Fresh Tracks -------------------------------------------4 2023 Toyota Sequoia

Story and photos by Benjamin Yong

Entering its third-generation, Toyota’s flagship 2023 Toyota Sequoia brings more of everything: size, performance and surprising efficiency, too, thanks to a new standard hybrid engine.

Like the massive coniferous tree providing inspiration, make no mistake, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia is large. In fact, the full-size utility vehicle is over 3,000 millimetres longer than the outgoing version and features the brand’s current design language shared by siblings like the Tundra upon which the model is based.

“Our primary design goal for Sequoia was to create a sophisticated, yet tough and active lifestyle SUV that looks capable of handling a diversity of big adventure needs,” says Kevin Hunter, president of the Toyota North American Calty design studio where the truck was reimagined, in a media release. “That holds true whether it’s a night out on the town with friends, towing a boat to the lake with family, or taking a more extreme off-road adventure.”

The blocky honeycomb grille dominates most of the front fascia giving the truck a powerful presence. There’s lots of angles and bulky body panels reinforcing this assessment — and the TRD Pro trim toughens the exterior further, bundling extras like a skid plate, roof rack and light bar — though our top-of-the-line Capstone press loaner lends some balance in the form of luxury.

Check out the upgraded LED head and tail lamps, sequential turn signals, power running boards, and polished accents and huge chrome 22-inch wheels. Inside, occupants enjoy semi-aniline leather seats that are perforated and coloured in exclusive black-and-white. The use of real American Walnut open-pore wood around the cabin is fitting and the grain is beautiful, especially on

First launched in the Tundra, the huge 14-inch Toyota Multimedia system appears to be floating and the built-in voice assistant is

programmed to understand natural language voice commands. For example, users can say “Hey Toyota, take me home.”

Despite utilizing a rugged body-on-frame chassis, shared with the aforementioned Tundra as well as the Land Cruiser sold in other markets and the Lexus LX, driving the Sequoia is a comfortable, composed and quiet experience — even on a rough logging road I bombed down during testing. This is due in part to new laser welding techniques helping both reduce weight and add strength, Only one powertrain is offered: a partially-electrified 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 i-FORCE MAX, which utilizes a 36-kilowatt motor-generator installed between the ICE and ten-speed automatic transmission. The benefit of such a setup is that all of the 437-horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque can be put directly to the ground, allowing the 6,000-plus-pound Sequoia to tow up to 9,000 pounds. To really feel the performance, switching the Drive Mode Select to Sport+ makes full use of the partially-electrified mill directing its output mostly towards acceleration.

To make hauling easier, a variety of optional equipment is available. The Tow Tech Package includes a Trailer Backup Guide providing realtime assistance right on the infotainment screen, and Straight Path Assist allows the computer to take over some of the steering input to keep an attached reversing trailer on the correct line. Load-Levelling Rear Height Control Air Suspension ensures the truck and cargo stay level regardless of the type of terrain being travelled on.

The 2023 Toyota Sequoia is built at the company’s Toyota Motor Manufacturing facility in San Antonio, Texas and is in showrooms now.

Base price (MSRP): ...................................................$91,990 Type: .................................................................................... SUV Layout: .............................................front engine, 4-wheel drive Engine: ..................... 3.5L twin-turbo V6 + 36-kw electric motor Transmission: ................................................... 10-speed auto Power: ...............................................437 hp @ 5,200 rpm (net) Torque: ............................................583 lb-ft @ 2,400 rpm (net) Brakes: .................................................front/rear disc with ABS Fuel Consumption (L/100km, city/hwy): ..................12.6/10.5

Story and photos by Benjamin Yong

Electric adventure vehicle manufacturer Rivian has officially expanded into Canada, marking the milestone by holding a meet and greet event with buyers at East Van’s Rocky Mountaineer Station in late November. And though it’s the first time these zeroemissions vehicles are making their way here, the brand actually already has a presence in the city that also happens to provide the perfect environment to enjoy them.

“We’re stoked to be in Vancouver and Yaletown. Especially because we have an office here — this is actually one of our software hubs. So all told, we have over 150 people working in the area including service and customer support. We do mobile app development here, we do Alexa integration here, and a ton of the essential software functions of the vehicle,” says Peeble Squires, corporate communications manager, during a tour of the open house.

Over 10 examples of the R1T truck and R1S crossover, in several refreshing bright colours like Red Canyon and Compass Yellow, were parked in and outside the large indoor conference space for people to check out and poke around in while they await delivery of orders taking place through the end of the year and into 2023. Outside, representatives offered guests short ride-alongs around the neighbourhood to get a feel for the drive.

One feature of the R1T especially popular with the kids was its Gear Tunnel, a completely weatherproof lockable rubber-lined storage compartment behind the rear doors running right through the width of the pickup. Children (and adults) crawled in one end and out the other, though the real purpose is to store recreational equipment, strollers or other oddly-shaped accessories. Inside are two 110-volt outlets to juice up electronics or camping cookware.

Another was the latter’s optional Skyrise HD Medium Rooftop Tent co-designed by roof-rack specialist Yakima. Fitting neatly atop the crossbars, a ladder helps occupants reach the cozy three-person shelter that has two built-in skylights for stargazing and a comfy 2.5-inch thick wall-to-wall foam mattress.

Some quick facts: the all-wheel R1T starts at MSRP $90,000 CAD and utilizes one electric motor at each wheel. The four together generate a whopping 835 horsepower unlocking a 0-to-100 km/h time of approximately three seconds. The similarly-equipped but slightly pricier $94,400 R1S can be configured to seat five or up to seven passengers. Towing is rated at 11,000 pounds and 7,700 pounds, respectively. Estimated range is around 500 kilometres, depending on configuration, and will increase as larger battery options arrive later.

Both are identical from the B-pillar forward and built on the socalled skateboard platform, which packages the battery pack, drive units, suspension, braking and thermal system below the height of the wheels maximizing cabin and cargo space.

Originally founded in 2009, Rivian is starting in B.C. with future plans to push across the rest of the country. In addition to setting up offices in Vancouver, the fledgling automaker is building out a series of service centres around the province where consumers can take delivery of purchases as well as receive service. For more information and to place an order, visit rivian.com.

Bully Dog BDX Performance Programmer

Description: The BDX hand-held performance programmer gives drivers the power they need, whether tackling tough terrain, pulling a heavy payload, or maximizing fuel economy on the highway. Its sleek design, full-colour display, and customizable gauges help track and adjust powertrain performance to deliver more horsepower and torque when it’s needed most. Specifications: Features preloaded, street-tested, dyno-proven tunes to boost horsepower, torque, and throttle sensitivity. Store up to 10 custom tunes created by any custom tuning dealer. Applications: Available for a wide variety of late-model trucks and SUVs. Visit website for complete listings. Website: www.bullydog.com

Bully Dog GT Gas and Diesel

Description: The GT Gas and Diesel tuners unlock more horsepower and torque to meet the unique demands you put on your vehicle. With preloaded tuning, you can plug ‘n play. The built in “Driving Coach” feature helps improve driving habits for better fuel mileage. Customizable gauges track performance, and a wide variety of hauling and off-roading, all while giving you plenty of power to take on tough jobs, or improved fuel economy for long highway hauls. Specifications: Reads and clears DTC with ease. Tracks critical performance data in realtime on easy-to-navigate virtual gauges. Applications: Available for a wide variety of late-model trucks and SUVs. Website: www.bullydog.com

Bully Dog Thruster Throttle Booster

Description: When your vehicle’s throttle isn’t what you need, it’s time for a boost with the Bully Dog Thruster. This device is easy to install inline between your vehicle’s pedal position sensor and the vehicle harness. Adjust on the fly and really feel the change as you drive. It’s ideal for off-road vehicles with its waterproof design, but it will give your vehicle just the boost it needs. Specifications: The fully waterproof design comes with OEM quality connectors. Applications: Visit website for application listings. Website: www.bullydog.com

DiabloSport inTune i3

Description: DiabloSport’s new inTune i3 Performance Programmers provide your truck with an easy way to boost power and torque without ever even having to open the hood. In addition to power gains, the tuner will provide your vehicle with better throttle response and improved fuel economy. The inTune i3 comes loaded with dyno-tested performance programs, provides fast vehicle read/write times, and offers OBD-II data logging. Specifications: Programmer can also read and clear DTC codes. Applications: Now supporting the Jeep Wrangler JL 3.6L. Website: www.diablosport.com

Edge Pulsar LT + Insight CTS3 Kit for 201-2022 GM Pickups

Description: Edge’s Pulsar LT is a new in-line module for 2019-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and GMC Sierra 1500 that offers adjustability of many features, all from the steering wheel-mounted controls. Without modifying the truck’s ECM, Pulsar LT allows you to adjust throttle response, tire size, gear ratio, TPMS and top speed limiter. It can be used to also disable the auto start/stop technology. Specifications: The kit also includes the CTS3 monitor which allows users to monitor their vehicle’s performance with a multi-gauge, touch-screen display. Applications: Now available for the 2019-2022 GM Pickups with either V8 engine option. Website: www.edgeproducts.com

Hypertech Max Energy Spectrum Power Programmer Description: Hypertech’s Max Energy Spectrum™ Power Programmer gives you maximum power and performance for any kind of driving...plus increased fuel economy. The Spectrum offers 2019 Honda Ridgeline Black Edition the most powerful engine tuning available for towing. Application-specific performance features include automatic transmission, throttle response, and top-speed/rev limiter adjustment...plus others! And depending on the application, the Spectrum also has Quick Command features... including adjusting the TPMS threshold. Specifications: A large 4.3-inch colour screen with user-friendly navigation makes installation simple and easy. And the Spectrum Power Programmer does not void your factory warranty. Applications: Available for select 2020-04 Ford and 2018-06 GM vehicles. Website: www.hypertech-inc.com

Hypertech React Throttle Optimizer

Description: The Hypertech React™ Throttle Optimizer gives you complete throttle response control at your fingertips. Three versions of the React are available...Off-Road, Performance and Tow. The React gives you on-the-fly throttle response adjustments to best fit your driving style/needs. It also has multiple levels of safety protection, and custom tuning software that lets you create your own custom throttle response curves. Specifications: The React Throttle Optimizer installs easily and does not void your factory warranty. Applications: Available for select Chrysler/Dodge/Fiat/Ford/GM/Infiniti/Jeep/Lexus/Lincoln/Nissan/ Ram/Scion/Toyota...Plus others! Website: www.hypertech-inc.com

Hypertech Speedometer Calibrator

Description: Hypertech’s Speedometer Calibrator™ is the perfect solution for correcting the speedometer reading when you install non-stock tire sizes and/or non-stock rear gear ratios. And depending on the application, the Speedometer Calibrator also has Quick Command features...including adjusting the TPMS threshold. Specifications: A large 4.3-inch colour screen with user-friendly navigation makes installation simple and easy. And the Speedometer Calibrator does not void your factory warranty. Applications: Available for select 2021-04 Ford, 2018-06 GM & 2021-07 Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Ram. Website: www.hypertech-inc.com

SCT LIVEWIRE VISION Performance Monitor

Description: The Livewire Vision™ Performance Monitor puts your vehicle’s vital stats on display. This easy-to-use monitoring device includes the latest data logging capabilities to precisely measure each drive and uncover your vehicle’s power potential. Review your vehicle’s data and performance tests with SCT’s free software, LiveLink. Extend the possibilities with additional inputs for analog sensors and a backup camera. Specifications: Display vehicle data using the 4-in. touchscreen with customizable on-screen gauges. The touchscreen display lets you data log engine functions for playback using SCT’s LiveLink software. Measure real-time performance data, such as 0-to-60 mph, ¼-mile, and braking test times Applications: Available for a wide range of late model trucks and SUVs. Website: www.sctflash.com

SCT X4 Performance Programmer

Description: The X4 Performance Programmer connects high-performance tunes to your vehicle for a boost in horsepower and torque. Awaken your engine to its real potential with pre-loaded, dyno-proven tune files through the easy-to-use functionality. Modify a variety of parameters at the touch of a button, all while monitoring gauges on a customizable display. Specifications: Read vehicle performance data on a full-colour LCD display for easy viewing, day or night. Preloaded, street-tested, dyno-proven tunes boost horsepower, torque, and throttle sensitivity. Data log engine functions for playback using SCT’s LiveLink software. Applications: Available for a wide range of late model trucks and SUVs. Website: www.sctflash.com

Superchips Flashcal+

Description: Superchips Flashcal+ features a wireless dongle app that is every bit as powerful as the existing Flashcal but with the enhanced, smooth interface on your smartphone’s touchscreen. The Flashcal+ provides users with the ability to make on-the-fly changes such as sway bar disconnects, lockers, TPMS systems, engine idle, daytime running lights and tire diameter changes. Specifications: Small wireless dongle plugged into OBD-II port that connects to smartphone app via Bluetooth. Applications: Available for the Jeep Wrangler JK 3.8L/3.6L, Wrangler JL 3.6L/2.0T and Gladiator. Website: www.superchips.com