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Thanks: American Auto 2024 Toyota Sequoia Starting at $ Highs: Looks the part, hybrid powertrain promises gas savings without compromising power, hushed interior. Lows: Third row too snug for adults, feels extra wide out on the road, stowing the third-row seats results in an uneven cargo floor. Verdict: Its recent redesign brought the Sequoia into the 21st century, but it's still not as polished as segment leaders. Overview In a segment thick with big SUVs powered by V-8 engines, the Sequoia stands apart for its standard V-6 hybrid powertrain—a system that promises to save fuel without sacrificing performance. The 437-hp iForce MAX powertrain is shared with the Tundra Hybrid pickup truck—as are the rest of the Sequoia's underpinnings—and it's stout enough to tow and haul with the best of them. The cabin is outfitted nicely with all the expected tech goodies, and its rear seats are spacious enough for kids to get comfortable. Hauling adults back there is a different story, as the third row is altogether too cramped. Cargo space behind the third row is limited too and, unfortunately, dropping the rearmost seats to fit more stuff in the back is hindered by an uneven load floor with a high lift-over height. Rivals such as the Chevy Tahoe and the Ford Expedition are simply more practical and versatile. But if what you're looking for is an extra-large SUV with hybrid power, the Sequoia is a good—and your only—choice. What's New for 2024? The Limited Nightshade model joins the lineup for 2024 and comes with unique 20-inch TRD wheels painted in a matte black finish to match other blacked-out exterior appearance items. Platinum trims can now be had with the same TRD Off-Road package that was available on the Limited last year. The package adds an off-road suspension system with Bilstein shocks, a skid plate, an electronically controlled locking rear differential, off-road driving modes, a crawl control system, a hill-descent control function, and a few specific appearance items. Limited models with the TRD Off-Road package now also come with a blacked-out exterior appearance. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2024 Toyota Sequoia starts at $ and goes up to $ depending on the trim and options. SR5: $63,220 Limited: $69,620 Platinum: $75,810 Capstone: $80,210 TRD Pro: $81,055 The Limited trim appears to offer the best value in the lineup. Although it's only one step up from the base SR5, it comes with a host of additional goodies standard. Those items include a larger touchscreen, a power liftgate, 20-inch wheels, heated-and-cooled front seats, and a power-folding third row. Engine, Transmission, and Performance The Sequoia comes standard with the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain that’s optional in the Tundra pickup. This powertrain is comprised of a twin-turbo V-6 engine and an electric motor that produce a total of 437 hp and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Tundra’s 10-speed automatic transmission carries over to the Sequoia SUV as well. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive optional on most versions—and standard on the off-road-oriented TRD Pro model. The four-wheel-drive Sequoia Capstone we tested accelerated to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and reached a quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 94 mph. That's quicker than the last GMC Yukon Denali we tested, but somewhat slower than the Ford Expedition Timberline. The TRD Pro also comes with off-road equipment such as upgraded Fox dampers, a front skid plate, a locking rear differential, and forged 18-inch wheels with 33-inch tires. During our initial test drive, we were pleased with the Sequoia's comfortable ride and quiet cabin, but less so with its on-road driving behavior. Its extra-wide feeling on the road makes it hard to place in a lane—something we've complained about in other large SUVs too—and its featherweight steering effort doesn't help. Its brake pedal also has an oddly squishy feel. Read More Instagram ▶ TikTok ▶ @cartvpress Facebook ▶
