I had the opportunity to drive a 2019 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport over the weekend. We had planned a family trip to the Hill Country near San Antonio and needed a car large enough to carry all of us as well as our gear. I also wanted to be sure we had a car that could handle the terrain comfortably. The area is amazingly scenic and not much like the flat expanse of the Dallas area. Here are some of the highlights I enjoyed about the TRD.

Toyota Sequoia TRD

Sporty Look

The Sequoia TRD is sleek with a curvy exterior compared to similarly sized SUVs that are a bit boxier and truck-like. The front features a glossy black grille surrounded by chrome. The 20” alloy wheels are also accented in black. The interior is also curvy, luxurious, and comfortable with bucket seats, also referred to as captain’s chairs.

Adjustable Ride Height

Travelling with a full car of passengers and cargo it was a plus to have the rear pneumatic height controlled suspension feature. The Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) allows you to electronically adjust the ride height for 3 modes: Comfort, Normal, and Sport.

Spacious Interior

In the car we drove there were 2 rows of captain chairs and a third row of 3 seats. In total, the Sequoia TRD can hold 7 or 8 people, depending on the seat configurations. The third row folds down in two 60/40 sections to allow for additional cargo space. There are ample cup holders and smaller storage compartments as well.

Standard Safety

As with all the new Toyota‘s, safety is built-in. This is really important as a father with young kids. There is a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) that helps identify vehicles coming from behind. The lighting is all LED and includes fog lamps. A tire pressure monitor is standard and is helpful when traveling on different terrains and road surfaces. The Star Safety System is a suite of 6 features, some of which include Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, Anti-lock Brake System, and Smart Stop Technology. Of course, there are adequate seat belts and air bags throughout the cabin.

The Toyota Sequoia TRD did not disappoint on our trip through the Texas Hill Country. There was plenty of room and comfort, lots of power, all the technology we needed, and the car felt safe with lots of people and gear. The 2018 Sequoia line-up is available in eight exterior colors including Midnight Black Metallic, Shoreline Blue Pearl, and Toasted Walnut Pearl.