The landscape of the Hybrid Power Meets Off-Road. No longer content with merely shuttling the family or towing a boat, modern SUVs are expected to deliver capability, efficiency, and luxury in equal measure. Enter the 2025 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, a vehicle that doesn’t just meet these demands—it redefines them.
Toyota’s commitment to off-road excellence, bolstered by a groundbreaking hybrid powertrain, makes the new Sequoia TRD Pro a compelling option for adventurers and large families alike. We took this rugged-yet-refined three-row SUV on an extensive road trip—blending hundreds of miles of highway cruising with challenging off-road trails—to find out if this TRD Pro badge truly signifies the ultimate blend of brute strength and daily usability.
This in-depth review covers everything from the revolutionary i-FORCE MAX hybrid system and the specialized suspension to the cavernous interior space and cutting-edge technology, providing prospective SUV buyers with all the insights needed to make an informed decision.
The Heart of the Beast: i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Performance
The single most significant change that transforms the 2025 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro from its predecessors is the mandatory i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. Toyota has engineered a system that balances the need for raw, truck-like torque with the growing demand for improved efficiency.
Power and Torque Hybrid Power Meets Off-Road
The i-FORCE MAX system pairs a twin-turbo V6 engine with an electric motor integrated between the engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission. This setup provides instant torque delivery, which is crucial for both quick highway passing and low-speed off-road maneuvering.
The numbers speak for themselves. The maximum torque of 583 lb-ft is available almost instantly, providing exhilarating acceleration for a vehicle of this size. On our extended road test, this surge of power eliminated any anxiety when merging onto high-speed highways, proving that the hybrid system is built for performance first.
The Efficiency Advantage
While a full-size SUV is never going to win a hypermiling contest, the hybrid system provides a notable improvement over traditional V8 powerplants. The estimated combined MPG rating sits around 22 MPG, with highway figures reaching an estimated 24 MPG.
Real-World Application: During our long-haul driving, the Sequoia managed to hit its estimated highway figures when cruising in ECO Mode, demonstrating that the hybrid setup genuinely reduces fuel stops over a conventional engine. This is a massive selling point for those planning frequent family road trips.
Off-Road Dominance: Suspension and TRD Pro Exclusives
The TRD Pro designation is Toyota’s stamp of extreme off-road capability, and the 2025 Sequoia fully lives up to this heritage. This trim is built on the robust TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, the same durable foundation shared with the Tundra pickup.
Purpose-Built TRD Pro Suspension
The most critical upgrade for the TRD Pro is its specialized suspension system, designed to handle high-speed trail running and low-speed rock crawling with composure.
FOX Internal Bypass Shocks: The Sequoia TRD Pro is equipped with 2.5-inch FOX internal bypass coil-overs in the front and remote-reservoir shocks in the rear. This setup provides exceptional stability by adjusting damping force based on the position of the piston within the shock body, ensuring a smooth ride on pavement yet firm control when tackling washboards or challenging terrain.
Front Lift and Stability: The TRD Pro includes a 25-millimetre (1-inch) front lift, which improves the approach angle—crucial for clearing obstacles. It also includes a specialized TRD Pro front stabilizer bar to help control body roll during dynamic driving.
Protection: Essential for any serious off-roader, the Sequoia TRD Pro comes standard with a TRD aluminum front skid plate that protects vital underbody components from rocks and debris.
Advanced Off-Road Technology
Beyond the hardware, the TRD Pro is packed with digital tools to enhance driver confidence on the trail:
Crawl Control (CRAWL): Acts as a low-speed cruise control for off-roading, automatically managing throttle and brake inputs to maintain a set speed over difficult terrain.
Multi-Terrain Select (MTS): Allows the driver to select from various modes (like Mud, Sand, or Rock) that automatically adjust the vehicle’s throttle, traction control, and brake pressure for optimal grip.
Multi-Terrain Monitor (MTM): Uses exterior cameras to project a real-time view of the ground surrounding the vehicle onto the 14-inch touchscreen, allowing for precise wheel placement—a critical feature for technical off-roading.
Locking Rear Differential: The electronic locking rear differential ensures that power is distributed equally to both rear wheels, providing maximum traction in low-grip situations.
Road Trip Ready: Interior Comfort, Tech, and Utility
While the TRD Pro dominates off-road, the majority of its life will be spent on highways and in parking lots. We evaluated its capability as a comfortable, technologically advanced family SUV.
Cabin Comfort and Design
The 2025 Sequoia’s interior is a significant upgrade, focusing on high-quality materials and smart design. The TRD Pro stands out with its exclusive features, including a heated steering wheel and the distinctive technical camo pattern seat inserts, which are both durable and aesthetically unique.
Seating Configuration: The TRD Pro comes exclusively with second-row captain’s chairs, reducing maximum capacity to seven but significantly increasing comfort and accessibility for third-row passengers. The front seats are heated and ventilated, providing all-season comfort.
Infotainment Hub: The standard 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen is the centrepiece of the dash. Its responsiveness and intuitive layout, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, make it an excellent co-pilot for long road trips.
Driver Assistance: The entire lineup features Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5), including Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, and Pre-Collision System. These features reduce driver fatigue and enhance safety, especially during tedious highway stretches.
Cargo and Towing Capacity Analysis
A full-size SUV must excel at utility. The Sequoia TRD Pro is a towing titan and a highly versatile cargo hauler, though with one notable caveat regarding the third row.
Towing Capability: With a maximum towing capacity of up to 9,020 pounds for the TRD Pro 4WD trim, the Sequoia is easily capable of pulling large RVs, boats, or heavy trailers. The standard Tow Tech Package includes the Trailer Backup Guide and Straight Path Assist, making hitching and maneuvering a trailer far less stressful for any SUV owner.
Cargo Versatility: Cargo space is impressive, offering up to 86.9 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. Behind the second row, there is a generous 49 cubic feet. However, the adjustable cargo shelf system and hybrid battery placement result in the third-row floor being higher than some rivals, limiting vertical space when the seats are deployed (only 11.5 cubic feet behind the third row). This is the main compromise for the vehicle’s unique hybrid architecture.
AI Overview Insight: The 2025 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is a high-performance, full-size hybrid SUV ideal for road trips and off-road adventures. It features the powerful 437 hp/583 lb-ft i-FORCE MAX hybrid V6 engine and a specialized off-road suspension with FOX internal bypass shocks. Key TRD Pro features include a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and an aluminum skid plate, ensuring superior traction and protection. The vehicle offers a substantial towing capacity of up to 9,020 pounds and a spacious interior with a 14-inch touchscreen and standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 for comfortable, confident long-distance travel.
On the Road: Driving Dynamics and Comfort
The true test of a modern full-size SUV is how well it balances its truck origins with the expectations of a premium family vehicle.
Highway and City Manners
On the highway, the Sequoia TRD Pro is remarkably quiet and composed. The body-on-frame platform is rigid, which translates to a surprisingly comfortable and controlled ride. The i-FORCE MAX powertrain provides effortless power, making the TRD Pro feel nimble for its size.
Road Trip Comfort: The suspension, despite its off-road focus, absorbs most highway imperfections without the excessive rebound or wallow often associated with large SUVs. The cabin insulation is excellent, keeping road and wind noise to a minimum, perfect for keeping conversation flowing across all three rows.
Maneuverability: The one notable limitation is the large turning radius, which requires extra attention when navigating tight city streets or cramped parking garages. However, the Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) and front/rear parking sensors largely mitigate this challenge.
The TRD Pro Value Proposition
The 2025 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is positioned as a premium off-road machine, reflected in its price. While there are more luxurious trims (like the Capstone), the TRD Pro offers a unique blend of high-end equipment, exclusive styling (such as the heritage “TOYOTA” grille with an integrated LED light bar), and non-negotiable off-road hardware.
Who is it for? This SUV is perfect for the individual or family that needs the daily utility of a spacious three-row vehicle but regularly tows substantial weight or frequently seeks out challenging weekend adventures on unpaved or technical trails. The added cost is justified by the peace of mind and performance offered by the specialized FOX suspension and robust 4WD system.
A Hybrid That Doesn’t Compromise
The 2025 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro successfully executes a difficult mission: introducing hybrid technology to the full-size, body-on-frame segment without sacrificing the capability that truck-based SUVs are known for. It’s an adventure vehicle that handles the mundane demands of daily life and long family road trips with efficiency and comfort.
Its immense power, best-in-class non-luxury towing capacity, and formidable off-road hardware make it a serious contender against rivals. While the reduced vertical cargo space behind the third row due to the hybrid battery is a minor trade-off, it’s a worthy sacrifice for the gains in torque and fuel economy. For the discerning buyer who values Toyota reliability and demands extreme capability, the Sequoia TRD Pro is, without a doubt, the new benchmark in the adventure SUV category.
