Is 2023 Toyota Sequoia V6 or V8?

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is a large SUV based on the Toyota Tundra pickup, which itself was redesigned for the 2022 model year. Like that truck, the Sequoia SUV boasts large towing and payload capacities, Toyota’s newest infotainment system, and a rich roster of standard active safety and driver assistance features. On top of that, Toyota has given the Sequoia a hybrid powertrain that should help it return better fuel economy than its competitors.

After two weeks of living with a Sequoia that we rented from Toyota, we came away feeling let down by the redesigned SUV. Things that made the previous generation unusual or impressive—such as its power-retractable rear window or independent rear suspension—are gone from this new-generation model. And a number of the SUV’s new features and systems detract from the overall experience, rather than enhance it.

The price for the Sequoia starts at $58,300 for the eight-passenger SR5. The $64,700 Limited also seats eight and includes a power third-row seat. Next up is the $70,900 Platinum trim. It comes with two captain’s chairs in the second row, cutting seating to seven. 

The $75,300 Capstone version gets power running boards and 22-inch wheels and tires. The top-of-the-range, off-road-focused TRD Pro costs $76,900 and includes 18-inch BBS wheels with all-terrain tires, Fox shock absorbers, and crawl control for going up and down rocky grades. Both of these versions seat seven. All Sequoias have a $1,495 destination charge.

This first drive is based on a 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone, which we rented from the automaker. While the SUV came off the assembly line with a vehicle identification number, Toyota said that it’s a preproduction model, which means the automaker may still have some minor refinements up its sleeve.

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is available to you below. Once we buy a Sequoia when they go on sale later this year, we will log 2,000 initial break-in miles on it, then send it through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including those that evaluate acceleration, braking, fuel economy, handling, car-seat fit, and controls. CR members will get access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available. 

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What we rented: 2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone
Powertrain: 437-hp, 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid engine; 10-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive
MSRP: $75,300
Destination fee: $1,495
Total cost: $79,795 (as driven)

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We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

Price: The 2023 Toyota Sequoia ranges in price from $58,300 to $78,300.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia full-size 3-row SUV is the first of a new generation. Like the second generation before it, this new Sequoia is the most luxurious SUV in Toyota’s portfolio, almost overlapping into Lexus territory, as well as being extremely capable off-road while displaying excellent on-road behavior.

Built on a fresh platform that also underpins the latest Lexus LX and Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, as well as the Toyota Tundra pickup, the 2023 Sequoia still employs a traditional body-on-frame construction. This means that weight is inevitable, but there’s also a corresponding sturdiness that helps the Sequoia achieve its maximum towing capability.

In the past, such heft also contributed to the outgoing model’s dire fuel economy. This time around, a hybrid powertrain provides an intelligent solution to this conundrum, with selectable driving modes to add greater flexibility. Toyota’s engineers have also deployed various construction techniques to reduce mass compared with the older SUV.

For extra reassurance, the hybrid powertrain has an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty, with the battery covered for 10 years or 150,000 miles — whichever occurs first. This third-generation Sequoia arrives at Toyota dealerships in the summer of 2022.

2023 Toyota Sequoia Pricing

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia starts at $58,300, plus a destination charge of $1,495. A midrange 4×4 Limited begins at $67,700, while the decadent Capstone 4×4 model comes in at $78,300.

Looking at other contenders in this class, the Ford Expedition, Chevrolet Tahoe and Nissan Armada all start at around $50K. The GMC Yukon is about $52K.

Before buying, check the KBB.com Fair Purchase Price to find out what others in your area paid for their new Sequoia. It’s too early to talk about resale values for this particular generation, but the Sequoia has traditionally been a little better than average.

Driving the 2023 Toyota Sequoia

A twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter gasoline V6 and an electric motor propel the 2023 Sequoia with 437 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. At speeds of up to 18 mph, the electric motor does most of the work, which will help the Sequoia’s fuel economy around town. Yet that electric motor can also supply extra thrust when required.

As mentioned above, the 2023 Sequoia has selectable driving modes. They are Eco, Normal and Sport. With a load-leveling rear air suspension or a full adaptive suspension in the picture, Comfort and Sport S+ modes are added, along with a user-customizable setting.

A TRD Sport package for the base SR5 brings, naturally, a sportier suspension. TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development and this division has other treatments available for the new Sequoia. Such as the TRD Off-Road package (for 4-wheel-drive versions of the SR5 and Limited trims) with a different kind of specialist suspension, along with a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control.

For those making good use of the new Sequoia’s 9,000-pound towing ability, the Tow Tech package supplies help in the form of a Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist. Power-extendable side mirrors are available for the first time in a Sequoia.

Interior Comfort

Space has never been an issue in a Sequoia. Even the third row is adult-friendly. This time around, Toyota offers an optional sliding third row to maximize legroom or cargo space; there’s 6 inches of travel. Just behind them is an optional adjustable cargo shelf system that’s a new Sequoia feature.

In its most basic form (which is still pretty lavish), the 2023 Sequoia SR5 comes as an 8-seater. A 3-person bench is in the second row, but this is replaced by a pair of captain’s chairs in the higher trims.

Capstone is a new trim level, creating the plushest Sequoia there’s ever been. It features American Walnut wood trim, perforated semi-aniline leather upholstery in an exclusive black-and-white color scheme, a large infotainment touchscreen, and acoustic glass for the front side windows.

Exterior Styling

The Tundra connection doesn’t just run to a shared foundation. They’re similar from a styling point of view as well. This isn’t a criticism. They both mark a fresh design approach and this gives the 2023 Sequoia an agreeably assertive character. Naturally, its size also contributes to a commanding presence overall.

Wheel sizes range from 18 inches to 22 inches. The Capstone’s wheels have a chrome finish. There’s the usual array of white, black, silver, and gray paint finishes. Premium colors include Supersonic Red and — exclusive to the TRD Pro model — Solar Octane, a deep orange.

Favorite Features

HYBRID DRIVETRAIN
In a vehicle of this size and weight, hybrid power makes so much sense. Not just from a fuel economy point of view. The typical low-end thrust provided by an electric motor is also a useful asset off-road. And given Toyota’s excellent track record with hybrids, this setup in the 2023 Sequoia should be as reliable as always.

FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE
Although not many families will go off-roading in their new Sequoia, there’s still the confidence in bad weather. For those intrepid few, this system has a high/low transfer case and Crawl Control — which is a kind of low-speed cruise control for rough terrain. With it, the driver only has to concentrate on steering.

Standard Features

SR5 trim is the most affordable new Sequoia, yet standard equipment is generous. It comes with a moonroof, heated front seats, 12.3-inch digital driver information display, rear seat alert, and a 360-degree camera system.

Sadly, the infotainment touchscreen in the SR5 is only an 8-inch display. This is replaced by a 14-inch version in every higher trim. But the system does come with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, as well as supporting Apple Music and Amazon Music streaming.

A full set of driver assistance features is also standard, including blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

Factory Options

A few packages are offered with the SR5 version of the 2023 Sequoia. The SR5 Premium bundle brings the larger touchscreen, power-folding third-row seats, hands-free tailgate operation, simulated leather upholstery, plus a 120-volt outlet in the cabin and one in the cargo area.

The TRD Sport package swaps the suspension for something firmer and the wheels for black-finished 20-inch alloys. The TRD Off-Road package (for versions with 4-wheel drive) unsurprisingly takes a muddier direction with its own special suspension setup. This latter package is also offered with the next-up Limited trim.

Limited has heated/ventilated front seats with memory settings, powered tailgate, power-folding third row, plus shades for the second and third rows all as standard equipment.

Platinum raises the luxury levels with heated/ventilated second-row captain’s chairs, panoramic moonroof, wireless charging, head-up display, LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, and a 14-speaker JBL audio system.

For greater off-road ability, the TRD Pro version has an even more sophisticated suspension along with underbody protection. It also has a TRD Pro roof rack, a heated steering wheel, and 4-wheel drive as standard.

Capstone goes for the full leather-and-wood vibe. Other extras for the 2023 Sequoia include a load-leveling rear air suspension or an adaptive suspension.

Engine & Transmission

The hybrid drivetrain in the 2023 Sequoia isn’t an option, it’s standard across the range. The gasoline component is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6. An electric motor generator sits between that and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Combined output is 437 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque — a definite improvement over last year’s 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft. The basic arrangement is rear-wheel drive (RWD), but 4-wheel drive (4WD) with a high/low transfer case is on the options list, and fitted as standard in the TRD Pro variant.

While we don’t expect the new Sequoia to rival a Prius for fuel economy, it is significantly more fuel-efficient than the previous version.

3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 + electric motor
437 combined horsepower
583 lb-ft combined torque
EPA city/highway fuel economy: est 21 mpg city/24 mpg highway (4×2), est 19 mpg city/22 mpg highway (4×4)

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We require new ratings every time an all-new vehicle or a new generation of an existing vehicle comes out. Additionally, we reassess those ratings when a new-generation vehicle receives a mid-cycle refresh — basically, sprucing up a car in the middle of its product cycle (typically, around the 2-3 years mark) with a minor facelift, often with updates to features and technology.

Rather than pulling random numbers out of the air or off some meaningless checklist, KBB’s editors rank a vehicle to where it belongs in its class. Before any car earns its KBB rating, it must prove itself to be better (or worse) than the other cars it’s competing against as it tries to get you to spend your money buying or leasing.

Our editors drive and live with a given vehicle. We ask all the right questions about the interior, the exterior, the engine and powertrain, the ride and handling, the features, the comfort, and of course, about the price. Does it serve the purpose for which it was built? (Whether that purpose is commuting efficiently to and from work in the city, keeping your family safe, making you feel like you’ve made it to the top — or that you’re on your way — or making you feel like you’ve finally found just the right partner for your lifestyle.)

We take each vehicle we test through the mundane — parking, lane-changing, backing up, cargo space and loading — as well as the essential — acceleration, braking, handling, interior quiet and comfort, build quality, materials quality, reliability.

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Does the 2023 Toyota Sequoia have a V8 engine?

The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Is a Toyota Sequoia a V6 or V8?

A hybridized 3.4-liter V35A-FTS twin-turbo V6 engine (marketed as "i-Force Max") is standard across the lineup, producing 437 hp (326 kW; 443 PS) and 583 lb⋅ft (790 N⋅m) of torque, with the 5.7-liter 3UR-FE V8 unit being discontinued.

What engine does the 2023 Sequoia have?

3.5 L V62023 Toyota Sequoia / Enginenull

Does Toyota Sequoia come in V6?

Spend less time at the fuel pump and more time on the road. With an i-FORCE MAX Twin Turbo V6 Hybrid engine, Sequoia has up to an EPA-estimated 22 mpg * combined rating without having to give up great performance.