The 2023 Toyota Sequoia Is A Sharp Looking SUV With A Tiny Third Row 

I don’t know what’s better his review here, or him doing a review for Redline. I laughed so hard at his bloopers! Keep up the good work Alex.

Just a comment about the "Is it worth it?" game. Because both the Toyota and its competitor was discussed in each segment, it became unclear whether Alex was saying the Toyota or the competitor was worth it. Maybe always link the name of the model referred to, as in "The Toyota is worth it". Excellent and thorough review as always. Glad to see Brian is still alive.

I think they really dropped the ball on the 3rd row. As a father of twin boys, I really don't care about the 3rd row for seating (not yet at least), I need to storage space to haul gear for the boys if I go anywhere. Trying to put a side by side stroller vertical in this thing and then pack it full of groceries seems unlikely because of the height restrictions.

I love this generation of Sequoia! It finally has a muscular truck look I like (box shape). I can't wait to test drive one. I also appreciate that the roof liner and the A-pillar (the rest of them too B-D) covers are dark as I have found that it helps them "disappear" in low light driving conditions. I work a late swing shift so night driving comfort is something I focus a lot on. Also the adjustable brightness of the instrument and info center(s) to help with the night driving is something I look at too. The third row looks great to me, growing up in a large family we had lots of cars with third rows and I can say from the looks of this it's still better then my Dads 1986 Crown Vic wagon's third row! I would agree with you on the air ride system. Toyota makes great trucks. This is the family truck I've been looking for! The real leather option is nice as my XLE Camry has it and with three kids- it's durable and still looks good with proper care (easy). The only wish I have is that TOYOTA would do a limited run of these with the TRD V8 and exhaust system! How cool would that be? As always, Great review Alex!

Finally a review that points out my biggest complaint on the new Sequoia which is the horrible 3rd row sitting and cargo load compromise. I was so excited for this update, loving the hybrid, loving the look, then let down with the 3rd row.

I thought it looked good but then the rest just went downhill from there. No go for me!! Another excellent review and I love the team work!!!

This was the best review I've seen so far for this car. I love how you included car seat information as well. Just every scenario was covered! Thanks for that!

Alex is defs part of the starting line up when it comes to all the car reviewers! 🏎

The packaging issues raised by the solid rear axle is kinda nuts. So many elements of the interior are compromised. And if you are someone that wants a full size SUV and only occasionally use the 3rd row, I think it's a no-go. Otherwise it looks great inside and out

I like the comparing segment at the end

Keep up the good work! Don’t be like the other channels that say all the new cars are wonderful to make money from the car companies….

I liked the rear window on the previous model. I have dogs so it enabled owners to lower the window. It was the only SUV on the market that allowed for that. I also pull a 2-horse trailer. Which this SUV is great for.

Awesome job with your work, Keep going!

Someone is finally doing ride impressions on the third row!

The last segment is a welcome addition.

Alex, We have all been waiting to learn how that solid rear axle 9:12 would compare to the IRS in the previous Sequoia and the full--size competitors. At a minimum, buyers should consider the smallest wheels possible to gain some SIDEWALL and smooth out the ride.

I own the Wagoneer Series III and it was about 84k out the door, so you can easily get a series I or II for less than the capstone trim. The biggest difference is the 3rd row. My two boys are 6 foot and have plenty of leg and head room back there when we are filled to the brim on road trips.

Love this new format with both of you on the same vehicle. You should do this more often! Too bad about the 3rd row. I guess we will go with the Telluride.

i think they really went backwards with the solid rear axle and part time 4wd

Toyota had the chance to make that a good 3rd row and missed by that much. I myself wouldn't be in the 3rd row, but it does take away a bit of utility. I also think that should have been an independent rear axle.

Great video Alex 🤙

I love that you mentioned the reliability, which is critical to me, thanks!

Just wanted to say I laughed my azz out with the review you do for Sofian and the jokes 🤣

Alex, with the Wastegate issue with some of the new engines.. would you wait momentarily from purchasing untill tOYota gets it fixed?

Tell me if I’m wrong but if I get a limited 4x4 with the trd off-road package, panoramic sunroof, tow technology package, and JBL premium audio… wouldn’t I be very close or over the price of a trd pro? The trd pro has all this standard with the exception of the panoramic. All this to get a 2nd row bench seat... Toyota I may just wait till you make a 2nd row bench in the PRO to buy.

Great video as always. I really appreciate how to breakdown the quality of the cabin. If the manufacturer cheaps out on the materials, it makes me think where else did they cut corners. Especially at this price point. I’ve noticed with Toyota over the years they are becoming more “American”. Putting cheaper plastics in their cabins.

They need to fire the person in charge of this platform design!. It's a big SUV and they saying they don't know where to stack the battery?

If you need a spacious third row for a 6'2+ person you really shouldn't be looking at any SUV. Get a minivan, except you're looking for a tall person car that can tow more than 5000 lbs, which almost nobody really needs.

Wondering if Toyota will come out with a "extended length" version of this...that'd solve the head rest issues in the third row seat and also be in a league with the Suburban, Escalade ESV and Yukon XL

The cargo situation in the rear is a little strange. I don't want customization of the load floor panel in a large expensive suv. I want a large flat space. Period.

Are there any differences between 2023 & 2024? Excellent review, by the way.

I just sat in one of these at an auto show and I couldn't believe how bad the third row was with the low flat seats and very limited space for feet below the 2nd seats.

Not really a Toyota fan, but that thing looks Baller!!

The rear storage is a bit of a mess Toyota. It may be livable if the 3rd seats were removeable for most everyday use. I'm still awaiting the final axle, towing and payload figures and for Alex to tow with it!

Was waiting the toyota to come up with this version hoping it will accommodate my 5 persons family 👪 .

I don't go off road but I want a safe SUV in the snow and the rain for my family. Do I need this 4wheel drive system on this 2023 Sequoia or TRD Sport 2wheel will be good enough? Would you please cover the drive modes for those who like the reliability and the look of the Sequoia but they don't go off road but want safe SUV for different conditions?

Good to see Brain😸🙀

This has been in the news and marketplace long enough for Toyota to publish fuel economy. Beginning to wonder if it's bad enough that they're afraid to release.

I waited patiently for a redesign of this Sequoia. I now find myself disappointed in the third row space, and the lack of 4auto.

I'm so disappointed in the lack of IRS and the huge compromises that came with the move back to a solid rear axle. I know that the Sequoia is doing double duty for Toyota now since the Land Cruiser isn't sold here but come on. The solid rear axle impacts the interior so much that even the second row sees packaging issues. I suppose most of these (and this is also true for the rest of the segment) will only occasionally have more than 2 people in them, so it might not be an issue for the typical buyer.

Alex, on a upcoming show will you talk about the danger of Laminated car side windows? A lot of us carry punch out tools to break the side windows in case of a crash in to a pond, lake etc but the punch out tool will not work on laminated side windows which most new cars now have.

Does Toyota have an explanation for the front airdam, and why it has those airflow cutouts in it? Lots of other airdams out there which are essentially solid, including the Tundra (thought that does have some notches). Maybe it’s for brake cooling or are there additional radiators low down in that region?

Can you please make a video about Chevy Tahoe with Duramax diesel engine? Want to know which has better mpg Tahoe diesel vs this sequoia?

They should scrap the third row seats and make the second rows more plush in my opinion 💪🏽

Alex, really like the fact you compare to other SUV option from the segment.

Appreciate the more comprehensive perspective of what it is like to be in the 3rd row of some of these vehicles.

What a great way to start the day! A video of a vehicle for whenever I make it. Keep up the amazing videos! Stay safe!

Bravo, Toyota… you built a 2009 mild hybrid Escalade. 🙄🙄🙄🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

What about Capstone vs Yukon Denali (6.2L)?

The sliding third row and the cargo shelf is pretty interesting, but it feels like they were included to make up for the core problems with packaging the mechanicals compromising the cabin space...

3rd row seats should be optional. I would definitely have bought one, but I need the cargo space for dogs and hunting stuff - not a 3rd row seat taking up all that room.

For us taller thicker gentlement, how's the width of the front seats and would you recommend a driver who's 6'5"?

Wow, this third row doesn't look much better than the Highlander, which is small for its class. For people with large families the space back there may be adequate for their smaller kids, but they'd have to trade it in when their kids hit their teens. That means it's only good for maybe five years, which for a Toyota is disappointing. People want to buy and keep them. If they only have two or three kids and can carry them in the second row this would be fine, with the third row reserved for infrequently carrying a couple of friends, and it mostly kept folded for cargo space. Would I buy it in that situation? Maybe, though a two-row crossover would only lose that part-time extra seat. Many of them have just as much cargo space. Then there is the Highlander, which would be just as capable for many - assuming they don't tow much. They still get an occasional third row that has less legroom, but is OK for short trips. And they save a lot of money. The hybrid sounds appealing, but only if the gas mileage is high. The TT-V6 may not be Toyota's most reliable engine, but it should be competitive enough. The Highlander's hybrid is more proven and likely much more efficient. Basically, the Sequoia's problem is that it doesn't offer that much more than the cheaper, very reliable Highlander hybrid. It's wider, so three kids across the second row is realistic, and it tows more. It seens awkwardly stuck between the Highlander and full-size SUVs that have much roomier third row seats. Then there are minivans, the even better solution for family hauling.

The capstone needs normal leather seat options. Remember folks with kids are buying this. I don’t think we want white in the interior.

Unless you have towing needs, save yourself tens of thousands and get a minivan. Swagger wagon y’all. 😉

Alex, what kind of suitcase is that?

No auto 4wd is a big problem for people that buy it for winter roads. Otherwise, a nice looking suv.

Can you review TRD Pro as well?

Alex - I have been mulling choosing between the new Sequoia vs. the Tahoe RST or Z71 with the 3.0L diesel or 6.2L gas engine respectively. Forgetting the mpg issue, what would be your choice in a similarly equipped Sequoia (say limited or Platinum) be vs. Tahoe in these trims and engine choices?

Currently own the 2012 qx56(Armada), was hoping the sequoia would have a bigger 3rd row/cargo area. I had an 08' Tahoe and I don't want to go back to Chevy.. My 10 year old Qx56 has aged very well.

Alex, how does this Toyotas interior volume compare to your Durango? Also how would you compare interior fit and finish from your Durango SRT to this? I have a 70k budget, my short list is Series 1 Wagoneer, Tahoe RST, Durango SRT and this Sequoia

Me have a question this does use a solid axle ... It has a rough ride ... Can anyone tell me what this does better compared to independent suspension? This can be more rugged -how about the wheel travel ? Iam confused ... Lastly engine don't send power to front wheels?

Better battery packaging is needed.

its came to my knowledge that Toyota killed ATRACK feature which was standard with all 4WD, mostly if you have SR5 with 4WD , ATRACK was enough to take you from many difficult situations and now they are offering MTS as add on , ATRACK used to be free standard add on .

Looks great on the outside, unfortunately Toyota’s interior packaging is atrocious, no thanks to that solid axle. Big families will be much happier in a Sienna.

Good lord thats a tiny trunk, not a fan of the divider thingy. Also way too much for not a lot of space on the inside. I could get a fully loaded QX60 for less. Could also get a lincoln aviator for less. This is too small on the inside to really compare to other full size SUV's.

wish it had more space in the trunk, the board in the back is thrifty and i like that. can't wait for fuel prices to drop again one day......

It's mind boggling to me how many reviews focus solely on the room of the 3rd row... I get that its not as roomy for 6'+ people... especially when compared to the older models. But unless you are regularly hauling around six or more adults that are ALL over 6 foot tall... this isn't even a thing that anyone would even worry about. First off... when you have adults and kids, Adults always go up front or in 2nd row... then if you have all adults and some of them are tall... those tall people go in the first or 2nd row and the short adults go to the rear... Even with my 2011 Sequoia that I have owned for 13.5 years... which has one of the most comfortable and roomiest 3rd rows ever made... this is still the case... Tall people rarely are the ones that go to the back seat.. And its NOT because of the leg room... or even the head room when sitting down... its how far they have to bend over to get back there as they walk / crawl back there... My extended family is made up of 6'+ people and 5'5 people... and this has been the case whenever anyone is getting in any car... short people go to the back... its just how things work... So making such a mountain out of a molehill is just tiresome... The more concerning issue that RARELY gets talked about is the huge loss in overall cargo capacity compared to the old Sequoia models... You drop from 120.1 to 86.9... yet its almost NEVER mentioned... and instead every reviewer harps on the fact the 3rd row that zero 6'+ tall people will ever sit in, is slightly not as comfortable as a horribly low quality manufacturer like GMC or Ford... that loss in cargo space is a HUGE hit to someone who enjoys the older sequoia for its ability to haul a LOT of things around with all the seats down... and is a MUCH greater concern than the 3rd row knee raise numbers...

Toyota should have put battery of atleast 4 Kwh instead of 1.8 Kwh to make more sense of hybrid driving.

God they could’ve just used the IRS. That’s really the main issue here when it comes to space. Even if the rear seats weren’t that huge, they could’ve at least created a flat load floor.

I’m waiting for the Toyota grand Highlander

I just really don't understand this thing and haven't since they unveiled this generation. Not only did they do the complete opposite of every competitor going from IRS to a solid rear axle, and it seems like they created the same uneven cargo floor and seats that people complained about for years in the Tahoe/Suburban before the IRS. I feel like in most daily usage for a family this is a huge downgrade from the old Sequoia.

Is it just me or does the front spoiler look very vulnerable to you?

7:30 Is the navigation going to be an additional option? If so that means not only do you have to pay for that feature, but also a subscription fee later on just to use maps. Considering Toyota's recent decisions to pay wall basic tech features like remote start, his is a bad look for the future

Why not compare it against the Grand Cherokee rather than the wagoneer? The Cherokee is about the same price range and to me is something thats much more likely to be cross shopped as they are both full sized SUVs that have some off road chops yet still try to have that more...luxurious interior. And personally with all the negatives of the Sequioa right now...id definitely go Grand Cherokee. That being said...ty Alex for actually pointing out the negatives that nobody else seems to be doing. Great job. Edit Notice how most reviews of the Sequioa that only show the positives have comments raving about how great it is. Now that Alex actually showed the downsides of the Sequioa all you see in the comments are disappointed people. Funny how when you actually speak truthfully to people how the sentiment changes. Hopefully when full reviews come out these so called reviewers will finally get off Toyotas junk and give an honest review.

What is the release date ?

the rear cargo configuration is a mess

Should I trade in my 22 4Runner for this?

Third row kills it for me 😥

I think I would look at the duramax diesel from GM over this. I can’t believe I am saying that.

Sad that they only offer the 22gal fuel tank for it. They could have squeezed the 32gal tank in. I guess they are forcing the small ranges like EVs on us.

why's everyone spamming my subs with the same truck, all at the same time?

As per everyone’s comment, I don’t really see the 3rd as that much of a big deal, it’s the cargo area I’m really not a fan of, it’s a touch too small, but where the sequoia shines is in value, for the amount of power you get and towing capabilities, it’s a very good value compared to the rest Tahoe/ Yukon and Expedition: Best engine: Costs $58k in the Sequoia. $66k in the Tahoe. $70k+ in the Expedition Fuel Economy: 20-21 MPG in Sequoia. 16 in Tahoe/ Yukon. 18-19 in Expedition. Towing: 9500 lbs in Sequoia. 8300 in Tahoe/Yukon. 9300 in Expedition (copy and pasted that info from another comment)

Really puzzled why this doesn’t have independent rear suspension

I have a feeling a lot of owners are going to find a way to permanently remove that 3rd row seat to gain cargo space.

Beautiful car with so many great features - completely ruined by the trunk. Do they think everyone has five kids? Why not actually clear all that out and offer a strong low access load space like the old LC. we’ve lost the Land Cruiser and the other alternative is gone now too.

If the Highlander maintained a consistent gym routine for a few months.

Wait a minute Alex who wants to do all of that configuring when you have groceries in your hand and you're trying to get to your vehicle and you need to access the third row and now you have to move some piece of plastic shelf just you can pick groceries behind the third-row that really sucks and that's a shame for Toyota to me because I wouldn't buy that I mean I want space behind the third-row not some shelf that I can move back and forth I do think that the third-row moving backwards and forth it's a good idea I wish that was in some of its competitors but it's really lacking a lot when it comes to the space Department

Dang, price, the back storage, and second row head clearance is disappointing

The exterior design is one of if not one of the best designs I've seen from Toyota. The new Sequoia is just stunning. I truly hope the next generation Rav4 and Highlander follow a similar design language.

They have crew max with the 6 foot bed now, why not do an extended sequoia and fit the needs so people don’t have to settle with Chevy or ford. It’s lame those are the only options that have something accommodating enough for a big family. I hope they figure that in later, because this was almost perfect until you get to the third row and cargo area. I have a 16 tundra and wanted a new sequoia but the third row man.

Re closing comments: I’d love to be able to put my kids in the back and they have toys and books in the foot well back there. They don’t need the headroom.

Yota dropped the ball, big time.

Combined leg room is irrelevant. Just ask the person in one row if they feel they have better legroom because another row is more generous.

The biggest problem with the expedition is that it’s fugly

I wish back row was bigger and kept the window and was not stander hiybrid I wish came with two options so I think I’ll pass and cad price for platinum trim is around 100k cad

Interesting first effort at an update, but still not competitive, and the cargo arrangement is plain nuts. Subscription-only navigation is ridiculous.

انا الوحيد العربي هههههههه طلع احلي من الاندكروزر والكزس

Guzzle Tub in the era of $6 gas. Silly.

It’s a bit disappointing. I wish they could put all the tech in the old generation which had a ton more room.