Description
Toyota understood its clients’ desire for off-roading and introduced the TRD Pro version of the Sequoia at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show for the 2020 model year.
The second generation of the Sequoia appeared on the market in 2007, and by 2019, it was already an old model. Still, the full-size SUV enjoyed great success and helped the automaker survive during the world financial crisis of 2008-2010. After several other model year changes, in 2019 came the final update for the vehicle. Only this time, it wasn’t just about a new paint or a new set of light alloy wheels. Changes were mostly noticeable under the car’s skin and greatly improved the vehicle’s overall off-roading capabilities. After all, it shared its platform with the Tundra pickup, which was known for its sturdy chassis and great off-roading performance.
Toyota employed its TRD department to enhance the look of the Sequoia, and the result was a mean-looking off-road monster. At the front, the car sported a grille that was different from the rest of the range, with a black upper grille and the Toyota chromed lettering on it. It was flanked by new LED headlights and, on the bumper, the automaker added Rigid LED fog lamps. TRD also installed a metallic skid plate under the front of the car that protected the engine, the oil pan, and the gearbox.
From its profile, the Sequoia boasted its black TRD Pro badges mounted on the front doors. Customers could choose between four colors: Army Green (exclusive for the Sequoia TRD Pro), Super White, Midnight Black Metallic, and Magnetic Gray Metallic. To protect the vehicle’s sides, the automaker also offered a set of cast aluminum running boards and a roof rack. Another important upgrade, with benefits on the look and the functional factor, was the 18” BBS forged alloy wheels that equipped the vehicle as standard. Finally, at the back, the car featured a single exhaust with a black chromed tip adorned by the TRD logo.
Inside, the Sequoia offered a luxurious cabin with leather-wrapped seats. It offered room for seven, in a 2-2-3 configuration, with enough room for adult-sized passengers on the rearmost row. The second row featured captain seats, while the front ones sported the TRD Pro logos on the headrests. Toyota refreshed the infotainment system, adding Apple CarPlay to the infotainment unit that sat atop the center stack. The driver fronted a mixed instrument cluster fitted with binocular-style dials for the speedometer and tachometer that flanked other gauges and a small LCD.
But the most significant changes happened below the vehicle. While the engine remained the same 5.7-liter V8 gasoline powerplant, the suspension was greatly improved. For the transmission, Toyota used a six-speed automatic and a two-speed transfer case. The Torsen limited-slip differential sent the power to all corners all the time and could be locked at the touch of a button. The Sequoia TRD Pro featured Fox shocks in all corners with internal by-passes and bottom-out-control technology. The specific shock absorbers were thicker in diameter than those installed on the regular Sequoia.
Press Release
Outdoor adventure for seven is about to go farther off the beaten path than ever with the 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, unveiled at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show. With a chassis fortified by a TRD-tuned Fox shock absorber suspension, plus an array of proven off-road equipment specially designed or selected by Toyota Racing Development engineers, the full-size Sequoia TRD Pro offers room for the whole family and an affinity for thrills.
The 2020 Toyota Sequoia joins a roster of TRD Pro vehicles that includes the Tacoma mid-size and Tundra full-size pickups and 4Runner SUV. Introduced in 2014, the TRD Pro lineup emerged from Toyota's rich off-road racing heritage. The TRD Pro badge signifies a vehicle that's capable of going where ordinary pickups and SUVs fear to tread, while still retaining the comfort for daily driving.
With its robust body-on-frame construction, four-wheel independent suspension, generous ground clearance and powerful V8 engine, the Sequoia is already one of the most capable full-size SUVs on the market. The TRD Pro version comes standard with Multi-Mode 4WD, which is optional in other Sequoia grades.
Fox Shocks: Ready for the Rough Stuff
A preeminent maker of off-road suspension components, Fox has supplied off-road enthusiasts and racers with pavement-escaping options for decades. The aluminum-bodied internal bypass shocks employed on the 2020 Sequoia TRD Pro, and all TRD Pro models, are tuned by TRD engineers specifically for each truck or SUV's unique attributes.
Compared to external-bypass shocks used on off-road race vehicles, the Fox internal bypass shock compactly integrates bypass zones inside the shock body, which allows the shock's fluid to bypass the piston through regulated ports as it moves through its travel. Providing a cushioned ride during typical driving, the Fox shock damping gets progressively firmer through the shock piston's stroke to resist bottoming over rough trail surfaces.
The tuning on each TRD Pro's shocks is unique, and the front 2.5-inch Fox shocks on Sequoia include 7 compression zones and 2 rebound zones. TRD engineers reduced the front spring rate on Sequoia TRD Pro to improve its off-road compliance. The front shocks also provide an increase in rebound travel of 18mm.
For the rear suspension, Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro employs 2-inch-diameter Fox piggyback monotube shocks that feature bottom-out-control technology, which is designed to increase damping force for improved bottoming resistance in unforgiving terrain. Compared to the standard rear Sequoia shocks, the 2-inch Fox units feature larger 47mm pistons (15mm larger than original equipment) and beefier shock rods that are 3.2 mm larger in diameter.
The Fox shock bodies are constructed of fully anodized aluminum to help reduce weight while also efficiently dissipating heat to reduce shock fade during off-road driving. A combination of high-temperature damper fluid and pressurized nitrogen gas are employed inside each Fox shock to improve bump compliance and help maximize seal life.
Standing Out on Dirt and Pavement
One could never lose the 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro in the parking lot of an outdoor gear store. The TRD Pro "TOYOTA" grille leads the charge, flanked by LED headlights and, below, Rigid LED fog lights. The Sequoia TRD Pro rolls on TRD 18 x 8-in. black BBS forged aluminum wheels wearing P275/65 R18 tires.
In addition to TRD Pro-exclusive Army Green, other exterior color choices include Super White, Midnight Black Metallic and Magnetic Gray Metallic. Whichever color is chosen, black TRD Pro front door badges quickly identify this special model. A TRD front skid plate helps protect the front suspension and oil pan during trail driving, while cast aluminum running boards and a roof rack enhance function, convenience and the adventurous attitude.
Sequoia TRD Pro will also be available with a TRD cat-back exhaust. The single-outlet exhaust features a black chrome tip and TRD debossed logo, offering a bolder exhaust note that TRD engineers designed with a frequency-tuned sound cancellation device to improve in-cabin sound quality.
The TRD Pro cabin treatment mixes ready-to-get-dirty function with luxury, because there's nothing wrong with a little comfort out on the trail. Black TRD Pro leather-trimmed seats with red contrast stitching and "TRD Pro" stitched into the front headrests are comfortable and durable, while TRD Pro all-weather floor mats add bring-it-on cabin protection.
Sequoia TRD Pro's long roster of standard amenities include Smart Key with Push Button Start; 8-way power driver's seat; power tilt/slide moonroof, and tri-zone automatic climate control with separate rear-seat controls. There's no shortage of onboard music sources with the standard Premium Audio, which uses a high-resolution touchscreen display and includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa compatibility, AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM® Satellite Radio, USB media port, plus Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and music streaming.
Power to Spare
Like all Sequoia models, the TRD Pro offers just one powertrain -- emphasis on power. The DOHC 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8, which uses regular-grade gasoline, produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. It's teamed with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Notably, the big V8 produces 90 percent of its peak torque at a low 2,200 rpm, a boon to towing. Compliant with the SAE J2807 towing standard, the Sequoia TRD Pro can tow up to 7,100 lbs. and features an integrated tow hitch, Driver-selectable Tow/Haul transmission mode and Trailer Sway Control.
The standard Multi-Mode 4WD system uses a lockable TORSEN limited-slip center differential to apportion torque to the front and rear wheels, and a two-speed transfer case provides a low range ratio for tackling steep off-road trails. Low range is accessible on the fly via a rotary knob, while the center differential locks at the push of a button. Room for Adventure
The 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is available exclusively as a 7-seat model, featuring middle-row captain's chairs and a three-across third-row seat with 60/40 split backs that also recline. And there's plenty of room for all. Second-row legroom stretches 40.9 inches, while the third row offers adult-size 35.3 in. legroom.
Carry lots of gear? The Sequoia TRD Pro can handle it. With both third-row seat backs folded flat, there's 66.6 cu. ft. of carrying space, enough to haul camping gear for four. With the second-row seatbacks also folded, the space increases to a cavernous 120.1 cu. ft., enough for a really long camping trip. The Sequoia can even carry objects up to 11 feet long, provided the maximum weight is not exceeded. The liftgate has a versatile separate power window, with auto up/down and jam protection.
Toyota Safety Sense-P
Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P) is standard on every Sequoia grade. This advanced active safety suite bundles the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with full stop technology, plus Automatic High Beams. Sequoia gets even more safety with Standard Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
All Sequoia models are equipped with a dual-stage, advanced front air bag system, seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger, roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three seating rows, plus driver and front passenger knee airbags.
