Toyota's Refreshed Sequoia Now Watches the Road For You - And Finally Gets an Off-Road Trim of Its Own

Toyota's big three-row SUV was overdue for a proper update, and the 2027 Sequoia delivers on multiple fronts at once - styling, cabin tech, and off-road credibility all get meaningful upgrades. The most surprising addition isn't visual at all: a factory-installed dashcam that quietly signals where automakers are headed with in-car surveillance and safety tech.

"Start with the styling changes, since they're the easiest to spot. The front end has been reworked with a bolder, more horizontal design language that Toyota says gives the SUV a wider, more grounded stance. Certain trims pick up new chrome trim, a redesigned grille, squared-off fog lights, and a tidier lower bumper for a cleaner overall look.

Step inside and the real story unfolds. Every 2027 Sequoia, regardless of trim, now comes with a 14-inch touchscreen as standard equipment. The interface has been overhauled with customizable widgets, quicker response to the 'Hey Toyota' voice assistant, and 5G connectivity via AT&T. But the headline feature is that built-in dashcam, which uses the SUV's own exterior cameras to capture 20-second clips - either on demand or automatically when the system detects something noteworthy. It's a genuinely useful addition, though it also raises questions about who ultimately has access to that footage down the road, since automakers tend to hold onto vehicle data rather than hand it over freely.

Toyota is also expanding what your phone can do with the Sequoia. Digital key support now works through Apple, Google, and Samsung wallet apps, meaning owners can lock, unlock, and start the vehicle without launching a separate Toyota app. Sharing access with up to five other drivers is also built in, and Toyota Safety Sense 4.0 comes standard across the board - no more hunting for it on higher trims.

For anyone who uses their Sequoia for more than school runs, there's a 2.4-kW onboard power inverter available for running camping gear, tools, or a tailgate setup, plus brighter LED lighting integrated into the grille and optional RIGID-branded fog lights depending on trim. One thing Toyota didn't mention anywhere in its announcement: the powertrain. That silence points to the current i-Force MAX hybrid setup carrying over largely unchanged - a twin-turbo 3.4-liter V6 paired with an electric motor producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque - though nothing is official yet.

The bigger news for off-road fans is the arrival of Trailhunter as a Sequoia trim for the first time. Toyota already proved the formula works on the Tacoma and 4Runner, so seeing it reach the Sequoia wasn't exactly shocking. What is notable is that this version is built on the entry-level SR5 trim, potentially making it the most affordable way into the Trailhunter club yet.

Underpinning the package are Michelin LTX Trail tires in a 265/70R18 fitment, an upgraded Old Man Emu suspension, front recovery hooks, extra underbody skid protection, bronze wheels, and unique badging to set it apart. A locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select round out the traction hardware for when the pavement runs out.

"That said, Toyota left out some of the more serious expedition gear found on other Trailhunter models - no mention of ARB roof racks, onboard air compressors, or integrated camping equipment. That omission, paired with the SR5 foundation, suggests this Trailhunter Sequoia is tuned more for weekend trail runs than full expedition duty. Toyota says full pricing, specs, and availability details will follow later this fall.