Seven People Can Go Off-Roading in 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro

Toyota unveiled a new off-road version of its Sequoia full-size SUV at the Chicago Auto Show.

Now there’s room for the whole family to trek off the beaten path in this rugged utility vehicle. The Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is only offered as a seven-seater.

Backing up this vehicle’s off-road credentials are standard Fox shock absorbers. Up front, these internal-bypass units measure 2.5 inches. At the rear, they’re a less impressive two inches. These aluminum-bodied, nitrogen-pressurized dampers provide the best of both worlds: They’re soft in normal driving but progressively get stiffer through the piston’s range of travel. These shocks feature seven compression and two rebound zones.

Standard equipment is a multi-mode four-wheel-drive system complete with a two-speed transfer case and a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential to shuffle torque around between the front and rear axles.

Protecting key mechanical components is a TRD front skid plate. Cast aluminum running boards and roof rack add functionality to this Sequoia.

SEE ALSO: Complete 2019 Chicago Auto Show Coverage

Giving this SUV the bark to match its bite is an available TRD cat-back exhaust. This system allows the smooth and sonorous 5.7-liter V8 to sing its lungs out. Seriously, this engine sounds amazing in stock form. Equipping it with a free-flowing exhaust system is only going to enhance the glorious music it produces.

As for horsepower and torque, the Sequoia is rated at 381 hp and 401 lb-ft, respectively. Making the most of each pony and pound-foot is a six-speed automatic transmission. Towing capacity is up to 7,100 pounds.

Like the updated 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro, this Sequoia is offered in four colors: white, black, gray and an exclusive hue called Army Green.

Other visual differences between TRD Pro and mainstream versions of the Sequoia include a grille that is emblazoned with “TOYOTA” in all caps as well as 18-inch-by-8-inch aluminum wheels. Headlights and fog lamps are of the LED variety for extra brightness with minimal current draw.

Inside, these special-edition Sequoias are fitted with upgraded black leather seats emblazoned with red stitching. TRD all-weather floormats help keep messes under control.

Keyless entry with push-button start is standard, as is an eight-way power driver’s seat, tri-zone climate control, and a premium audio system with a high-resolution touchscreen and support for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and even Amazon Alexa.

For added safety, Toyota Safety Sense P is standard on every version of the 2020 Sequoia. This means you get goodies like adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, rear cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and more.

Discuss this story on our Toyota Forum