The last time pushing a vehicle to 70 mph on Stephan Bridge Road, a sprawling dirt path stretching 10 miles through dense woods, involved youthful arrogance behind the wheel of a Ford Crown Victoria. Back then, it was about showing off for friends on the way to a favorite camping spot. This time, however, the unintentional speed was a pure reflection of the 2024 Toyota Sequoia Platinum’s remarkable stability and composure. Whether smoothly cruising down a rain-slicked highway or confidently navigating a bumpy backroad, it’s genuinely easy to overlook the sheer size and body-on-frame construction of this full-size SUV.
This wasn’t an isolated incident of the Sequoia exceeding expectations. During an extended test over nearly two weeks, this Lunar Rock gray Toyota became a familiar companion for daily commutes and weekend errands, clocking over 300 miles. Much of this mileage was accumulated using cruise control, diligently maintaining the speed limit. Throughout this period, two key impressions solidified: the 2024 Sequoia is surprisingly enjoyable to drive, and equipped with the TRD Off-Road package, it appears ready for almost any terrain – save for one notable limitation.
| Quick Specs | 2024 Toyota Sequoia Platinum |
|---|---|
| Engine | Twin-Turbocharged 3.4-Liter V-6 Hybrid |
| Output | 437 Horsepower / 583 Pound-Feet |
| Efficiency | 19 City / 22 Highway / 20 Combined |
| Base Price / As Tested | $63,125 / $82,082 |
| On Sale Date | Now |
Powertrain and Performance: Hybrid Powerhouse
The fun-to-drive aspect is largely attributable to the innovative hybrid powertrain. Every 2024 Sequoia model is powered by the i-Force Max V-6, a sophisticated system combining twin turbos with an electric motor to deliver a robust 437 horsepower. The power is palpable, particularly in the higher rev ranges where the turbos truly come alive. However, the Sequoia’s strength lies in its low-end torque. The impressive 583 pound-feet of torque allows for effortless acceleration and confident cruising, making it a breeze to navigate both city streets and open highways.
The integrated electric motor adds another layer of sophistication, enabling near-silent operation in low-speed environments like shopping mall parking lots. This stealth capability is a surprising feature for such a large SUV, allowing for discreet maneuvers without the typical roar of a V-8 engine.
TRD Off-Road Package: Ready for Adventure?
This particular Sequoia Platinum was enhanced with the TRD Off-Road package, a suite of upgrades designed to boost its capability beyond paved roads. Key additions include Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires for improved grip on varied surfaces, Bilstein shocks for enhanced off-road damping, protective skid plates to shield the undercarriage, a locking rear differential for improved traction in challenging conditions, distinctive TRD trim accents, and specialized off-road drive modes. While these features suggest a readiness for adventure, a significant drawback emerges in the form of a low-hanging front air dam, positioned a mere eight inches above the ground. This limited front clearance seems contradictory for a vehicle equipped with off-road features like Crawl Control. It raises questions about Toyota’s intended use case for the Sequoia TRD Off-Road – is it truly designed for venturing far off the beaten path, or is its off-road persona more for show than serious trail work?
Pros: Composed On Any Surface, Power At Will, Awesome Interior
This ground clearance limitation is perhaps why the Sequoia felt more at home at higher speeds on dirt roads than navigating more technical trails. Ultimately, the 2024 Sequoia’s core mission aligns more with family-oriented duties than extreme off-roading. It excels as a spacious three-row SUV designed to tackle everyday family needs, from school runs to weekend outings. The second-row in the Platinum trim offers a truly luxurious experience, featuring heated and cooled captain’s chairs that provide exceptional comfort. The ample space in the second row is also a practical benefit for families, minimizing potential squabbles between younger passengers.
Interior and Technology: A Blend of Comfort and Innovation
Moving to the front cabin, the Sequoia presents a user-friendly and well-appointed environment for adults. A neatly organized bank of physical switches provides quick access to frequently used functions, while a prominent 14.0-inch touchscreen display handles infotainment and vehicle settings. The interior design strikes a pleasant balance between aesthetic appeal and intuitive functionality. The voice control system is a standout feature, demonstrating surprisingly accurate and reliable performance. While the navigation system occasionally displayed quirks, such as misinterpreting voice commands or imposing overly cautious speed limits on secondary roads, these were minor shortcomings in an otherwise exceptional interface. The Sequoia’s technology integration represents a successful blend of traditional analog controls and modern digital technology, catering to a wide range of user preferences.
However, the third-row seating experience in the 2024 Sequoia is less impressive. While it includes power-folding and adjustable features, enhancing practicality when not in use, it does not fold completely flat. This results in a raised cargo floor, which can be inconvenient when loading bulkier or smaller items. With the third row in its upright and rearmost position, cargo space is limited to just 11.5 cubic feet. This is sufficient for a basic grocery run but significantly less than competitors like the Ford Expedition and GMC Yukon, which offer roughly double the cargo volume in this configuration. Even the Jeep Wagoneer surpasses the Sequoia with a generous 27.4 cubic feet of space.
Furthermore, the third row’s comfort level is compromised, particularly for taller adults. The positioning above the solid rear axle and hybrid battery pack results in reduced headroom (35.6 inches) and legroom (36.6 inches). While not drastically smaller than segment rivals, it is the most compact third row in its class. For comparison, the Wagoneer leads with 39 inches of headroom, and the Expedition boasts 40.9 inches of legroom. While not a deal-breaker, families who regularly utilize the third row for adult passengers or older teenagers might find the Sequoia’s rear seating somewhat restrictive compared to competitors.
Cons: Tight Third Row, Tighter Cargo Space, Air Dam Kills Off-Road Adventures
Fuel Economy and Value: Hybrid Efficiency Comes at a Price
Despite these drawbacks, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia distinguishes itself with its standard hybrid powertrain, a feature unmatched by its primary competitors. Toyota’s hybrid technology is renowned for its efficiency, and the Sequoia lives up to this reputation. Official EPA fuel economy ratings are 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined. However, real-world testing revealed even more impressive figures. On 55-mph roads, fuel economy consistently ranged between 25 and 30 mpg. Driving at lower speeds around town proved more efficient than highway cruising, and the vehicle frequently deactivated the gasoline engine during light throttle inputs, further enhancing fuel savings. Over a 300-mile test period, the Sequoia averaged an impressive 24.1 mpg.
This level of fuel efficiency is remarkable for a 6,000-pound SUV producing 437 horsepower. However, this advanced hybrid technology and the Platinum trim level come at a premium. The tested Sequoia Platinum, equipped with the TRD Off-Road package, heads-up display, and integrated dashcam, reached a total price of $82,082. While comparable to a well-equipped Chevrolet Tahoe, it is slightly less expensive than similarly configured GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition, and Jeep Wagoneer models.
For buyers seeking to maximize value, the base Sequoia SR5 trim offers the same hybrid powertrain and three-row seating, with the option to add the TRD Off-Road package, for approximately $15,000 less.
In conclusion, despite initial skepticism towards large SUVs, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia proved surprisingly enjoyable. It excels as a comfortable and capable family vehicle, effectively fulfilling its primary mission despite limitations in third-row space. In a crowded SUV market, the Sequoia’s bold styling and available TRD Off-Road package help it stand out.
However, the low-hanging front air dam hints at a slightly compromised off-road ambition. Yet, for everyday family duties and even light off-road adventures, the 2024 Toyota Sequoia presents a compelling package. Should a zombie apocalypse arise, there would be little need to envy a neighbor’s Suburban. Simply buckle up, activate the ventilated seats, and press the accelerator – the air dam might not survive, but the rest of the Sequoia likely would.
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2024 Toyota Sequoia Platinum
Engine Twin-Turbocharged 3.4-liter V-6 Hybrid
Motor Permanent Magnet Synchronous
Battery 1.87 Kilowatt-Hour Nickel-Metal Hydride
Output 437 Horsepower / 583 Pound-Feet
Transmission 10-Speed Automatic
Drive Type Four-Wheel Drive
Weight 6,150 Pounds
Efficiency 19 City / 22 Highway / 20 Combined
Seating Capacity 7
Towing 9,010 Pounds
Cargo Volume 11.5-22.3 / 86.9 Cubic Feet
Base Price $63,125
As-Tested Price $82,082
On Sale Now
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