Say Hello To The 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro

We knew that Toyota had a surprise in store for the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, as just yesterday the automaker announced it will debut a new mystery TRD Pro model alongside the new 2020 Tacoma. Toyota has already launched hardcore TRD Pro versions of the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Tundra. Now, the full-size Sequoia SUV is getting the TRD treatment. Unveiled at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, the 2020 Toyota Sequoia is now more off-road capable than ever before while still being a comfortable daily driver, thanks to the upgrades offered in the TRD Pro version.

Like other TRD Pro models, the new Sequoia TRD Pro is fitted with high-tech, aluminum-bodied internal bypass Fox shocks suspension. The front 2.5-inch Fox shocks on the Sequoia include seven compression zones and two rebound zones. Front spring rate on the Sequoia TRD Pro has been reduced to improve its off-road capability, and the front shocks also provide an increase in rebound travel of 0.7 inches.

For the rear suspension, the Sequoia TRD Pro uses two-inch-diameter Fox piggyback monotube shocks with bottom-out-control technology designed to increase damping force for "improved bottoming resistance in unforgiving terrain." Compared to the standard rear Sequoia shocks, the two-inch Fox units feature larger 1.8-inch pistons and beefier shock rods measuring 8.1 inches larger in diameter.

Aesthetically, the TRD Pro stands out thanks to its black-accented grille with "TOYOTA" lettering, which is flanked by LED headlights and fog lights, TRD badging, a TRD front skid plate to protect the front suspension and oil pan, cast aluminum running boards, a TRD roof rack, and 18-inch black forged aluminum wheels wrapped in P275/65 R18 tires.

Exterior color choices include Super White, Midnight Black Metallic, Magnetic Gray Metallic, and Army Green – the latter is exclusive to the TRD Pro model. A TRD cat-back exhaust is also available with a black chrome tip and TRD debossed logo, offering a bolder exhaust note and improved in-cabin sound quality.

Inside, the Sequoia TRD Pro's rugged exterior and mechanical upgrades are contrasted with a luxurious cabin fitted with black TRD Pro leather-trimmed seats with red contrast stitching and "TRD Pro" stitched into the front headrests. The TRD Pro version is also available exclusively as a seven-seat model featuring middle-row captain's chairs and a three-across third-row seat with 60/40 split backs that also recline.

Second-row legroom stretches 40.9 inches, while the third row offers adult-size 35.3 inches of legroom. With both third-row seatbacks folded, the Sequoia offers 66.6 cubic feet of carrying space to haul everything you need for an off-road adventure. This increases to 120.1 cubic feet with the second-row seats also folded.

Standard tech includes a Smart Key with Push Button Start, eight-way power driver's seat, power tilt/slide moonroof, and tri-zone automatic climate control with separate rear-seat controls. The standard Premium Audio system uses a high-resolution touchscreen display and includes Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa support, AM/FM/HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, USB media port, plus Bluetooth hands-free phone capability and music streaming.

Like the standard Sequoia, power is provided by a 5.7-liter V8 which produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque and is mated with a six-speed automatic transmission. 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. As standard, the TRD Pro version also comes with Multi-Mode 4WD, which is optional in other Sequoia grades.

All models in Toyota's TRD Pro family have also been updated for the 2020 model year with infotainment systems that include Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa compatibility. Toyota also tells us Android Auto will finally be available on all trims, and not just the TRD Pro models. 2020 Tundra, Tacoma and 4Runner TRD Pros models get an eight-inch touchscreen, while the Sequoia TRD Pro has to settle for a seven-inch display. The Tundra CrewMax TRD Pro, on the other hand, has been upgraded with JBL Premium Audio and Navigation.

For 2020, the Tundra TRD Pro will be offered in Double Cab and CrewMax configurations, while the Tacoma TRD Pro is getting unique sequential LED/DRL headlamps and LED foglamps, new 16-inch wheels, black-insert taillamps a new 10-way power seat, Smart key function added to the passenger door, and a Panoramic View Monitor + Multi-Terrain Monitor.

The 2020 4Runner TRD Pro is distinguished by a new grille design to accommodate the radar sensor for the Toyota Safety Sense package, which is now standard for all 4Runner trims. In addition, Toyota has added Smart Key with Push Button Start for 2020 Tundra and 4Runner TRD Pro models, and the 4Runner also gains two additional rear-seat USB ports. Expect to see the 2020 TRD Pro family arrive in dealerships summer fo 2019.