The 2024 Toyota Sequoia 4WD Capstone Hybrid is the top-of-the-line model in their full-size three-row SUV offering. Already a very capable SUV, Toyota introduced Capstone last year to add a “luxury” trim level to the line.
Built in San Antonio Texas on the same structure as the Toyota Tundra truck, it shares a number of components and features – most prominently its exterior styling, sturdy platform and innovative hybrid powertrain.
As a result, it drives and rides more like a truck with SUV attributes than some other “luxury” SUVs. That may put some buyers off, but for others not at all.
We are in the latter category. We liked it.
AS TESTED
Our test 2024 Toyota Sequoia 4WD Capstone Hybrid came us in a deep Midnight Black with the Capstone exclusive Black/White Semi-Aniline Leather interior. Running on massive 22-inch Dark Chrome Alloy wheels, this baby was just big and bad from every angle.
The MSRP was $80,865. Adding their top-of-line “Capstone Package” w/Extendable Power Tow Mirrors, Adaptive Variable Suspension w/Load Leveling Rear Height Control Suspension plus some accessorial items and deliver, our Seqouia Capstone priced at $84,575.
POWERTRAIN / PERFORMANCE
Under the hood of the 2024 Sequoia 4WD Capstone Hybrid is the reimagined i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain that powers the 2024 Toyota Tundra truck. Replacing the previous V8, it features a motor generator in the bell housing between a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission.
More powerful, it produces 437 horsepower and 583 lb.-ft. of torque – compared to the previous 5.7L V8 that produced 381 horsepower with 401 lb.-ft. of torque.
The 10-speed Electronically Controlled Automatic Transmission is fitted with Sequential Shift Mode, Uphill/Downhill Shift Logic and TOW/HAUL Drive Mode.
For backroad or offroad venturing, our Sequoia Capstone included 4WDemand Part-Time 4WD (2WD/4WDHigh/4WD Low) w/Electronically Controlled Transfer Case and Automatic Limited Slip Differential.
Drive Mode Select
The Drive Mode Select offers an array of different driving modes depending upon driver preference. It includes ECO/NORMAL/SPORT standard settings. Our Seqouia Capstone – equipped with Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension – added settings COMFORT/SPORT S+ /CUSTOM.
Using the SPORT or SPORT S+ settings, the i-FORCE MAX powertrain highlights the electric motor’s instant response. At low speeds, the electric motor does the bulk of the work. Above 18 mph, the gasoline engine takes the load in the mid- and high-speed range. And, when in TOW/HAUL mode, the i-FORCE MAX system is constantly in tandem operation to provide impressive acceleration and torque for towing.
SPOILER ALERT: We preferred running in SPORT and/or SPORT S+. Not only do they deliver the acceleration ‘POP’ we prefer, but also a better ride plus a nice throaty exhaust rumble to boot.
Fuel Economy for our 2024 Sequoia Capstone 4×4 was 19/22/20 mpg City/Highway/Combined – a significant improvement over the 13/17/14 mpg delivered by the 5.7L V8 in the previous generation Sequoia.
Towing
Underneath, the 2024 Sequoia shares architecture with the Tundra featuring an independent front suspension, multi-link rear suspension and rack-mounted electronic power steering system.
Equipped with the Adaptable Variable Suspension and Load-Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension – our Sequoia Capstone was tow-rated for 8,980 pounds.
Fully set up for safe and easy towing, the optional Tow Trailer Package included a Digital Display Rear View Mirror w/Trailer Back-up Guide and Straight Path Assist system. Augmenting it was the Panoramic View Monitor “Hitch View” function that gives the driver visibility to position precisely for trailer hook-up.
With Extendable Power Towing Mirrors, Trailer Brake Controller and the Load Leveling Rear Height Control Air Suspension, our Seqouia Capstone was a serious hauler.
EXTERIOR
Featuring design and styling cues from the latest generation 2024 Tundra, our Midnight Black Sequoia – running on 22-inch Dark Chrome Wheels – was both large yet refined with full-size SUV Swagger.
From the front – its large shape more than got our attention with its Chrome Accented Mesh Grille w/Chrome Surround, Auto-Leveling LED Headlights w/LED Daytime Running Lights, LED Fog Lights, Sequential Turn Signals and Chrome Cap Heated Power Side Mirrors w/Folding and Extending capability.
Other features that got our attention as we moved around Sequoia Capstone were Black Chrome Plated Roof Rails, Gloss Black Painted Pillars, Bright Chromed Sequoia and Capstone Badging, Power Tilt/Slide Panoramic Roof w/Sunshade, Power Liftgate with Flip-Up Glass, Power Running Boards, LED Taillights and a bold Sequoia Badge across the back.
We really like the Power Liftgate with Flip-Up Glass. This is a very useful feature as often one needs to access the cargo area for just an item or two and/or hen the liftgate is not practical.
Also very practical was the ability to turn off the Power Running Boards from automatically deploying when the doors open. When in rough or rocky terrain, they could be damaged if deployed.
INTERIOR
Overall, the interior of the Sequoia Capstone is generously sized, comfortable and decently fitted out.
We found the exclusive Black/White Semi-Aniline Leather on the interior a bit ‘stark” for our tastes. But, a generous application of Dark American Walnut Wood-Grain and Matte Chrome trims and accents tones it down a bit while adding an aura of luxury throughout.
A bright 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster display, 10-inch Color Head-Up Display and 14-inch Color Multimedia Display and roomy console highlighted the front row of the cabin.
Seating up front is semi-aniline leather trimmed and 10-way power both driver and passenger.
In the second row, Sequoia Capstone features leather trimmed Captains’ Chairs that are reclining, fold-down/ fold-up, and tumble forward with one touch to allow access to the third row. Both front and rear seating are heated and ventilated.
Third row is a split bench with power recline, slide and fold-down functions for seating and cargo accommodation.
Other features of note are Three Zone Automatic Climate Control w/driver and passenger controls and second row vents, manual second and third row side shades, ambient lighting throughout, Qi Smart Phone Charging, 400W/120V rear seat/cargo area power outlet and multi-level adjustable storage shelving behind the third row.
NOTE: The cargo area behind the third row is very small. If one is planning any kind of travel where more space is needed, the third row would have to be lowered to accommodate – reducing seating to just four.
MULTIMEDIA / CONNECTED SERVICES
The 2024 Sequoia Capstone features a large 14-inch touchscreen equipped with the new-generation Toyota Audio Multimedia System. The system offers a quick and intuitive experience through multiple ways to interact with the system and manage Connected Services like Drive Connect, Safety Connect and Service Connect.
Intelligent Assistant available through Drive Connect, enables voice-activated commands to search for directions, find POIs, adjust audio controls, change the cabin temperatures and more. Drive Connect also enables Cloud-based Navigation with its real-time over-the-air updates, mapping, Points of Interest (POI) and more.
Audio in our Sequoia Capstone was through the Premium JBL 14-speaker System. Elements and features included SiriusXM, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth phone connectivity for two devices, Wi-Fi Connect for up to five devices, AT&T Hotspot and the ability to link Apple Music and Amazon Music to the vehicle with Integrated Streaming.
SAFETY / ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
All Sequoia grades come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 (TSS 2.5). It includes Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC), Pre-Collision w/Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert w/Steering Assist, Lane Tracing Assist, Automatic High Beams, Road Sign Assist, Rear Seat Reminder.
Other standard safety features include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Front and Rear Parking Assist w/Automatic Braking and Safety Connect as part of the Toyota Connected Services System.
WARRANTY
The 2024 Toyota Sequoia warranty coverage is as follows:
- Basic New Vehicle: 36-month / 36,000 miles
- Powertrain: 60-month / 60,000 miles
- Hybrid Components: 8-year / 100,000 miles
- Hybrid Battery: 10-years / 150,000 miles
Sequoia also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.
2024 SEQUOIA LINE-UP
Sequoia for 2024 comes in five trim levels beginning at MSRP $61,275. They are SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and the Capstone.
See them all here: https://www.toyota.com/sequoia/
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KEY DATA: 2024 Toyota Sequoia 4WD Capstone Hybrid
- Model: Sequoia
- Trim: Capstone
- Class: Full-Size SUV
- Seating: 7 in three-rows
- MSRP: $80,865
- As Tested: $84,575
- Powertrain: Parallel Hybrid System
- Engine: 3.5L V6 Twin Turbo Hybrid
- Electric Motor: 1.87 kWh Electric Motor Generator
- Horsepower: 437 hp Combined
- Torque: 583 lb.-ft. Combined
- Battery Pack: 288V Nickel Metal Hydride
- Transmission: 10-speed Electronic Controlled Automatic
- Drive System: Drive Mode Select Part-time 4WD
- Drive Modes: ECO/NORMAL/SPORT – COMFORT/SPORT+/CUSTOM
- Ground Clearance: 8.6-inches
- Towing 9,289 pounds w/Optional Hitch & Brake
- Suspension: Adaptive Variable w/Load Leveling Rear Double Wishbone (F)/Multilink (R)
- Steering: EPS Rack & Pinion
- Brakes: Vented Disc Dual Opposed piston 13.9-inch / 1 piston 13.6-inch (F/R)
- Wheels: 22-inch Alloy
- Tires: Bridgestone Dueler HT
- Tire Size: 265/50VR22
- Fuel Economy: 19/22/20 City/Highway/Combined
- Fuel Tank: 22.5 Gallons
- Range: 495 Miles Highway
Source: Media Test Drive and Press Release Materials
