It’s no secret Toyota beats many other manufacturers when it comes to reliability. Sure, there are more capable four-wheel-drive vehicles out there, such as the Jeep Wrangler, but that’s hard to compare to the hefty Sequoia. However, the Sequoia’s toughness and versatility make it worth considering for adventures far away from civilization. Toyota’s rich history of off-road performance is particularly evident in their TRD Pro lineup. I found more than just reliability in their 2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro hybrid. Whether you enjoy camping with the family or endless cargo space, the Sequoia allows YOU to decide how you want to configure it.
Under the hood, the TRD Pro houses a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine from Toyota’s i-Force Max lineup. Output is 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, figures that surpass those of many V8 competitors. The hybrid system provides the additional benefit of better fuel economy. Achieving a combined 20 mpg, the hybrid setup appeals to those who are mindful of both performance and fuel prices. I would’ve preferred Toyota going with a V8 hybrid engine, but that’s a topic for another day. The TRD Pro model’s towing capacity of up to 9,020 pounds makes it suitable for hauling trailers, boats, or recreational vehicles. The only available transmission is a 10-speed automatic.
The exterior design is so striking that it’s hard to believe the TRD Pro came straight from the factory. It usually costs thousands of dollars in aftermarket upgrades to achieve such an aggressive look. I’ve got to say Toyota’s color choices have been nicely curated in recent years; Terra is an earthy color that made me feel connected to the outdoors. Functional elements like corner vents and lower air curtains not only improve this brick’s aerodynamics, but also help the engine stay cool.
It seems to me that Toyota knows exactly what people want in terms of design. Something that really stood out to me was the gray digital camo finish on the fenders. The TRD-specific features, such as the BBS forged aluminum wheels and Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, aren’t just for show – they will help you get over challenging terrain. TRD skid plates and Fox rear remote-reservoir shocks further add to the TRD Pro’s abilities. I run Fox shocks on my Jeep Wrangler, but with its solid axles, it’s not nearly as smooth as the Sequoia with its independent front and multi-link rear suspension. I was seriously impressed.
Inside, the Sequoia TRD Pro’s soft-touch surfaces and contrast stitching have a premium feel. The seating arrangement, capable of accommodating up to seven people, includes front seats with TRD Pro embroidery and full electric adjustments. One might say it’s still simplistic like previous years, but I would argue that that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sitting in the third row, I had plenty of head and legroom. The seats are comfortable enough for long road trips or even rough washboard roads. The huge 14-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch gauge cluster fit this large vehicle well. Behind the foldable third row, there’s ample cargo space, making the Sequoia capable of handling everything from groceries to outdoor gear. No family? Great! Fold down those seats, throw an inflatable mattress back there, and enjoy a cozy night off the beaten path.
On the road, the TRD Pro offers a smooth and responsive ride with precise steering and a well-calibrated suspension. Wind noise isn’t too pronounced, and the creature comforts are easily accessible. The outward visibility exceeded my expectations. Even with the massive, bulging hood in front of my face, I had no issues parking, thanks to the 360-degree cameras. An additional camera underneath the vehicle showed me what I was driving over. With enough space to carpool with three of my co-workers and plenty of room for all our equipment, the Sequoia made commuting a comfortable experience.
Off-road, the Sequoia truly shines. The TRD-tuned suspension, skid plates, and advanced four-wheel drive system are built to tackle tough conditions. The various 4WD modes worked well, including the Auto setting, which adapted quickly to different conditions. Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control made it easy to navigate steep hills, allowing me to focus on the adventure instead of the mechanics of driving. Despite its size, the Sequoia was impressively agile and maneuverable, although making a U-turn on the trail was challenging. For such a heavy vehicle, the Sequoia was astonishingly grippy as I weaved through switchbacks. I was riding on a cloud, and I didn’t even air the tires down!
The 2024 Sequoia TRD Pro is the whole package: impressive looks, exceptional capability, and most importantly, a fun factor that many family SUVs lack. The $78,710 MSRP is high, but when you compare that with how much people spend on making their vehicles just as capable and comfortable, the price tag starts to make more sense. It’ll be exciting to see how the Sequoia compares with its rivals going forward. What I do know is that it was difficult to say goodbye to this one.
