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For such a massive suv to me the trunk space (if you can call it that) is an epic fail. Its almost non existent with the third row up which is killing the point of it being a large vehicle. I love everything else but I just can't get pass the lack of trunk space. Awsome review as usual Kelly. Keep up the good work 👍🏾
Yes. Needed the 2nd row on tracks, third row up a bit(?), and slightly extended back end. Part of this is due to the hybrid system. But some of these were misses that could've been fixed. Not being able to fold flat on top of it all leaves it difficult to justify the price tag with more versatile, practical competitors' alternatives.
We were able to fully check out a 23 sequoia WITH A BENCH and it was amazing! Fit 3 across with room to spare between car seats. If you only needed to occasionally use the third row (like we would plan to do) this car would very much work for 3 kiddos! it is definitely worth hunting one down to check it out yourself!
All the things you're looking for are found in a minivan basically. Also the reason why the trunk is small and the leg room is the same as other cars with bigger trunks is because there is probably a practical limit to how long a passenger car can be and the engine compartment is big on this car. If it were smaller like in the Sienna then everything is moved further up and the trunk can be bigger.
LOVE your videos girl! We’ve been in the market after loving our 14 year old suburban and I binged your videos. Thank you so much! Mom of 3 and a dog with a 6’6 husband who road-trip almost monthly and we wound up with the Expedition Max! The sequoia was laughable with its 3rd row and trunk “space”. By the way, hate my big 15” expedition screen too. Gimme some buttons!!!!
Mom of 3 kids here and I’m torn. Mine are older so only my youngest is in a booster. I’m wondering if a sequoia with a bench seat might work for me so I can have the 3rd row down? Or at least keep one side of the 3rd row down? I’ve heard the grand highlander will have more leg room and trunk space but I had my heart set on a sequoia!
i feel like the shelf would be a good idea in a midsize SUV with good 3rd row leg room but it would be unnecessary in the sequoia if the 2nd row was on tracks.
I feel like these full size SUVS that are not Suburbans or Expedition Maxes are for people who want a full size SUV and don't need the 3rd row? Like they could get away with something like a Traverse, Highlander, ect, but want the size. I feel like the trunk is a big L especially in this. I also feel like if you have 3 kids in car seats, you should be looking more at a minivan, it's kind of the perfect vehicle for families. Something like this would be better for older families and want the room, but don't need the 3rd row very often. If you don't want a minivan and you still have 3 kids in car seats, then get a Suburban or Expedition Max, then you have the 3 rows and a good sized trunk for strollers, groceries, sports gear. Just keep in mind they are high off the ground compared to crossovers and watch out kids opening the doors in crowded parking lots or make sure they don't fall out.
We have had our 2nd Gen Toyota Sequoia for several years, even though it's a different model they are very similar and we love ours! If you camp, travel via car or lug a bunch of sports equipment it's such a great vehicle! Great review, thanks for sharing.
Toyota must have figured you'd buy a Sienna or Grand Highlander if you want to move people, but not tow. If you want to tow, and bring 6-7 people, then you can put your cargo inside the trailer you're towing. I have a '21 Sequoia and test drove the '23 Platinum Sequoia; the inside is about 1/3 smaller in the new one (much closer to 4Runner or Land Cruiser in terms of total interior volume) Someone else said the Jeep Wagoneer feels like the spiritual successor to the Sequoia and I think I agree. This one is awesome but ultimately too small inside. BTW; my '21 Sequoia has power fold-flat third row, physical knobs and buttons for climate control, lower tether anchors on every rear seat (so, 6, in mine) independent rear suspension, adaptive cruise, carplay, etc etc
awesome video. those mirrors are so big because that vehicle is equipped with the towing package; most sequoias will include the much smaller, sleeker, body colored mirrors (the stock video towards the beginning of the review shows these mirrors :)
I got my 8 passenger 2023 Sequoia last December. There are obviously some trade offs from the older model. But I do love the much improved body style and dash! I love it so much I’ve just adapted to the lack of great “trunk space” and the 2 and 1 middle row rather than the 3 individual middle row on tracks like my old one I have 4 kids and we do just great. I just have 1 kids left in a booster. If I had more than 2 car seats though, I would be frustrated and not recommend this model. I’m so happy with my purchase and love all your car reviews, Kelly!! Thank you!
@@kayleighstreet6250 I would suggest taking your car seats and doing a test run putting them in and having the kids getting in and out to see if it would work for your family. That is what we always do before getting a new car. I would take the stroller too. Need to know how that would fit as well!
How old are your kids? I have a 9 (almost 10) and 14 (almost 15) year old. The youngest plays soccer and the oldest does whatever highschoolers do. Would this work for them?
@@kayleighstreet6250Anyone with 3 kids or more needs that middle bench (not the fancy captain’s seats). Due to the small truck size, you will definitely need to fold down 2/3 or all of the back (3rd row) seat during road trips which involve luggage. I have 4 kids and I owned the older version and that one had a flatter trunk (no hybrid battery). With the middle bench and one seat up in the 3rd row, we made it work. Honestly, anyone with more than 3 kids shouldn’t have this truck high on their list unless you don’t plan to travel annually as we do.
Great video! I have the new 23 Tundra and interior looks the exact same. Interesting. I guess its made from the same build type but didn't realize how much it would mirror. From The handles, seats, dash, console, etc. My truck does not fit in the garage but this would. Got me thinking...
Its the same. Toyota was going to discontinue the seqoiua but last minute decided to keep it because they already killed the land cuiser so they wouldnt have any large SUVs. So to save on development cost they took the tundra and kept it the same to the B pillar.
Great review. My wife love you and loves showing me your content, since I am more of an offorad/overlanding follower for car content. The dichotomy of what is good and bad between the two on the same vehicle is amusing. That being said: The Sequoia really makes more sense when you view it as an XL 5 seat SUV that "happens" to have a part time 3rd row than a true 3rd row SUV. The quirks with the seats and the storage space of the cargo area start to make a LOT more sense through that lens. boosted HP and towing for equivalent MPGs to the 4runner with more cabin space make the price difference more palatable as well compared to the smaller "cheaper" 4runner. IMO
This is a great point. The Sequoia is basically a 4runner XL. I loved my 4runner, went to a F250 crew now looking to go back to a toyota. 4runner would be too small with 2 teens and a tween. Our Honda Odyssey has great space, can haul full sheets of plywood but I would not tow over 3k lbs with it
I have had the new 2023 sequoia for almost 7 mo the now. I got the one with the 2nd row bench seat, and I love it so much!!! I usually get cars with captains, but im enjoying the bench!! I love my new sequoia!!
I’ve got a 2019 Sequoia and looked at this specifically for your review. I hate the trunk on the 23. My 2019 folds flat and I feel like I have more room when the seats are up on my 2019. The trunk is a big negative for me. Thankfully I have teenagers (2) so it’s not a deal breaker for me.
Unless you need to tow or go off-road, this seems to fall way behind minivans for utility. An Odyssey has double the cubic feet of storage space behind the third row for tens of thousands of dollars less.
the third row seating I believe was affected heavily by the hybrid powertrain as I think the battery had to be stored underneath. For me I really like the new Sequoia wish they kept the V8 but am looking at it as a new car for the wife. but will not be paying for the Platnium car is not worth that much especially with all those motorized bits like the steps easy to break when you overland.
Loved your video! I think for me… I’m a family of three and I like it and it would be plenty of room. My only concern is not having enough trunk space for two twelves!! Waaaah!
I desperately wanted to love this new version. I cannot get over the third row's limitations. The hybrid is a waste as I've seen dozens of reviews now that claim the fuel economy has not improved. Toyota needs to make a Grand version of this with several more inches in length and provide a non-hybrid option.
Same - I held off buying a new suv for over a year in anticipation of the new Sequoia. As a Sequoia owner (2008 for 9 years and 2010 for 2 years) I know the vehicle well and they only thing I wanted going into the 3rd gen was more rear cargo space. The non-fold flat rear cargo area was a huge miss for Toyota. Perhaps a longer version is in the plan for 2025, but I went out and bought a certified Lincoln Navigator L. Aside from push button transmission, which I hate in all vehicles, the Navigator has been the most comfortable SUV I’ve ever driven. I’ll hopefully go back to Toyota once they get their design act together.
toyota has the grand highlander for all the interior room it's basically the big family car and rhe seqouia is like the fun off road car for a family with older kids
I like it. I only have 2 kids & they aren’t babies anymore. We almost never use the third row in the current vehicle so I would always keep them down. I do wish the seats folded completely into the floor. I’m looking at this for my primary driver. Wife has a MDX and we’re buying a van for the family vehicle.
This was on our short list until I saw the cargo area with the step. That was a big miss by Toyota and diappointing as I have loved our prior Toyota and Lexus SUVs.
And that’s part of the major problem in 2023 we associate hybrids with superior fuel economy. It’s the one reason I would look at a hybrid I’m not going to be looking at a hybrid for superior horsepower with middling fuel economy. I understand that Toyota may not feel that way, but the rest of us associate hybrids with super fuel economy, and that hybrid battery has caused an enormous amount of compromise in the interior packaging. It’s not worth it. This is not better than the Tahoe, Yukon, or expedition or Wagoneer.
@@Ryan2022 I suggest you drive one. the smoothness of 580tq at low RPM in this big vehicle makes driving a dream. It is the only Hybrid in its class..... Toyota is built for long term not just the warranty period like some other manufactures
@@Krice118 oh, well I would agree with you. I’ve driven Toyotas for many years and they are just about the most reliable, longest lasting make you can buy. I probably will give it a try for a test drive, when I’m ready to buy. That being said it’s not like everyone else falls apart at 30,000 miles and only Toyotas last I know many many people with the expedition and one of the GM models who have had virtually no problems and love their vehicles so I will be giving them all a test drive.
Been looking at this comparted to the Tahoe Z71 and I feel that the trunk in the Tahoe is way better than the Toyota. Night and day. I understand that the battery pack is there on the Toyota but it just doesn't seem practical at all and especially when you fold the 3rd row down in both vehicles the Tahoe is massive. I just wish the Z71 Tahoe came with some sort of center locking diff or something to compete more with the TRD off road Sequoia.
We never use a 3rd row, but need large 2nd row seats for 6' teenagers. Like the Armada/QX80 but drives like a top heavy boat that can't handle city traffic. Like others, also interested in the Grand Highlander.
Love your review! The raised cargo floor is a fatal flaw for this/any SUV…it ruins the Utility. I understand they did it for the hybrid battery pack. Poor execution. Won’t buy one for that reason.
I can give suggestion for the videos. You can talk about comfortable shoes for mothers and women to drive, for example there are driving loafers and driving sneakers that are soft for driving. What do you think ? I really like your tips and with these cars. Success always.
The trunk is a no for me and the way the second row folds. My husband had an older forerunner and I hated how much the seats are in the way. Then if you fold the second row and third row you would have a drop off in between. For something so big and expensive the cargo roll is a huge miss for me. This is why I’m wanting the grand highlander.
1000% correct on having a button to quickly turn off/on for climate controls, the cupholders and Car seat tethers in the middle....c'mon engineers call in some moms for your R&D!
You forgot to mention that the remote start feature is not free after three months and requires a subscription. That and the stupid shelf system is a deal breaker for me which is sad bc I am a big Toyota fan.
Get a Tundra crew cab. Great for 3 passengers In the backseat. More functionality than a Seqouia. Plus lots of space in the covered truck bed for hauling , groceries etc. We love it. I’ve got 3 year old twins and they can’t reach other and fight in the backseat. 😂. Dual front heated and cooled seats. Platinum 2023
I am looking to trade my F250 crew for a Sequoia. When my three girls were small sitting three across was great. Now they are teens and tweens no one wants to sit in the middle for long car rides. ALWAYS a fight to get the window seats and complaining about one girl touching the other.
The top tether issue is the exact reason we cannot even look at the Sequoia because we have 5 in car seats. Also it is so sad to see they took all this time to redesign they could have given easy access to the 3rd row and lots more trunk space while keeping all the leg room.
I'm at the stage in life where we need an adult friendly 3rd row with still usable storage when the 3rd row is in use. I really like the looks of the Sequoia, but the packaging of the rear for both passengers and cargo is just a massive swing and a miss, especially when compared to other Toyota vehicles like the Grand Highlander. I've looked at the main BOF competitors--Wagoneer, Expedition, and Yukon, and even disregarding their extended wheelbase versions, their rear passenger/cargo packaging is lightyears better than the Sequoia. I don't understand how Toyota dropped the ball so badly with the rear packaging.
It's a no for me. From the lack of 3rd row access especially when it would come down to car pick up line to the car seat situation and then the trunk is disgusting... the 3rd row should have the full space and the trunk should be larger. I have twin newborns and 2 older kiddos and that trunk wouldn't even fit a standard stroller or a stroller with groceries. It's just not functional
This car is really big on the outside (208 in long) and it has not very big interior room. It seems most of the interior room is taken by the car's own seats that you have to shuffle , fold and push. By comparison the Palisade is a foot shorter and way more spacious.
86% of families do not need a third row. But they sure could use some cargo space which this does not have much of. Had to pass and keep my 2021 Sequoia. Hey Toyota, Ditch the hybrid, offer 3rd row delete, and these will be the hottest selling SUV on the market.
The price point, cargo space and general size where big turnoffs. Look at one of these parked next to a 4Runner or Highlander, and there's not much difference. But you're still paying the same as you would for a Tahoe/Expedition.
That Sequoia is a pass for me. We NEED more trunk space for bigger families, leg room in the 2nd and 3rd row seats (so can't take it from there to make more trunk space), and that cupholder in between the captain's chairs? That was the feature that lost me before even seeing the lacking trunk space. Love the new redesigned look, though!
Love the review. I’ve been waiting for the new Sequoia since 2015. And what a disappointment it’s been. It irks me that the new Sequoia barely has any trunk space. Absolutely mind boggling. In order to gain trunk space you have to slide the third row seats all the way forward which is completely pointless of have a full size family suv in the first place! You mind as well just lay the third row flat, which again, is completely pointless if you bought the vehicle to use the third row. I had to go home and bring our stroller to the dealer to see if it fits. With the third row halfway pushed back (allowing for kids to fit in the third row) the stroller didn’t fit!!! Un-effin-believable. I’ve always loved the Sequoia and Land Cruisers, my family has owned them going back since the early 90’s and transitioned to the Sequoia in 2001. Without exaggeration I’ve honestly waited for the new Sequoia since 2015. We have 4 kids now, 2 of which are in car seats. It’s impossible to carry 1 all terrain baby stroller back there let alone 2. The insult to injury was when I saw that the 3rd row didn’t even lay flat when folded. Also the omission of sliding second row captain seats was a step backwards since the previous older model platinum allowed this feature. Unfortunately we have no choice but to go with the escalade. Spacious roomy second row captain seats and third row seats and you get more trunk space that’s you “actually” use. I hate American cars but like I said we had no choice. For families that have 3 or more kids that want to actually use the suv’s third row seats and have space for a medium sized stroller, weekly groceries to last the family 1 week, haul the family around with their sports accessories, or travel with the family along with their luggage then trust me when I say you pass on this suv. Or if you’re just looking to do short trip from point a to point b and manage to uncomfortably squeeze everyone and everything into the suv then by all mean go for it. Fyi, anyone who says they love the suv and that it’s perfectly fine with 3 or 4 little ones with car seats and strollers I call BS. Even if you do get a sequoia with a bench seat instead of the bucket seats and put 3 child car seats in a row yet you also use the third row seat then where are you putting your stroller?? If it’s a medium sized stroller and you gave the third row seats space for their legs/knees then there’s no way you’re fitting it in the trunk. And if it’s a cheap compact mini/slim stroller then that’s all you’re going to fit unless you use the shelf but then your third row wont recline and will be in an upright position. So much potential, and we’ve had the same previous model sequoia since the dinosaur age, you’d think they’d come out with a new jaw dropping design in and out. Epic failure.
That trunk space is abysmal. If it’s supposed to be a family car, maybe they should have talked to literally one mom about what families actually need in a car?? Like, only ONE tether anchor in the third row and they chose the MIDDLE seat to put it?? And no lower anchors in the third row?? And the second row not on tracks? Absolutely not. So sad because it’s a beautiful car.
It’s a fail because of the hybrid engine. The battery is under the second and third row and destroys storage space and raises the bottom and for what? the hybrid Sequoia it doesn’t get far superior fuel economy over an expedition or a Tahoe or Yukon people like flat loading space for, dog cages, and many other reasons. Toyota succumbed to institutional investment pressure to force hybrid powertrains into these things and it’s a fail.
My local dealer finally had one that I could check out. Nice looks, sporty engine, but the more my gf and I looked, the more things annoyed me. Can't see out through the narrow windows so dependent on the cameras. No D-ring hooks in back for nets or bungees to secure cargo. One cargo light on one side and at floor level, so light is blocked with one bag or shelf at mid-level is totally dark. Uneven space in center console instead of one cubic bin. Wasted space around cup holders and in front of front passenger. Reflections in screen from front passenger make it hard to use. Fake engine noise is too loud and can't be turned off. Blue illumination at night hurts my eyes, and every button glows blue at night.
Great video and I think a lot of the cons that you touched on are dead accurate! The tight third row, lack of trunk space, and seats not folding down flush to the floor are all misses by Toyota. As a parent, and with this being a huge financial purchase, it would be great for RU-vidrs could discuss vehicles' reliability, dependability, and how quickly they depreciate. What good is having a larger vehicle, more third-row space, or more bells and whistles if the car can't stay out of the shop?
Looked at one in OKC. The trunk was beyond disappointing. I wouldn’t be able to grocery shop let alone have 3 kids with an SUV like that. And it had a 98k price tag!
