My oh my! Never has the Toyota Sequoia looked this good! Why this week's test drive - the 2026 Capstone Edition in Supersonic Red - had me at stop-in-my tracks Hello! This marks the third year since the outstanding redesign of Toyota's family-friendly three-row people hauler. The Capstone sits atop the Sequoia lineup - the priciest vehicle Toyota builds. It blends upscale style, comfort, and capability seamlessly. And for those who are tech-averse and prefer traditional controls over anything else, it fits the bill, too.
I don't think I've ever seen an SUV pull off red so well. Supersonic Red is a premium hue worth every penny. The Sequoia is just stunning in this hue - paired with the Capstone's 22-inch Dark Chrome machine-finished alloy wheels, the largest in the lineup. The front end looks polished and powerful with a chrome mesh grille and surround.
Other distinguishing Capstone features include a bright chrome “SEQUOIA” badge and chrome “CAPSTONE” door badge and garnish, chrome-plated outside mirror caps with satin chrome and dark black chrome plated roof rails.
The Capstone also benefits from premium auto-leveling LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED fog lights and taillights with sequential turn signals. It's also equipped with power running boards, a must-have item for me.
As refined as the Seqouia looks - it's adventuresome capabilities aren't forgotten with features like front and rear mudguards. (The TRD Pro grade is the most off-road geared variant.)
The Sequoia's powertrain gets it done and then some for this SUV that is on the very heavy side.
A standard twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE Max engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission delivers 437-horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Part-time 4WD is standard on the Capstone grade.
The top-of-the-line Capstone features an upscale yet rugged vibe. You get some great premium materials like leather-trimmed seats, nice carpeting, and dark American walnut wood-grain trim.
A backlit “CAPSTONE” on the passenger dashboard along with metal speaker grilles both look terrific. It all looks way more tailored than expected - right down to the door grab handles. At the same time, the SUV doesn't forget it's capability, and you don't either thanks to a beefier steering wheel and gear shifter with rugged styling elements. Both of course are leather-wrapped.
Leather-trimmed front seats with premium contrast stitching are 10-way power with power lumber and integrated massage functions. The large seats, with Capstone badging, are cushiony and comfortable, and both are heated and ventilated.
The Capstone features a 12.3-inch digital driver display. It's bright and colorful, but wow is it busy. There is a lot to take in there and I'd vote for more simplicity. It's also equipped with the available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen with a 14-speaker JBL Premium Audio. The Toyota Audio Multimedia system itself is very simple for today's standards which makes it easy to operate. You don't control vehicle functions through it like climate, etc. (Toyota will roll out a next-generation system soon.) The current multimedia system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The center stack is an array of traditional climate controls.
A well-done wide center console features wood trim and just the right amount of gloss black. Cupholders are hidden beneath a wood section which is very appealing in its tailored design, as is the stitching on the center console bin. The upper console is where you will also find traditional buttons for the rearview camera and other various controls, as well as a wireless charger.
Comfortable second-row reclining captains chairs are heated and ventilated in the Capstone grade. The armrests are a bit too slim in my opinion. The Captain's Chairs tumble forward allowing easy one-touch access to the third row. Second row passengers gaze upon soft-touch seat-backs, and get digital A/C controls and manual rear sunshades. Above, a power panoramic roof really makes the entire cabin feel even more spacious than it already is.
Power-folding and sliding third-row seats are another highlight- especially considering the well-appointed third-row can fit adults as long as they are not too tall, as headroom isn't the best. (Note, thank you Toyota for making power 3rd-row seats standard across the lineup.)
Utility
The hands-free power tailgate opens up to a cargo space that's doesn't look like much at first. However, with the second-row down you are golden.
Especially thanks to a multi-level adjustable cargo shelf system which I put to good use transporting flowers home. Another cool feature is of course the opening rear-door glass.
The Sequoia is a really enjoyable truck-based SUV to ride and drive. The optional adaptive air suspension is a highlight. So is the handling for an SUV of this size and 6,000+ pound weight. Acceleration impresses, visibility is great, and it's a quiet ride as well.
The only apprehension I had behind the wheel involved huge optional outside Tow Mirrors - you have to be really careful not to hit something with them, which is exactly what I did, side-swiping a mailbox on the passenger side. (In my defense, do have to say the mailbox was too close to the street.)
Safety
Sequoia features standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 - and I'd love to see that upgraded to the newest version which has Proactive Driving Assistant. I've been really impressed with the semi-autonomous feature in other Toyota models. TSS 2.5 includes includes pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, lane departure warning with steering assist, road sign assist, automatic high beam headlights, and lane tracing assist.
Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert with Trailer merge Warning are also standard across the lineup, as is Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking and Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder.
Capstone is also equipped with a 10-in. color Head-Up Display.
Options include the Capstone Package with Power Tow mirrors ($290), Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension with Adaptive Variable Suspension ($1045), the Premium paint ($475), Tow Tech Package (digital rearview mirror and a trailer back up guide with Straight Path Assist) with Wireless Trailer Camera System ($850) roof cross bars ($365), Ball mount ($75) and wheel locks ($105).
This brings the MSRP to nearly $90K as equipped - which yes, is a bit of a jaw dropper for a Toyota vehicle. Still, Toyota sold roughly 26,000 Sequoias in 2025.
Also, I had a chance to check out Toyota's factory-installed wireless trailer camera system included on the Tow Tech Package when it first came out - and you can check it out here.
The 2026 Toyota Sequoia Capstone is an impressive SUV with a polished presence, a fantastic ride and drive and an unexpectedly tailored interior. It makes a great daily driver - as long as you stay away from those large trailer mirrors!
Manufacturer's website: Toyota