For 2025, Toyota has added a few improvements to its three-row Sequoia SUV. This hybrid-only, body-on-frame beast is the most powerful Sequoia yet. I’m getting behind the wheel of the Limited trim, equipped with the TRD Off-Road package, to see how this brawny Sequoia performs. Since the Sequoia shares its platform with the Toyota Tundra pickup and Lexus LX600 SUV, this third-generation model should be a formidable package – at least on paper. But let’s see how it handles the real world.

What’s New for 2025?

For 2025, the Sequoia has introduced the new 1794 trim level, which is known for its cowboy-inspired design and luxurious features. The Sequoia 1794 is positioned above the Platinum trim but below the Capstone trim, offering a distinctive brown leather interior with walnut woodgrain trim, Texas-sized badges, a panoramic sunroof, second-row captain’s chairs, and a towing package. Additionally, the 1794 model comes equipped with massaging front seats, a feature that is now standard on the Platinum and Capstone models. Unfortunately, for those interested in the Solar Octane exterior color, it is no longer available for the 1794 trim level in 2025.

Off-road kit

This one has the TRD Off-Road package which includes, Off-road-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, Skid plates to protect against damage, Electronically Locking rear differential, Multi-terrain select, Multi-terrain monitor, Downhill Assist Control, TRD OFF Road badges, TRD Engine start button, TRD Leather-wrapped shift knob and Aluminum Sport Pedals. Finally, since this is an Off-Road trim you get 20-inch wheels wearing all-terrain Falken Wildpeak tires.

Under the hood

The Sequoia is equipped with the iForce MAX hybrid powertrain, which is an optional feature in the Tundra pickup. This powertrain comprises a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V-6 engine and an electric motor, delivering a total output of 437 hp and 583 pound-feet of torque through a 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard rear-wheel drive is offered, while four-wheel drive is optional on most versions of the Sequoia. The four-wheel-drive Sequoia limited, with an off-road package, has a slightly slower 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds compared to the standard model. The fuel efficiency for the Sequoia is estimated at 22 mpg on the highway.

Driving

The new Sequoia is an accomplished performer on the road. The star of the show is the hybrid powertrain which has so much torque it could pull the earth off its axis and its 10-speed automatic transmission is seamless in its operation.

The Sequoia’s driving behavior is one of vastness it’s like piloting a shipping container. It’s wide but not unwieldy and despite this girth is fairly easy to place in its lane. The steering feels light but despite its somewhat cumbersome nature, the Sequoia boasts relatively high cornering grip and that engine has mountains of torque meaning high speeds are easily achieved. Thank goodness the brakes are up to the task of slowing it down in time for the next corner. Mash the go pedal at a light and you will surprise GTI owners to your left who think the Sequoia will be a slouch.

Off-road the Sequoia is very good except for that plastic from spoiler that continuously got caught up on rocks. That said it proved very capable in our 3 hill climbs that were progressively more difficult. If Toyota didn’t have that plastic front tray on it we would have needed a spotter. Needless to say, we returned the vehicle un-damaged.

Interior

The Sequoia’s front seats are so comfy, they might as well be recliners flanking an extra-wide center console with loads of storage cubbies. Forget about small screens, the Sequoia boasts a whopping 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen as standard, except for the base SR5 trim that has to settle for an 8.0-inch display but fear not, it can still be upgraded to the big screen. The infotainment system in the vehicle utilizes Toyota’s most recent infotainment software. This software provides a wide range of smartphone mirroring and connectivity options. These options include a Wi-Fi hotspot and various music-streaming options.

The second and third-row seats are a different story though. The rearmost seat is like a cozy nook with limited headroom, and even the second row feels snug, especially if you’ve got the optional panoramic sunroof. It’s like the Sequoia is saying, ‘Mind your head!’  Let’s talk legroom the third row is so short on space, they likely designed it for elves. You can blame it on the solid rear axle because, unlike its competition, the Sequoia doesn’t have an independent rear suspension, which eats up precious room under the floor. So, unless you’re transporting a troop of little munchkins, it’s best to give the aft quarters a miss.

Cargo Space

The cargo space in the Sequoia may seem large, but when the third row is in use, it’s surprisingly limited at just 12 cubic feet. If you move the back row forward, you can increase the space to 22 cubes, but this comes at the cost of the third-row legroom. Unfortunately, the back row does not fold flat into the floor, so you can’t easily expand the space to 49 cubic feet. To create a flat cargo floor, you can add an accessory shelf but be prepared to deal with a chest-high liftover height that makes loading bulky items a bit of a challenge.

Pricing

The base price for this 1794 model is $80,135, it has the TRD Off-road package for $2,135, a head-up display for $600, and a front skid plate for $385. The total price including destination is $85,700 which is quite expensive considering you can get a Z71 Tahoe for $67K.

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Verdict

In 2025, Toyota has made significant improvements to address the issues found in the first-year model Sequoia. However, the cargo area continues to suffer from limitations due to the shelf system. It’s a bit on the expensive side when compared to its competitors, but it compensates for this with the impressive I-Force Max powertrain. My personal favorite would be the version with the TRD-Off road kit, as it adds an extra touch of adventure to the vehicle.

2025 Toyota Sequoia TRD Off-Road Numbers

BASE PRICE:  $80,135
PRICE AS TESTED:  $85,700
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front engine, all-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door SUV
ENGINE: 3.4L Twin-turbo DOHC 24-valve V-6, plus front electric motor
POWER: 389 hp @ 5,200 rpm (gas), 48 hp (elec); 437 hp (comb)
TORQUE: 479 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (gas), 184 lb-ft (elec); 583 lb-ft (comb)
TRANSMISSION: 10-speed auto
0-60 MPH:  5.9 seconds
CURB WEIGHT:  6,100 lb
CARGO VOLUME: 22.3 ft³ behind 3rd row, 49.0 ft³ behind 2nd row, 86.9 ft³ all seats folded
FUEL ECONOMY Combined/city/highway: 20/19/22 mpg 
OUR OBSERVED: 14.5 mpg
PROS: Great looking, more modern interior, more efficient, surprisingly quick
CONS: Compromised cargo space, silly front spoiler on TRD Off-Road trim