PLANO, Texas (Nov. 2, 2022) – The all-new 2023 Toyota Sequoia Suv has been honored with the prestigious “Sport Utility Vehicle of Texas” award by the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) at their annual Texas Truck Rodeo. This recognition highlights the redesigned Toyota Sequoia SUV’s exceptional qualities in the competitive full-size SUV market. Assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio, the Toyota Sequoia SUV also secured top honors in three additional categories: Full-Size SUV, Off-Road SUV, and Best Exterior, solidifying its position as a leader in the segment.
The rigorous Texas Truck Rodeo event brought together a panel of experienced automotive journalists to evaluate the latest trucks and SUVs from various automakers. Held at Eagles Canyon Raceway in Decatur, Texas, the event provided a challenging off-road course to thoroughly test each vehicle. Evaluations were based on key criteria including interior design, exterior styling, overall value, vehicle performance, and personal appeal to consumers.
“We are incredibly proud that the all-new Toyota Sequoia SUV has been recognized by TAWA,” stated Mike Sweers, executive chief engineer for Toyota Tundra, Sequoia, Tacoma and 4Runner vehicle programs at Toyota Motor North America, Research and Development (TMNA R&D). “The Toyota Sequoia SUV is designed to offer customers the perfect combination of space, advanced technology, robust power, and impressive efficiency. This award affirms our commitment to delivering vehicles that meet and exceed the needs of today’s drivers. Following the success of the Tundra, which was named ‘Truck of Texas’ in 2021, we are thrilled to continue our truck-family legacy with the award-winning Sequoia SUV.”
Much like its namesake, the giant Sequoia redwood tree, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia SUV makes a powerful and lasting impression. This three-row SUV has been completely redesigned from the ground up, aiming to redefine the full-size SUV category with a blend of luxurious comfort, cutting-edge technology, and exhilarating performance, all while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency thanks to its new hybrid powertrain. The Toyota Sequoia SUV lives up to its powerful reputation with a standard i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, delivering an impressive 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque. This robust engine also enables a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,520 lbs, making it ideal for families with active lifestyles and significant towing needs.
The Toyota Sequoia SUV is built to accommodate families and their cargo, offering ample space for passengers and gear. It is available in a diverse range of five grades to cater to various preferences and needs, including SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and the new, top-of-the-line Capstone luxury grade. Each Toyota Sequoia SUV grade comes equipped with the new Toyota Audio Multimedia system, initially introduced in the Tundra. This system is anchored by a large 8-inch standard touchscreen or an optional expansive 14-inch touchscreen, providing intuitive control over the vehicle’s multimedia functions. Developed by Texas-based Toyota Connected North America, the Toyota Audio Multimedia system enhances user experience through improved sight, touch, and voice activation capabilities.
For enhanced towing confidence, the Tow Tech Package, standard on TRD Pro and Capstone grades and optional on other trims, offers a suite of advanced features. This package includes Trailer Backup Guide, which assists drivers in backing up with a trailer, and Straight Path Assist, which provides steering support to keep the trailer aligned on its intended path during reverse maneuvers. These technologies demonstrate Toyota’s commitment to making towing safer and more manageable for Toyota Sequoia SUV owners.
“Toyota has masterfully reimagined the Toyota Sequoia SUV, creating an exceptional vehicle from the ground up,” said Teia Collier, president of TAWA. “Our members were particularly impressed by the Sequoia’s overall capability, its powerful and efficient new engine, and its strong, attractive design. These attributes allowed the Toyota Sequoia SUV to stand out as the clear winner in a highly competitive class of noteworthy vehicles and earn the title of 2023 SUV of Texas.”
For further details and comprehensive information about the 2023 Toyota Sequoia SUV, please visit the Toyota Newsroom.
