Not only the Tacoma receives some updates for the TRD Pro version. Also the Sequoia enjoys some new TRD equipment. The 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro was unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show. With a chassis fortified by a TRD-tuned Fox shock absorber suspension, plus an array of proven off-road equipment specially designed or selected by Toyota Racing Development engineers, the full-size Sequoia TRD Pro offers room for the whole family.
Fox has supplied off-road enthusiasts and racers with pavement-escaping options for decades. The aluminum-bodied internal bypass shocks employed on the 2020 Sequoia TRD Pro, and all TRD Pro models, are tuned by TRD engineers specifically for each truck or SUV’s unique attributes.
Compared to external-bypass shocks used on off-road race vehicles, the Fox internal bypass shock compactly integrates bypass zones inside the shock body, which allows the shock’s fluid to bypass the piston through regulated ports as it moves through its travel. Providing a cushioned ride during typical driving, the Fox shock damping gets progressively firmer through the shock piston’s stroke to resist bottoming over rough trail surfaces.
The tuning on each TRD Pro’s shocks is unique, and the front 2.5-inch Fox shocks on Sequoia include 7 compression zones and 2 rebound zones. TRD engineers reduced the front spring rate on Sequoia TRD Pro to improve its off-road compliance. The front shocks also provide an increase in rebound travel of 18mm.
For the rear suspension, Sequoia TRD Pro employs 2-inch-diameter Fox piggyback monotube shocks that feature bottom-out-control technology, which is designed to increase damping force for improved bottoming resistance in unforgiving terrain. Compared to the standard rear Sequoia shocks, the 2-inch Fox units feature larger 47mm pistons (15mm larger than original equipment) and beefier shock rods that are 3.2 mm larger in diameter.
The TRD Pro “TOYOTA” grille leads the charge, flanked by LED headlights and, below, Rigid LED fog lights. The Sequoia TRD Pro rolls on TRD 18 x 8-in. black BBS forged aluminum wheels wearing P275/65 R18 tires.
In addition to TRD Pro-exclusive Army Green, other exterior color choices include Super White, Midnight Black Metallic and Magnetic Gray Metallic. Whichever color is chosen, black TRD Pro front door badges quickly identify this special model. A TRD front skid plate helps protect the front suspension and oil pan during trail driving.
The TRD Pro cabin treatment mixes ready-to-get-dirty function with luxury, because there’s nothing wrong with a little comfort out on the trail. Black TRD Pro leather-trimmed seats with red contrast stitching and “TRD Pro” stitched into the front headrests are comfortable and durable, while TRD Pro all-weather floor mats add bring-it-on cabin protection.
Sequoia TRD Pro’s standard amenities include Smart Key with Push Button Start; 8-way power driver’s seat; power tilt/slide moonroof, and tri-zone automatic climate control with separate rear-seat controls. There’s no shortage of onboard music sources with the standard Premium Audio, which uses a high-resolution touchscreen display and includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa compatibility, AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB media port, plus Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and music streaming.
Like all Sequoia models, the TRD Pro offers just one powertrain — emphasis on power. The DOHC 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8, which uses regular-grade gasoline, produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s teamed with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. Notably, the big V8 produces 90 percent of its peak torque at a low 2,200 rpm, a boon to towing. The Sequoia TRD Pro can tow up to 7,100 lbs. and features an integrated tow hitch, Driver-selectable Tow/Haul transmission mode and Trailer Sway Control.
The standard Multi-Mode 4WD system uses a lockable TORSEN limited-slip center differential to apportion torque to the front and rear wheels, and a two-speed transfer case provides a low range ratio for tackling steep off-road trails. Low range is accessible on the fly via a rotary knob, while the center differential locks at the push of a button. Room for Adventure
The 2020 Sequoia TRD Pro is available exclusively as a 7-seat model, featuring middle-row captain’s chairs and a three-across third-row seat with 60/40 split backs that also recline. And there’s plenty of room for all. Second-row legroom stretches 40.9 inches, while the third row offers adult-size 35.3 in. legroom.
