The 2025 Toyota Sequoia marks the third generation of this flagship SUV, a vehicle that underwent a significant transformation starting with the 2023 model year. Proudly assembled at Toyota’s state-of-the-art plant in San Antonio, Texas, the Sequoia continues to impress with its robust build and advanced features. This week’s test drive of the 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 trim provided a thorough look at what this SUV offers to drivers and passengers alike.
Potent Powertrain: The i-Force Max Hybrid Engine
Under the hood, the 2025 Sequoia shares its robust chassis and powertrain with the Texas-built Toyota Tundra pickup. Notably, the Sequoia exclusively features the i-Force Max engine, a sophisticated hybrid system. This powertrain ingeniously integrates a 48-horsepower electric motor between a potent 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine and a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. Standard four-wheel drive ensures confident handling in various driving conditions.
This hybrid configuration delivers exceptional power and efficiency. The i-Force Max system produces an impressive 437 horsepower and a remarkable 583 pound-feet of torque. This translates to strong acceleration and ample power for towing and hauling, making the Sequoia a capable companion for both daily driving and demanding tasks.
Striking Exterior Design
The test vehicle was the 1794 trim, positioned just below the top-tier Capstone edition and TRD Pro, and above other trims. The 1794 designation pays homage to the rich Texas history where Toyota’s San Antonio plant is located. In 1794, Juan Ignacio de Casanova, a Spanish colonist, established a ranch on the land now occupied by the Toyota factory, a piece of history Toyota respectfully acknowledges.
The exterior of the 2025 Sequoia 1794 is undeniably attractive, particularly in the Wind Chill Pearl color. The SUV rides on striking 20-inch alloy wheels, although larger 22-inch wheels would further enhance its imposing stance. The sculpted V-shaped hood adds a muscular touch, complemented by tasteful aluminum trim accents and a rear spoiler. The inclusion of sequential front and rear turn signals provides a modern and premium lighting signature, rounding out a great-looking SUV.
Rear view of the 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition, highlighting the taillights, spoiler, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Luxurious and Tech-Forward Interior
Stepping inside the 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 reveals a cabin that exudes luxury and comfort. The rich brown all-leather interior, accented with darker brown elements reminiscent of Ford’s King Ranch trim, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. The seats are generously sized and exceptionally comfortable, featuring power adjustments on both sides with memory settings, heating, ventilation, and power lumbar support. The overall ambiance is comparable to that of a Lexus, further enhanced by genuine American walnut wood trim that adds a touch of elegance.
Luxurious brown leather interior of the 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition, featuring a 14-inch infotainment screen and walnut wood trim.
Upon starting the Sequoia, a 12-inch configurable digital gauge cluster illuminates, providing a wealth of information about the i-Force Max powertrain, including real-time fuel economy and range data. However, the centerpiece of the interior is the massive 14-inch infotainment touchscreen. This system controls a 14-speaker JBL premium audio system, navigation, Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is remarkably responsive and user-friendly, with intuitive menus and fast processing speeds. Pairing an iPhone is exceptionally quick and seamless.
Close-up of the 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the 2025 Toyota Sequoia, displaying navigation and media options.
Below the infotainment screen are conveniently placed physical controls for air conditioning and heated/cooled seats. Further down the center stack, another row of buttons includes controls for trailer towing mode and a class-leading 360-degree camera system. This camera provides an incredibly clear and comprehensive view around the vehicle, with an on-screen SUV rendering that dynamically adjusts to show the surroundings. This feature is particularly valuable for maneuvering in tight parking spaces and enhancing overall safety.
Center console of the 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition, showing gear shifter, drive mode selector, and 360-degree camera button.
The center console is cleanly designed, housing the gear shifter, drive mode selector (Eco, Normal, Sport, and Sport S), a button for engaging the 4-wheel drive system, and a wireless phone charging pad. A dedicated tow/haul mode button is also easily accessible.
The second row features comfortable captain’s chairs that mirror the front seats in comfort. These chairs offer recline functionality and are both heated and cooled. Rear passengers also benefit from their own climate controls, USB and USB-C ports, and a 120-volt power outlet.
Third-row seating in the 2025 Toyota Sequoia, demonstrating passenger space and power recline feature.
Second-row seats conveniently flip forward to provide access to the third row, which also features power recline. While the third row offers usable space for smaller adults, legroom and headroom are somewhat compromised due to the raised floor necessitated by the hybrid battery pack.
Utility and Cargo Considerations
The 2025 Sequoia offers practical utility features, including an adjustable cargo shelf that allows for a flat load floor when the third-row seats are folded down. The third-row seats can be quickly folded and raised using power buttons located in the cargo area.
Cargo area of the 2025 Toyota Sequoia with the adjustable shelf, showcasing storage capacity and power folding third-row seats.
However, one potential drawback of the Sequoia is the limited cargo space behind the third-row seats when in use. While folding the third row expands cargo capacity to 22 cubic inches (with seats slid forward), this space is significantly reduced when the third row is occupied. The adjustable shelf, while intended to enhance versatility, can be somewhat cumbersome to use. Cargo capacity with the third row up is an area where the Sequoia could improve compared to some competitors.
The Sequoia features a power, hands-free tailgate, and a particularly useful feature is the separately opening rear glass. This allows for easy loading of smaller items without opening the entire tailgate, a feature that is increasingly rare but highly practical.
Feature-Rich and Option Packages
The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 trim is generously equipped with standard features, including a panoramic moonroof, road sign assist, keyless entry, dual power seats, a trailer hitch, a rearview camera mirror, and a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel.
Panoramic sunroof in the 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition, providing a spacious and open feel to the interior.
Optional features on the test vehicle included a $600 10-inch color head-up display, a $1,045 rear height-control load-leveling air suspension, $475 premium paint, $1,005 deployable running boards, and the Tech Tow package with a wireless trailer camera system for $850.
Comprehensive Safety Suite
Safety is a priority in the 2025 Sequoia, which comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. This comprehensive suite includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and lane tracing assist. Blind-spot monitoring is also standard, further enhancing driver awareness and safety.
Driving Experience: Solid and Refined
The driving experience of the 2025 Toyota Sequoia is impressive. The truck-based frame provides a solid and substantial feel on the road. Acceleration is brisk, and the hybrid powertrain delivers a satisfying exhaust note reminiscent of a V8 engine. Visibility is good, and the cabin is well-insulated from outside noise, creating a quiet and comfortable ride. The Sequoia offers a refined and almost luxurious ride quality, with handling and steering that are commendable for a large SUV. Fuel economy is rated at 19 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 20 mpg combined, which is respectable for its size and capability. The Sequoia boasts a substantial towing capacity of 9,520 pounds.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The MSRP of the 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 trim as tested is $86,055. Considering its extensive features, luxurious appointments, and powerful hybrid powertrain, this price point is competitive, and even represents good value compared to many similarly equipped luxury SUVs.
Verdict: A Top-Tier SUV with Minor Trade-offs
The 2025 Toyota Sequoia 1794 Edition is a highly impressive SUV that excels in many areas. Its powerful and efficient hybrid powertrain, luxurious interior, striking exterior design, and comprehensive feature set make it a strong contender in the full-size SUV segment. While third-row legroom and cargo space behind the third row are slightly less generous than some competitors, the overall package is compelling. For buyers seeking a capable, comfortable, and technologically advanced SUV with a touch of luxury, the 2025 Toyota Sequoia is definitely worth considering.
