2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Photos, engines & full specs

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.