2026 Toyota Sequoia TRD PRO Review

When I found out the Toyota Sequoia I would be reviewing would be wearing "Wave Maker" -  it couldn't get it here fast enough.  The bright blue turquoise hue is a new-for-2026 exclusive color for Toyota's off-roaders wearing the TRD Pro badge, and I am all about new, exclusive colors.

The third-generation Sequoia debuted in 2023,  so no big changes this year, or for 2027 for that matter.  I don't mind that so much, since the Sequoia is such a fantastic SUV, except I wish it had Toyota's latest driver assistance suite with ProActive Driving. 

On a side note, this review went a lot better than the last time I reviewed the Sequoia.  This time I managed not to hit anything, like say a mailbox, with the massive tow side mirrors. 

Exterior  

The Sequoia is one a handful of larger SUVs that wows me with its design and presence when I set eyes on it. The big story with the exterior for 2026 is of course the new Wave Maker hue, developed by Toyota’s CALTY Design team. It's a welcome departure from other recent hues which were warm naturals like Mudbath and Terra.  

The TRD Pro is distinguished by an exclusive black "TOYOTA" heritage grill with an integrated light bar and amber TRD Pro LED marker lights. The tail end features a TRD Pro tail light bar.

The TRD Pro's equipment leaves no question as to its capability. It means business with its matte-black 18-inch BBS forged aluminum wheels with Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tires, TRD Pro front aluminum skid plate, red TRD Pro painted coil springs, and TRD Pro dual-tip exhaust.

It's also equipped with static TRD Cast-Aluminum running boards, but they are on the narrow side. I want to say that the automatic running boards available on the Capstone are wider.

A large, commanding hood features the i-FORCE MAX badge. The aforementioned monstrous power-folding side tow mirrors features a power-close feature, very helpful when going through your driveway gate.

Performance   

The Sequoia TRD Pro is powerful. Its twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain delivers 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque. Specs that are needed for a 6,000+ pound SUV. The engine is mated to a 10-speed automatic and part-time 4WD is standard. 

Interior   

The Sequoia cabin is very roomy, well-designed and comfortable. 

TRD Pro badged SofTex-trimmed front seats with camo inserts are some of the larger seats you'll come across and are very comfortable. The driver's seat is 8-way power and both front seats are heated and ventilated.

You'll find TRD Pro elements on the front seats, steering wheel and leather-wrapped gear shift knob.  The "TOYOTA" heritage logo is spelled out across the passenger side of the dash.  1st and 2nd row assist grips are welcome help for ease of entry.

A wide center console with large cupholders for both the 1st and 2nd row is well-designed with nice stitching.  A large dial controls your drive modes, crawl and other off-road features.  It's also where you find a switch for the part time 4AWD

Multimedia technology - which includes a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a 14-speaker JBL sound system - is a bit simplified in terms of flash, graphics and system interaction for today's standards. (Toyota's new system is arriving on the 2026 RAV4. ) Traditional climate control buttons control the A/C in the center stack.

The roomy second-row features large, comfy reclining captain's chairs, though the arm rests are on the too-slim-for-me side. It's easy to access the third row through a middle section or via the tumble-forward second-row seats.

Back row passengers get their own digital A/C controls and USB ports, soft-touch seat backs and a 12 volt.  Both the 2nd and 3rd rows get manual sunshades which are a little flimsy.

In the third row, 60/40 split power reclining fold-down third-row SofTex seats feature adjustable headrests.  The space will fit three adults, as long as no one is too tall, as headroom is.a bit of an issue. 

Utility

Cargo area is spacious with the third row down. Features include a cargo net and an adjustable cargo shelf.  The flip up rear glass is a cool feature.  You get a 12V up front and a 400W/120V rear-seat and cargo area AC power outlet.

Safety     

The Sequoia still has Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 and I'd love to see and update to the enhanced TSS 3.0 because it adds ProActive Driving, a terrific semi-autonomous feature. TSS 2.5 includes Pre-Collision system with Pedestrian Detection. Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Road Sign Assist.

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Trailer Merge Warning and Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking are also standard across the lineup as is Toyota’s Rear Seat Reminder.

Ride And Drive 

The Sequoia is certainly king of the highway - which means visibility is great from all angles. As loaded with off-road equipment as it is, you can feel tell this truck-based vehicle has more than a highway commuter ride in mind.  Acceleration impresses especially given its weight and that's thanks to its i-FORCE MAX engine.

While I enjoyed its truck-like ride, I will say I missed the optional Adaptive Variable Suspension on the Capstone model I reviewed earlier this year. It made for a more refined ride on the highway.  The TRD is outfitted with TRD Sport Suspension with Fox Shocks so the ride is stiffer, and noisier, but that goes along with the territory.

Options What You'll Pay 

Options include power-extending tow mirrors ($290), Wave Maker paint ($695) ,  Power Panoramic sunroof ($500), Tow Tech PKG with a wireless trailer camera ($850), UV Sunshade for the windshield ($130), Ball Mount ($87), and Wheel Locks ($105). 

An optional TRD Performance Package ($2,299) adds Dual Air Intake boxes, TRD Cat-Back Exhaust,  TRD Performance Badge on the tail end, and a TRD Performance Premium fuel sticker.

As equipped this brings the total to roughly $81K.  So, no, not an inexpensive SUV  - but I will tell you the price tag is warranted.

Verdict  

The 2026 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is everything it promises to be and that's a very well-equipped off-roader geared for adventure. It's great-looking too and comfortable in all three rows.