Toyota Gives Its Sequoia SUV the TRD Treatment
One of the new vehicles Toyota is showing at the Chicago Auto Show is the 2018 Sequoia TRD Sport.
This full-size, body-on-frame SUV has been enhanced for the new model year, gaining updated styling and fresh suspension tuning. One of the first things you’ll probably notice about it is found front and center; there’s a new grille and reworked bumper.
A new trim level has also been revealed, the Sequoia TRD Sport, which rolls on 20-inch alloy wheels that have been painted black for an aggressive look; its mirror caps have received a similar treatment. Looking rearward, the taillamps have been smoked, but not like a piece of ham, rather they’ve been treated with a dark finish, again, for a jaunty look.
Motivating this large ‘n lovely family hauler is a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 that should deliver around 381 horses. A six-speed automatic transmission routes available torque to either the rear tires or all of them if you’ve decided to get four-wheel drive.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Chicago Auto Show Coverage
Underneath, the Sequoia TRD Sport uses TRD-tuned Bilstein shock absorbers and unique anti-roll bars. Enhancing safety while easing the driver’s burden, Toyota Safety Sense-P is standard. This suite of cutting-edge technology includes things like lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, automatic high beams and adaptive cruise control.
The 2018 Sequoia will be offered in eight different exterior colors, though the TRD Sport is only available in three.
Inside, passengers are treated to a cabin trimmed in black fabric, though similarly colored leather is also available. Beyond this, there are plenty of TRD-branded touch-points including the shift knob, floor mats and door-sill trim.
Keeping the driver informed is a new multi-information display in the instrument cluster. The center console has also been enhanced.
Beyond TRD Sport, the 2018 Sequoia will also be offered in SR5, Limited and Platinum grades. You can look for this updated SUV at Toyota showrooms in September.
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Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).
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I own an 08. Sadly the design is dated. 10 years. Time for a tip to tail redesign!!
I still like this design! You can get the Magnusson supercharger now. If they freshened up the interior, and mated the new 8 Spd, I could see this SUV hanging in there.