Photography Courtesy Toyota; Lead by J.A. Ackley
The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia may garner attention as a plush way for moving your family around, but it’s also built to tow comfortably, even for those who aren’t professional over-the-road truckers.
A tow/haul mode comes standard on every new Sequoia. A Tow Tech package provides helpful assists. And depending on the trim, the Sequoia can tow up to 9520 pounds.
The i-Force Max engine–a 3.5-liter V6 gas/electric hybrid with twin-turbochargers–delivers 437 horsepower at 5200 rpm and 583 lb.-ft. at 2400 rpm.
Its towing capacity varies by the trim. The base 2WD SR5 actually offers the most at 9520 pounds. If you like dark walnut trim, it’ll come at a cost (besides money), as the 4WD Capstone’s capacity comes in at 8980 pounds. To put things in perspective, Toyota’s full-size pickup truck, the Tundra, can tow up to 12,000 pounds.
The Sequoia’s tow/haul mode holds lower gears longer when you accelerate or decelerate. It also improves engine response and provides engine braking while hauling a trailer.
During a towing demonstration, we took out an Airstream behind a Sequoia Limited. With tow/haul mode engaged, beyond the slight tug of the load, throttle and brake response seemed quite close to what we felt without the trailer.
The Tow Tech package–standard on select models, but available on all–includes a wealth of aids for hauling, especially for backing in a trailer. It includes a bevy of cameras, Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist (SPA). After the initial setup that asks several questions about the trailer, such as length and weight, the system can remember that information for not only that particular trailer, but others as well.
The 2023 Toyota Sequoia starts at $58,300 for the SR5 2WD and runs to $78,300 for the Capstone 4WD.
Is the third row seat foldable/removable to provide a flat floor in the rear for a big dog?
Karacticus said:Is the third row seat foldable/removable to provide a flat floor in the rear for a big dog?
Yes, they fold. Here's a photo that illustrates that:
In reply to J.A. Ackley :
That looks like a long way up for our elderly wolfhound!
If only there was such a thing as a minivan (for the low load floor) that could tow 7500# of horses and trailer.
If you have the ear of someone at Toyota, can you please tell them that people would love it if they made an XL version? I love my 2010, but its replacement needs to be bigger. The 2023 appears to have less cargo space, not more, than the second gen. Styling and power train are both attractive, but it's a no go for me based on how often we run out of space with our current Sequoia. Would love to stay in the Toyota family as I've had better luck with them than the two GM full size SUV's I've owned in the past.
PeterAK said:If you have the ear of someone at Toyota, can you please tell them that people would love it if they made an XL version? I love my 2010, but its replacement needs to be bigger. The 2023 appears to have less cargo space, not more, than the second gen. Styling and power train are both attractive, but it's a no go for me based on how often we run out of space with our current Sequoia. Would love to stay in the Toyota family as I've had better luck with them than the two GM full size SUV's I've owned in the past.
Most of the threads on our board complain that cars are too big so thanks for trying to balance that out.
PeterAK said:If you have the ear of someone at Toyota, can you please tell them that people would love it if they made an XL version? I love my 2010, but its replacement needs to be bigger. The 2023 appears to have less cargo space, not more, than the second gen. Styling and power train are both attractive, but it's a no go for me based on how often we run out of space with our current Sequoia. Would love to stay in the Toyota family as I've had better luck with them than the two GM full size SUV's I've owned in the past.
I've got a 2008 and I agree. The cargo area and seats not folding into the floor are a huge disappointment.
Pfft. I have a 7-year old Ford that can tow more, has a completely flat floor with the seats folded, and comes in a long-wheelbase version. 
Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) said:Pfft. I have a 7-year old Ford that can tow more, has a completely flat floor with the seats folded, and comes in a long-wheelbase version.
But it doesnt have that Toyota reliability or resale.
Karacticus said:In reply to J.A. Ackley :
That looks like a long way up for our elderly wolfhound!
If only there was such a thing as a minivan (for the low load floor) that could tow 7500# of horses and trailer.
Like a wagon one could drive to and from the station...
93gsxturbo said:Tom_Spangler (Forum Supporter) said:Pfft. I have a 7-year old Ford that can tow more, has a completely flat floor with the seats folded, and comes in a long-wheelbase version.
But it doesnt have that Toyota reliability or resale.
Or smugness of ownership.
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