The Toyota Sequoia has been overdue for a replacement for some time now, so in November last year, we were delighted to learn that a new one was on the way. We caught spy shots of it testing its towing ability and then heard nothing until a week ago when Toyota gave us a shadowy teaser of the new SUV. We got another teaser just a couple of days later, this time with a little more light thrown on the rear of the vehicle. But the time for shadow games and bashfulness has come to an end, and the automaker has now finally revealed the 2023 Toyota Sequoia.

We start with the powertrain of the completely redesigned SUV. All models of the new Sequoia will come with the twin-turbo V6 hybrid i-FORCE MAX setup already offered on the Tundra pickup. Here, it offers 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, the same figure you get in high-level Tundra trims. As you may already know, this powertrain features a motor generator within the bell housing between the engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission. As expected, rear-wheel drive is standard while a part-time 4WD system is offered for SR5, Limited, Platinum, and Capstone (seen here in red) trims, the latter of which is a new luxury range-topper. The TRD Pro trim is exclusively available with 4WD.

The 2023 Sequoia boasts a body-on-frame chassis with a fully boxed frame similar to those used for the Tundra and Land Cruiser, as well as the Lexus LX. A new laser welding technique has increased rigidity and improved ride comfort while also reducing weight where possible. Independent suspension is fitted in front with a new rack-mounted electronic power steering system promising improved steering feel. In the rear, a multi-link suspension has been fitted with enough space to add the optional Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension that have been developed to improve the towing experience and enhance capability.

Speaking of which, the Sequoia can tow up to 9,000 pounds, a 22% increase over the ability of the last generation. To further aid regular towers, the Tow Tech Package is offered on all trims (coming standard on TRD Pro and Capstone trims). This offers Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist.

Drive Mode Select is another new feature for the Sequoia and includes Eco, Normal, and Sport settings. If you add the aforementioned air suspension system with adaptive variable suspension, Comfort, Sport S+, and Custom drive modes are added. In Tow/Haul mode, the electric system is constantly working in tandem with the engine for enhanced acceleration and torque, and keeping an eye on your trailer should be easy thanks to the optional digital rearview mirror and the Panoramic View Monitor. You can also activate a split view to see what's on each side of your trailer, while a hitch view helps connect the trailer. Further improving your view is another first for the Sequoia, namely factory available power folding, extending, and retracting tow mirrors.

Inside, the second row is made up of either bench seating or captain's chairs depending on the trim. Both options can recline or fold down and tumble forward while the third row has a "spacious reclining back seat with available power folding."

That's cool, but the Sliding Third row with Adjustable Cargo Shelf System is even more interesting. The feature is a first in the segment and allows the third row to slide up to six inches. The third row can also fold down to accommodate the removable shelf that can be set in a variety of positions for "ultimate flexibility in rear cargo and storage needs."

In terms of multimedia technology, the Sequoia is offered with the same infotainment system as the Tundra. As standard, you get an eight-inch display, but an optional 14-inch touchscreen is what you really want. The system includes voice control, cloud-based navigation with over-the-air updates for mapping and points of interest, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Also supported is the ability to connect two Bluetooth devices, while WiFi offers 4G connectivity and the ability to link both Apple Music and Amazon Music subscriptions to the vehicle with integrated streaming. But what about safety? Well, Toyota has once again added its Safety Sense 2.5 package.

This suite of features is standard across the range and includes forward collision assist with pedestrian detection. The entire system has been overhauled for better low light pedestrian detection, as well daytime bicyclist detection. The system is also better at spotting an oncoming vehicle and a pedestrian at intersections when making a turn. Emergency steering assist, dynamic radar cruise control, lane keep assist, and lane trace assist are also offered alongside automatic high beams, traffic sign detection, rear seat reminder, blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert, and front and rear parking aids with automatic braking. Basically, you're covered in every way Toyota knows how.

Each trim has a number of identifying features, but not all models get access to the same paint colors. As standard, the Sequoia will launch with White, Celestial Silver, Lunar Rock, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Blueprint, Army Green, Midnight Black Metallic, and Smoke Mesquite. Premium paint colors on offer include Wind Chill Pearl and Supersonic Red, while Solar Octane is only available on the TRD Pro trim. Unique black 18-inch wheels further set this model apart, as does a dual exhaust tip from TRD Pro, while other trims get wheels measuring 18 or 20 inches in diameter. The luxury-focused Capstone trim gets 22-inch chrome wheels for ultimate bling, as well as acoustic front glass for enhanced comfort.

As usual, Toyota is providing buyers with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty along with a five-year/60,000-mile warranty for the powertrain and a five-year/unlimited mileage warranty for corrosion. Hybrid components get the typical eight-year/100,000-mile coverage offer, with the hybrid battery covered for 10 years/150,000 miles. Two years or 25,000 miles of maintenance and roadside assistance are offered too, but pricing for the various trims has not yet been revealed. What we do know is that the Sequoia will be built in San Antonio, Texas, so we shouldn't experience the same delays that the rest of the world has with the 300 Series Land Cruiser. The 2023 Toyota Sequoia will be available in the summer.