2023 Toyota Sequoia TRD PRO Review and Snow Adventure 

Ryan, don't give up. Your struggle is the adventure we love. I love it when you get stuck, or get caught in a precarious situation. The data is just filler.

I have a 2007 toyota sequoia with 237,000 miles on. I just checked into trading mine in only worth 5,000. I added another 5,000 down payment and the payment still came out to $1120 a month without insurance. That's as much as my house mortgage. Sorry toyota your nuts! I will keep driving the one I have thats paid for.

I learn so much about how to mitigate snowy conditions from watching your reviews. Even with over 15 years experience as a commercial driver some of your advice has saved me in a few situations. Thanks for the content.

🇺🇸 I appreciate you and the crew. Best off-road reviewer. I wish the Sequoia had 3 more ft of cargo.

At 7:30 ish Ryan talks about the third row. I completely agree. I have a 2014 Sequoia which is a tank, and the third row folds completely flat and is technically removable if I needed to for more cargo. This 3rd gen Sequoia has advanced in many ways, but in some crucial ways it has taken a step backwards. Third row is one and no second row heated/ventilated seats is another.

Beautiful scenery, beautiful mountain drive, beautiful rig. IMO not worth the money however. At 80 plus, realizing of course that includes discretionary options, there are A LOT, of extremely capable options at that price point. I like Toyota vehicles, but they tend to get overly aggressive with their pricing sometimes. Love your reviews and all the hard work you and Nick put in to your videos in all weather conditions. Thanks for the great work!

Love videos from this guy ❤blessings !!!

thank you for your videos Ryan!

Thanks for the review Ryan. Not being able to remove the 3rd row seat will be a dealbreaker for most customers. Most people need room for cargo. $80K is way overpriced, especially not being able to remove that 3rd row.

Love your reviews, I get to see what works and what doesn't in my home state.

I love those snow videos where you go alone! Nothing but a man and his truck !

Thanks for making me love offroading

Epic footage, reminds me of your 200 series video I watch every few months 👍🏼 the solar octane pops in the snow

Great video Ryan.

Great review and kudos to the cameraman for braving the cold and getting those great shots!

thank you again Ryan for a great review and real world test

You finaly got my subscribtion whit that hill. Merry Christmas. Great job thanks

Ryan, great honest review and finally someone calling it like it is with some of the issues with the 3rd gen Sequoia. Also, the Toyota engineer that told you that it was a power thing that led them to leave the Torsen centre diff out is full of poop. The 2nd gen Sequoia with the 5.7L V8 had a TRD supercharger available for dealer install up to the 2013 model year which produced 504hp and 550lb-ft of torque, all dealer installed and with the factory warranty. The only reason they discontinued it after 2013 was due to modifications to the 5.7L engine to make it E85 compatible. The LC500 has the torsen centre diff as well, and the new Land Cruiser 300 with the 3.3L turbo diesel has 520 lb-ft of torque, and has the same torsion centre diff setup as the 2nd Gen Sequoia. The real reason (same as for the solid rear axle vs independent rear of the 2nd Gen) was to minimize cost and maximize profit. They basically redesigned the Tundra and Sequoia and failed to even reach the standard of the current models of domestic trucks and large SUVs. Not easy for me to say this as I am a lifelong Toyota owner (2012 Sequoia since new, and now a 2022 Sequoia TRD Pro after this 3rd Gen buffoonery was released). Just had my 2022 Lunar Rock TRD Pro at the dealer for an oil change and had the opportunity to do a side-by-side comparison with a 2023 Sequoia Limited. Other than the cosmetic and generally useless techie stuff, the 3rd Gen doesn't hold a candle to the outgoing 2nd Gen. If Toyota had really wanted to knock it out of the park, they would've kept the 2nd Gen with a major facelift (exterior and interior), installed the dual mode injection system from the Lexus V8 and the 8-speed auto, and it would've been much better than this new crap. My predication is that this Sequoia doesn't make it past the midlife refresh in 3-4 years, and perhaps even less. If Toyota's new LC Prado / 4Runner / GX550 go the same route and rely on the Toyota USA inputs they may as well just quit now. Mike Spears (Toyota senior Tundra/Sequoia engineer) should be ashamed.

OH yeah, nice specs and you gotta love the twin screws! Another great video brother, keep up the great work!

Great review.

Thank you for this!

Thank you Ryan!

Completely cool! Less than 200 miles on the odometer means it is not the same press rig that TFL used. I like your review WAY better because you used it in conditions that well.. frankly WE live in day to day. Going to MOAB is fine, but not a daily occurrence for the majority of the population. lol. I like that you point out the tires being knock offs from what we would really get from a tire shop. I like that you mentioned the dash cam AND used footage from it. Frankly, I thought the footage from it was great! I just don't like what it is really meant for. Privacy is already compromised as it is, don't need a camera sending footage of our trips to sources we don't approve of. Outside of that, once again, I agree with your assessment of this vehicle. It is a shame it cannot be configured more towards purpose needs of the buyer. But then, that is why one buys a 4R. And when the 4R is updated to match the tech. of this rig, it will be really something extra special.

Nice review! I like this vehicle a lot, but it ain’t cheap for sure! One more thing to add, I feel like these is general misconception that with snow tires you want them to “clear the snow” off the tires, which is counterproductive. Snow sticks to snow, that’s why 3-peek rated tires have so much different sipes to help hold snow in, so it improves your grip by sticking to the ground. With mud is where you want that spinning and clearing the tires, as mud does not stick to mud, or anything else for that matter lol. Happy holidays and keep the awesome content!

Great video. The tow mirrors crack me up on this rig. I would certainly enjoy to see an offroad comparison between a z71 tahoe and the sequoia.

I’d love to see how much further a set of good chains would take you in some of these deep snow videos. A lot of us in Washington carry a set in the back through the winter for snow and ice. It would be a realistic use case, and might help with vehicles without 3PMSF/winter tires.

Sticking with my new trd pro 4 runner, it's got literally everything I could possibly need or want on the trails. Thank You for another great video once again man seriously I'm a huge fan and it's Thanks to your channel that I made my decision for my 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. I personally would rather have it and not need it than need it not have it when I'm in the mountains here in beautiful East Tennessee. Thank You for your channel and have a blessed day everyone

Great video! Would love to see you do the same trail in snow with Yukon AT4 or Tahoe Z71.

keep up the great content. Your channel is my favorite

Enjoyed the video. This is the type of video I like to see. I also agree it was a huge missed opportunity with the 3rd row. Maybe they will consider changing things up in the future.

i appreciate this because i stay in Wash State and looking for vehicles to purchase because I got stationed here. The snow and vehicles is a great idea

Not a fan of Toyota getting a lesser version of the AT3W tire, Especially since it lacks the 3PMSF rating which is often used by governments when deciding what tires are allowed on certain roadways in the winter. I can see some owners thinking they’re fine when in fact they may not be legal.

Nice review. Merry Xmas

Wasn't the problem that the Land Cruiser was too expensive? I'd rather have a LC over of a Sequoia. Great video as always! Does this mean that the GX did a better job? It made it up in the snow and on highway tires. 🤔

Production quality is amazing

I enjoy watching your videos, but one of my biggest issues is that most individuals aren't going to sit in the snow. The snow storm that hit Virginia in January this year put down over 20 inches of snow, and I had zero issues in my wife's honda passport on stock tires. Utilizing sand mode will deliver the most power without torque cut due to traction control.

I agree with you, the third row is really annoying, the small 22-gal fuel tank is disappointing too. I bought a 2023 4Runner AWD LTD with the 3rd row, just in case I need the extra seats, but the cargo space is much better.

Great video! I'm sure many people would love it if you can somehow get your hands on a Rivian for your off-road tests!!

This channel is the Smoking Tire of SUVs. Absolute god-tier. It's exactly the kind of review of the vehicle that people want, AND it's a lesson in offroading. People want to think they already know how to offroad but the reality is if you go out and buy a Tacoma or 4Runner and put big mud tires on it and never get it stuck, you don't really know how to offroad. You haven't learned how to estimate what you can and can't get through. You haven't learned how to get out of different kinds of situations. You haven't learned how to do recoveries. You haven't learned how to use your vehicle's assist systems that can get you through stuff you wouldn't be able to get through by yourself. Offroading is getting stuck and learning how to get out of it.

GREAT VIDEO!!! I'M probably going to aquire a new sequia in 2 years. Not sure which one though.

It looked like he could've made it up that mountain. But it was a great video regarless and the scenary AMAZING

Great video. I agree with you on package and price. 3rd row seat eats valuable space and lack of AWD is also a show stopper for me. I had a RWD Sequoia and the traction control was constantly cutting rear wheel power when I needed it the most. Also why does Toyota go cheap with tires on off road/4WD Vehicles as so many Toyota lovers live in the snow belt. I have had 4 Toyotas and changed the tires ASAP. Can’t car camp in it either, bummer as it look cool.

Realy cool sequoia😍😍😍

Damn love this thang I want one!!

Great video Ryan. Two questions: 1) Did you attempt to use crawl control at any point? Would have loved to see it in that final section. 2) Any chance you can do a similar review in the Ford Expedition Timberline? That and the AT4 seem like the most direct competitors (130 Defender now as well I guess)

Love it

This is a Christmas gift to us, Sequoia fans.

Great video

Well done. Do you think crawl control would have helped with the climb?

I am looking at this and the Ford Expedition Timberline. I love the looks of the Toyota but there are some things that Toyota did that scream cost cutting that does not make sense at 80k. You should get your hands on a Ford Timberline and compare how it does in similar conditions on the same route. Thanks a lot. Love your style of videos.

thanks man

The third row seat is one of the biggest reason I don't think I'm going to buy a Sequoia. I could careless about it being hybrid. This one of the best video's I've watched about the Sequoia. I wish there were more choices with colors, rim's, and interior.

As always, great review Ryan! I think the reason this will not sell well, is this Sequoia doesn’t really know what it is. If someone spends 80K+ on a vehicle, they are probably not too interested in mpg. Which, as you pointed out, is not that great. USB-A? Really? The hybrid causes too much compromise. Can’t take out rear seats. No options for different power trains. For off roading I prefer a narrow profile. Not huge mirrors. Lots of room in the back with good aggressive tires. Part time 4wd is ok. For towing, full time AWD, big mirrors, preferably lots of room in the back. Milder tires are fine. So what is this vehicle, really? Seems to me it is neither “fish nor fowl.”

This thing with a set of M/Ts would be amazing

Would have liked to see you use the crawl control on that hill, do you think you would’ve made it?

I have a '23 Tundra TRD Pro, there's a USB C in the center console if you lift the lid.

Merry Christmas! Great review. The price tag is hefty considering you don’t have options for different powertrains and the non-removable third role is a deal breaker. Toyota fans, especially off-readers or overlanders want options to create space in the vehicle for gear. 100% agree with you there. Will admit love the look of the Sequoia, but would have to go with the new GX or an older LC used.

интересное видео, спасибо!

This will be great for going to high school proms out in the mountains. It's an off-road version of a limousine with a price tag to match.

New TOYOTA SEQUOIA 👌🏻😍👍🏻

Love your vids! Glad to see Toyota finally caught up to the Subaru Ascent for twice the price! Seriously though, been eyeing this new gen of Toyotas for my possible next vehicle and almost everything about them this makes me think "Subaru did it better", plus you could get brand new Subies for your whole family for the price of one Sequoia. Still waiting on Subaru to take hybrids seriously though.... might wait so long I find myself in a Rav4 Prime in a couple years

That much weight… those tires… color me impressed, actually!

Beast!

A good winter tires are more important than all-wheel-drive system. I would argue as somebody who is coming from a family of mechanics. You just need to put good blizak tires on and as long as you have a good clearance, you will go through anything. I live in Alaska and I see big SUVs stuck in snow all the time, and I have a fairly small vehicle and I was never stuck in my life.

Great review. IMO you're the most trustworthy reviewer I've seen for your honest comments on cons as well as pros of a vehicle. At that price point I think Toyota could at least use the real Falken A/T 3W's and not the nerfed, inferior versions just to save cost.

Merry Christmas for everyone 🎅

Toyota the Best 🌹

I live in Seattle and i really need you to start listing the trails you use so i can go try them lol

Really looking forward to the 4Runner, had my hopes high with the American Muscle Dodge has to offer but the timing doesn’t work for me atm😪. Wondering if Toyota is going to do some performance variant like how they are with future Lexus SUVs

Thank you for the coordinates! 47°34'19.5"N 123°03'3.37"W Merry Christmas!

Ryan, It seems like a heck of a big effort just to pick up a free🎄In this case it surprises me that the tires are an issue as it looks like that paint color should melt its way through the snow.😉To be serious, I would be more than satisfied to save a few bucks with a TRD Off-Road in a calmer hue. In regard to the Hybrid battery, has anyone provided an explanation as to why the Tundra has its battery under the second row while the Sequoia's is under the third? As I understand it, neither second row slides. Merry Christmas!

The wildpeaks on my Tundra are absolutely horrible! I had 2 flats before I got 800 miles from 2 different drives down gravel roads. Falken refused to help me out. I figured they would use my tires to look at so they could improve upon them.

That Toyota can take you home at ease in a snowing day.

Great video, but i wonder why you didn’t use crawl control at the end when you got stuck going up.

15 MPG around town! I get that in my 2003 4Runner V8 4 x 4!

I thought this had crawl control? Was that not used in the steep part? Kind of the main party trick for the vehicle.

What current full size SUV do you think uses leaf springs in the rear?

I would like to see a video of you taking a Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe in the show like this.

Is crawl control gonna do any good ?

Yup on the Wild Peak tires, Toyota got their own version, aka I'm sure cheaper.. have a TRD Rav 4 and when I got a flat and had to replace one I found that info out from Discount Tire! The don't stop well in the snow but anything else was ok... The regular Wild Peak to the public are supposedly better with a better tire pattern...Discount tire did get me the Toyota version same price.

Hey Ryan, what competition vehicle is there leaf springs in?

Excellent video, and thanks for this ! Would a Tundra TRD PRO fare any better in this exact situation?

I agree with Ryan, third row was a big fail. Pretty much unanimous feedback on that. I really wonder why they couldn’t put the batteries under the second row or hey even the first row like on the sienna. Based on the fact that this is now an overly complex vehicle, I suspect they will not win any market share from Tahoe and similar vehicles. Was a fan of the previous generations of Toyotas… More simple in nature. Not so much anymore. hopefully time will prove me wrong. I know it was for emissions requirements, but one can still reminisce.

That is one big bright Subaru Outback.

I disagree with your comments from Toyota about the Torsen center differential. If that’s the case, then why does the 300 series LC AND Lexus have it equipped with this drivetrain?? Toyota was just being cautious to not rob themselves of clients willing to buy more expensive vehicles.

You have to get the Ford Expedition in for an episode. This show is great.

Great review, Ryan! I love how you push these cars to their limits off road. I kept thinking you were going to stop trying to go up that hill but nope 😂 a nice looking car but I would go with a Tahoe instead, and am usually a Toyota/Mazda guy

As someone who has never done this sort of off road - 2 questions How do you deal with an oncoming car ? How do you turn around when you call it the end ?

Agreed! The 3rd row being mandatory is a deal breaker. I DO NOT want a 3rd row. Disappointed about the lesser tires too, especially for that much money.

wow😍

Where did you get that awesome Toyota jacket?

Good luck finding any dealer to sell you a Sequioa for anything close to that price. I have seen them being sold for over 100k with this same config right now. It's just crazy trying to get one for a reasonable price.

You know brake based AWD is now on even base 1500 4x4 Ram trucks, was surprised to see it on tfl, So that would be actually very nice feature in combination with 4 Auto on higher trims, but those might not have AWD if there is LSD or lockers

I don’t really like pink cars but this vibrant pink like color looks like the BOMB!!! Does it look pink? The color reminds me of those Starburst smoothies flavors…..but whatever, it looks pretty cool to me and will definitely rock that color!!!

Hey Ryan. Have you thought to make a Dacia Duster video? I'll for sure love that to see

Would have been nice to see you give crawl control a try.

Merry Christmas, Ryan. Great looking Sequoia. Pricing? Not so much.. Then again, this thing is a behemoth!!

Why didn't you use crawl control ?

I get close about 22+ on highway between Tampa to Fort meyers on regular gas n cruising about 68mphr.

You have a good tools here dont be so scare lol!