2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD PRO - Review by Thom Cannell

Renowned for quality and durability, Sequoia’s third-generation enhanced rigidity and improved ride comfort by utilizing new laser welding technology to eliminate valueless mass and weight, simultaneously reinforcing rigidity where most valuable. Also, a welcome addition for those who tow—a high percentage of owners—Sequoia adds available load-leveling rear height control air suspension and adaptive variable suspension (AVS) to keep headlights level and the ride comfortable. The TRD PRO came with second-row reclining captain’s chairs and its third-row seats both reclined and had powered folding, a sweet option when loading luggage. Interestingly, it also had an adjustable rear cargo shelf very similar to what debuted decades ago in the Chrysler PT Cruiser.

Our test vehicle, like all TRD PRO, had 4WD using a button-on-console transfer case control. Regrettably, we had no opportunity to play in Florida’s mud or swamps. Also, a standard feature, the Tow Tech package shows a “trailer backup guide” and “straight path assist” which are extremely valuable, even for experienced trailer owners/users. There are abundant cameras showing various exterior views including an overhead, very useful in backing into standard sized parking places, and trailoring.

Sequoia is, while relatively enormous, a bastion of safety. For instance, it’s Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 includes pedestrian detection into its pre-collision system. That’s in addition to normal technology like radar cruise control, lane departure / steering assist, automatic high beams, rear seat occupant reminder and perennial favorite, blind spot monitoring.

These Cliff notes don’t encompass the experience. Let’s dive into powertrain, driving and just living with a full-size SUV for a week and 750+ miles.

First, that iFORCE MAX delivers its power with the assist of a motor generator stuffed into the bell housing between the twin-turbo engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission. The result is immediate throttle response at all times. Toyota says the e-motor is primary at low speeds; we could not differentiate. And, we liked the throaty growl under acceleration’s drop to a purr at cruise. Mileage, averaging 17.5 mpg on our 80% highway test, was acceptable, and the total lack of “turbo lag” made on-ramps and passing laughably easy. photo

What we didn’t appreciate was, in bright sunlight the instrument panel isn’t bright enough despite adjustment to maximum. Another nit to pick is brake pedal effort, it’s quite high. That’s perfect for balancing throttle and brake while off-roading or precision hill climbing, less so in stop-and-go traffic. An unusual oversight, console cup holders lack depth to restrain popular tall stainless steel water bottles.

Greatly appreciated features and delights were abundant. Like a plethora of “Easter Eggs” about and upon surfaces, reasonably intuitive controls, an audio system (we relied on Apple CarPlay) that hits us as Good Enough, an offroad-oriented interior that stopped short of rowdy, useful Qi charger and some of the better automatic high beams we’ve experienced. We’re neutral about the third-row seating. There’s width for 2-3 people, but leg room is modest. Adults might tolerate an hour, less if above medium height. And back to the audio multimedia system pilfered from Tundra and the TRD Pro’s 14-inch touchscreen. Engineered by Toyota’s Texas-based connected technologies team, it offers voice control like “Hey Toyota” for voice-activated commands. The embedded system can search for directions, find points of interest, adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. You really must spend an hour in your driveway learning how the system works.

The Good:

Needs Improvement:

• Definitely a brighter IP.
• Toyota’s video rear view mirror, like all video mirrors, is difficult for those wearing glasses.
• It’s a “near-far” problem that requires head tilt
• Deeper cup holders in console – or better retention for tall containers
• Tighter steering ratio for less steering wheel rotation