2024 Toyota Sequoia: A Hybrid Marvel in the SUV Segment
In a segment crowded with large SUVs powered by V-8 engines, the Toyota Sequoia distinguishes itself with its standard V-6 hybrid powertrain. This system promises fuel efficiency without compromising performance. The 437-hp iForce MAX powertrain, shared with the Tundra Hybrid pickup truck, is robust enough to tow and haul with the best of them.
Toyota Sequoia: Interior and Comfort
The cabin is well-equipped with all the expected tech features, and the rear seats offer ample space for children. However, the third row is too cramped for adults to sit comfortably. Additionally, cargo space behind the third row is limited, and folding the rear seats for more storage is hindered by an uneven load floor and a high lift-over height. Competitors like the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition offer more practicality and versatility. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking an extra-large SUV with hybrid power, the Sequoia is a good—and the only—choice.
Toyota Sequoia: What’s New for 2024?
The Limited Nightshade model is a new addition for 2024, featuring unique 20-inch TRD wheels with a matte black finish to match other blacked-out exterior elements. Platinum trims now offer the same TRD Off-Road package available on the Limited model last year. This package includes 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, hill-descent control, and specific appearance enhancements. Limited models with the TRD Off-Road package also come with a blacked-out exterior.
Toyota Sequoia: Pricing and Which One to Buy
The 2024 Toyota Sequoia starts at $63,220, with prices going up to $81,055 depending on the trim and options. The Limited trim offers the best value, featuring a larger 14.0-inch 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, optional in the Tundra pickup. This powertrain combines a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine with an electric motor, producing a total of 437 hp and 583 pound-feet of torque. The Tundra’s 10-speed automatic transmission is also used in the Sequoia. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive optional on most versions and standard on the TRD Pro model. The four-wheel-drive Sequoia Capstone accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and completes a quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 94 mph. This is quicker than the last GMC Yukon Denali we tested but slightly slower than the Ford Expedition Timberline. The TRD Pro model includes off-road features such as upgraded Fox dampers, a front skid plate, a locking rear differential, and forged 18-inch wheels with 33-inch tires.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The new Sequoia’s hybrid setup is significantly more efficient than the previous model. Rear-wheel-drive models have an EPA rating of 21 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. Four-wheel drive reduces these numbers slightly to 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. In our real-world 75-mph highway fuel economy test, the Capstone test vehicle managed only 19 mpg. For more information about the Sequoia’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Sequoia’s spacious interior continues to impress in the new generation, with a standard third row of seats. The standard configuration includes a second-row bench seat, accommodating up to eight passengers. Opting for the second-row captain’s chairs reduces seating capacity to seven. Both rear rows have limited headroom, especially when the optional panoramic sunroof is included.
The Sequoia offers a range of trim levels, from basic to luxurious, featuring cloth and leather upholstery and varying degrees of wood and chrome trim. Higher trims provide additional features such as heated and cooled second-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, and a premium stereo system. However, the cargo area is less accommodating compared to rivals. With the third row in use, there are only 12 cubic feet of cargo space, and folding the third row does not create a flat load floor.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The outdated touchscreen of the old Sequoia has been replaced with a large 14.0-inch touchscreen from the Tundra. This screen is standard on all trims except the base SR5 and utilizes Toyota’s latest infotainment software, offering extensive smartphone mirroring and connectivity options, including a Wi-Fi hotspot and various music streaming services.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
All Sequoia models come standard with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. For detailed information about the Sequoia’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Toyota’s warranty offerings for the Sequoia are on par with many full-size SUV competitors, with the added benefit of complimentary scheduled maintenance.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles
