Serious off-roaders need more than a run-of-the-mill SUV or tricked-out crossover. They demand the best combination of power, suspension, body design, and tech to get them across rough terrain. This is especially true of rock crawlers, dune bashers, and competitive off-roaders who constantly face the worst Mother Nature and course designers can offer. To this end, Toyota introduced the Sequoia TRD Pro in 2020. Aimed at the most passionate 4×4 enthusiasts, this trim brought serious off-roading performance to the Sequoia full-size SUV, which had first rolled out two decades before.
With the full-size Land Cruiser J200 getting pulled from the American market a year later to be replaced by the new midsize Land Cruiser J250, the Sequoia TRD Pro is now the premier SUV at your local Toyota dealer. How does it stack up, though? A lot of other off-road SUVs are out there, and I wanted to see if the Sequoia TRD Pro’s design is as excellent as its name and if off-road enthusiasts should be searching for a “Toyota dealer near me.” It’s time to get into the most important things off-roaders should know when considering whether to buy this super-sized machine.
TRD Pro: Racing Tech for Off-Road Enthusiasts
Before going in-depth on the Sequoia TRD Pro, I want to address an important question: what does the TRD Pro badge mean? TRD is short for Toyota Racing Development, an in-house performance branch of the manufacturer. Its roots date to Toyota Sports Corner (Tosco), which was created in 1957 to build an entry for the Round Australia Rally. After nearly two decades of success on the rally, Grand Prix, and touring car circuits, Tosco rebranded as TRD in 1976 to reflect its larger reach; Toyota then added TRD USA in 1979 for the North American market. Today, TRD is responsible for Toyota’s efforts in the NASCAR truck series and off-road racing.
Along the way, Toyota decided to bring TRD technology to some of its most popular street vehicles for a taste of high-performance life. It began with TRD superchargers, which were first offered in 1987 and were available until the 2022 Sequoia dropped the 5.7L V8. In the mid-2010s, Toyota decided to take off-roading to the next level with the TRD Pro trim on select models. This trim was introduced for the 2015 model year on the Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner, then expanded to the Sequoia in 2022. Other TRD variants are also available for a range of vehicles, including the Camry and Avalon.
How the Sequoia TRD Pro Transforms Off-Roading
Now that I’ve given the history lesson, it’s time to see what the TRD Pro trim adds to the Sequoia and how it elevates your off-roading exploits. A good suspension is necessary for navigating the wild, and the Sequoia TRD Pro significantly upgrades this SUV to handle any surface. The specially tuned off-road suspension includes 2.5-inch FOX internal bypass coilover shocks to improve damping for better control in most conditions. The remote reservoirs on the rear shocks add consistent control on long rides and help reduce overheating. The addition of a TRD Pro front stabilizer bar also helps reduce sway and lean when you’re turning.
Your grip is increased with an electronic locking rear differential to prevent one wheel from doing all the spinning. Speaking of wheels, you get an impressive set of matte black BBS 18-inch forged aluminum rims that wear 33-inch Falken all-terrain tires, a combination that improves acceleration, handling, and torque transfer. The suspension modifications and large tires mean the TRD Pro offers 9.1 inches of ground clearance—a half-inch more than standard Sequoias—and a much better approach angle for rocks and hill crests. A thick aluminum front skid plate protects the engine and drivetrain from impacts if you cut it too close.
Having the right gear at your disposal is a must, so the Sequoia TRD Pro comes with a two-speed transfer case that lets you switch modes with the push of a button. Lest I forget to mention, the Sequoia TRD Pro is only sold as a 4×4 SUV, so there’s no danger of accidentally getting a two-wheel drive ride—though you can go to two-wheel drive on demand once you return to the main roads. Furthermore, when the locking differential isn’t engaged, you still have the standard automatic limited-slip differential at your disposal for traction in everyday driving conditions.
Toyota boosts the tech on the Sequoia TRD Pro as well with Multi-Terrain Select, a system with five traction modes to tweak the engine and brakes for less wheelspin in your current conditions. It also includes Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control for traversing rocks at low speeds. A Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system with 360-degree camera views will make you aware of your surroundings so there are no surprises. The heritage-style black front grille has an integrated LED light bar that will improve visibility when things get dark or stormy.
Aesthetic improvements for the TRD Pro include a dual-tip stainless steel exhaust, a leather-trimmed interior, and exclusive TRD badging inside and out. The Sequoia TRD Pro is also available with a special “Mudbath” paint scheme. It won’t add anything performance-wise, but it’s a fitting look for an SUV designed to get down and dirty.
A Foundation for Off-Roading Excellence
All those extra features are nice—but they won’t matter much if they’re on a vehicle that can’t take the heat. Luckily for off-road enthusiasts, the Toyota Sequoia is designed to capitalize on the TRD Pro package. Like all Sequoia models, the Sequoia TRD Pro has a hybrid powertrain with a 3.4L twin-turbo V6, a single electric motor, and an intelligent 10-speed automatic transmission. This gives you 437 hp and 583 lb-ft of torque underneath your right foot—more than the Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Jeep Wagoneer, and other full-size rivals can offer.
Do you want to bring your camper or power sports equipment on an off-road adventure? You can do so with the Sequoia’s 9,000-pound-plus towing capacity and a Tow/Haul mode that includes trailer sway control, a Trailer Backup Guide system, and an integrated trailer brake controller. The steel ladder frame offers unbelievable strength, and the aluminum hood and doors reduce weight, so you’re not bogged down.
If you need some on-board entertainment to pass the time between obstacles, the Sequoia TRD Pro won’t take offense. This SUV has the best tech available, featuring a 14-inch touchscreen equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, a wireless charging pad, and a three-month free trial of SiriusXM. GPS navigation is included as well to help you find your way when you’re out of cell range. Finally, you will have the full Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 driver assistance suite and eight airbags in case disaster hits.
Made to Travel Beyond Borders
For my money, the Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro can go toe to toe with any full-size SUV on the road—or off the road—from any automaker. The Sequoia is a capable SUV even when getting the base SR5 or Limited trims. Going with the TRD Pro gives you oodles of power, an upgraded suspension, more tech, and exclusive style enhancements to place it at the top of the class.
This isn’t a poser SUV that’s only good for bringing kids to school. It’s a vehicle for leaving the roads behind—and with seven seats, plenty of friends can come along. Having the Sequoia TRD Pro eases the pain of losing the full-size Land Cruiser, knowing there is such a strong replacement. Once you hit dirt, gravel, or grass for the first time, you’ll understand why I think so highly of Toyota’s largest body-on-frame SUV still available to American off-roaders.
