paired with a hybridized 10-speed automatic transmission.
The parallel hybrid combo Toyota calls iForce MAX provides 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. In such, the vehicle can tow 9,020 pounds as tested and is rated at 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.
We wanted to test the TRD Pro on our favorite trails where we also tested the Limited trim grade of the Sequoia to see if the substantially upgraded suspension really improved the off-road handling experience.
To this end we were pleased. TRD Pro brings you internal bypass Fox shock with coil-overs at the front along with sweet looking forged aluminum upper control arms and a special anti-roll bar. The five-link solid axle rear suspension gets external bypass off-road shocks too.
A handsome skid plate is added up front and a nice set of 18-inch BBS forged wheels sport meaty Falken 285/65 R18 all-terrain tires. The entire package of hardware upgrades improves ground clearance but only slightly to 9.1”
We did like the improved handling off the pavement finding it a nice balance of compliance and damper settings that allow for a bit more speed in the rough without beating you to death. Setting are still firm enough however for control and agility on the pavement.
In spit of all the suspension upgrades we still found the overall structural feel and handling of this chassis to be a jittery and unsorted feeling experience. Lots of shuddering and disconnected motions and vibrations make it feel like it’s not not well sorted out in most every day driving occasions. We miss the independent suspension and more solid feeling chassis of the last generation Sequoia.
Its powertrain was also a let down. The turbocharged V6 and its electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission offer up plenty of power. That’s nice. The transmission is always on point. The problems are three fold. It’s noisy with fake trumped up sounds, it’s thirsty and the battery takes up way too much space inside the rear cargo area. It’s a grand compromise.
We achieved 16 mpg in our week, not much different than the old V8. Fake sound is piped into the passenger compartment, constant rumble and growl to try and make you feel like you have a ’67 Camaro with a V8. Tacky and over done. Just give us a V8 if we’re only gonna get 16 mpg.
The interior is not only compromised from packaging issues of that big battery over the rear axle but the build quality in here is atrocious. Cheap plastics abound. There’s visibly fitting trim and components everywhere. Many items were loose, rattling and easily coming loose. It was shockingly bad from this brand. We don’t expect this from Toyota.
Our list of complaints goes on but the video brings forth more detail. In short, for $80,560 the Toyota Sequoia is a non starter at this price. We find it really is one of the least competitive in its set which includes the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada and Jeep Wagoneer. We feel these all offer far better build quality, better powertrain options and frankly better overall value.
