The Toyota TRD Pro lineup gains a new family member for 2020.
Ladies and gentlemen, meet the most significant change in the TRD Pro lineup for 2020. Your eyes aren’t deceiving you – that is indeed a 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro. Dubbed an “off-road” beast in a recent teaser, the Sequoia leads the charge in the 2020 TRD Pro lineup, alongside the refreshed Tacoma and the updated Tundra and 4Runner.
All about the Sequoia
While the other existing TRD Pro models also received some updates, the Sequoia is the first all-new model to join the range since it first debuted a few years ago. Like the others, Toyota also bestowed the Sequoia TRD Pro with some off-road kit. While Toyota refers to the model with phrases like “comprehensive TRD Pro design and equipment,” what makes this Sequoia different from the normal one?
If you just look skin-deep, you’ll see a new TRD Pro grille, in line with the other models. Instead of the corporate logo, you get “TOYOTA” emblazoned across the front, like the brand’s older SUVs and trucks. Like its Tundra cousin, the Sequoia also gets Rigid Industries fog lights, TRD Pro wheels and blacked out badging all around.
Under the skin
Here’s one area the 2020 Sequoia TRD Pro hasn’t changed: under the hood. You still get the same 5.7-liter i-Force V8 that you get across the rest of the range. Like the Tundra, that engine is good for 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque in this application. Also like the Tundra, the Sequoia still has a six-speed automatic transmission. That combination also means the 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro can tow up to 7,100 pounds when properly equipped.
Toyota bills the combination as powerful and reliable. They do have a reputation for dependability, so you’re in good stead there, even if you have to spend more at the pump. Like the 2019 model, don’t expect the 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro to get any better than 14 mpg combined. One change from the regular models is the addition of a TRD cat-back exhaust system.
Like the other TRD Pro models, Fox supplies the 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro with internal bypass shocks. In this application, they measure 2.5 inches in the front and 2 inches in the rear. Thanks to that suspension setup, the TRD Pro model does manage about 18mm better rebound travel than the stock Sequoia. Mind you, this model still has four-wheel independent suspension.
Unlike the Tacoma and 4Runner, you do not get a locking rear differential in the Sequoia. You do get a Multi-Mode four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case and a Torsen limited-slip center differential. Low range is accessible through a rotary knob, and can shift on the fly. The center diff lock is engaged by pushing a button.
Technology
Fortunately, Toyota has finally answered the prayers of those who were waiting for Android Auto support. In the 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro, as well as the rest of the lineup, you’ll get Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa support. The Sequoia TRD Pro uses a 7-inch touchscreen, while the others get 8.0-inch units.
Like it’s smaller 4Runner sibling, the Sequoia TRD Pro keeps its auto up/down power window on the liftgate. That means you can make good use of the available 120.1 cubic feet of cargo space — enormous among SUVs. There’s 66.6 cubic feet of space with just the third-row folded.
Toyota Safety Sense P comes standard on every 2020 Sequoia model. The suite includes features like a Pre-Collision System with pedestrian detection and automatic braking, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control and automatic high beams. You also get standard Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Other TRD Pro upgrades
Every TRD Pro model across the range, including the Tacoma, 4Runner and Tundra get push-button start for 2020. Each model also gets a revised grille design to accommodate cameras for the Panoramic View Monitor + Multi-Terrain Monitor, a 360-degree camera system. There’s also a new color for the range: Army Green. Super White, Midnight Black Metallic and Magnetic Gray Metallic are also still available.
The Tundra TRD Pro hasn’t changed much other than that, save the inclusion of a JBL premium audio system with navigation. That system is also available on the Sequoia (although the Tundra gets an 8.0-inch screen).
The 4Runner TRD Pro gets two extra rear-seat USB ports and that 8-inch touchscreen. Other than push button start and the 360-degree camera, the 2020 model soldiers on unchanged.
Finally, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro gets a few unique changes. It also sees a new grille, as well as new headlights. There are also new LED fog lamps, as well as unique 16-inch wheels and darkened taillight housings. The biggest comfort feature comes in the 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat — a first for the model. As before, it still has a Desert Air Intake.
Check out more on the refreshed 2020 Toyota Tacoma at TFLtruck.com! Stay tuned for more updates from the 2019 Chicago Auto Show on TFLtruck.com and TFLcar.com.
