The TRD Pro badge is one of the most desirable special-edition packages in the automotive world, and for 2020 Toyota has added it to the Sequoia lineup. This variant brings off-road-focused hardware and distinctive styling to Toyota’s full-size SUV.
I first noticed the Sequoia TRD Pro at the Toyota Highlander launch last year. Its army-green paint, black wheels and contrasting trim made a strong impression, and I was excited to spend a week behind the wheel to see how the package performs in daily driving and off-road conditions.
I’ve always liked full-size SUVs, but the Sequoia was new to me. The current second-generation Sequoia dates back to 2008 and is due for a redesign, yet the TRD Pro treatment injects fresh excitement into the aging platform.
For enthusiasts who venture off pavement, TRD Pro models represent Toyota’s most serious factory-built, off-road-ready offerings. TRD Pro versions of the Tacoma and 4Runner, for example, retain value well and often sell quickly, so expanding the TRD Pro lineup to include the Sequoia and RAV4 makes sense.
Toyota tends not to overhaul models that work, which explains why Sequoia and Land Cruiser updates have been infrequent. Since the 2020 Sequoia largely carries over from previous years, here’s a focused look at what the TRD Pro package brings.
TRD Pro Suspension
Suspension is the first major upgrade off-roaders make to a vehicle: it needs to remain responsive on pavement while soaking up impacts off-road. Most stock SUVs favor street-oriented setups, but the TRD Pro uses a purpose-built Fox off-road suspension tuned specifically for the Sequoia.
The TRD Pro’s Fox internal bypass shocks are engineered to deliver a comfortable on-road ride while progressively firming up through the piston’s travel to resist bottoming on rough trails. This progressive damping helps maintain composure over a variety of surfaces.
Up front, the Sequoia TRD Pro uses 2.5-inch Fox shocks with multiple compression and rebound zones—7 compression and 2 rebound—and an extended rebound travel of 18mm. TRD engineers also softened the front spring rate compared with the standard Sequoia to improve off-road compliance and comfort.
At the rear, the SUV employs 2-inch-diameter Fox piggyback monotube shocks that incorporate bottom-out-control technology. This design increases damping force near the end of the shock’s stroke, improving resistance to harsh bottoming on severe terrain.
TRD Cat-Back Exhaust
The Sequoia TRD Pro offers a TRD cat-back exhaust with a single outlet finished in black chrome and a TRD logo. Beyond the visual upgrade, the system creates a bolder V8 note. Toyota engineers include a frequency-tuned sound cancellation device to refine in-cabin acoustics so the exhaust sounds strong without becoming intrusive inside the cabin.
Toyota does not advertise measurable power gains from the TRD exhaust, but allowing a big V8 to breathe better is typically beneficial for throttle response and sound character.
Torsen Limited Slip Differential
While the Sequoia TRD Pro does not include the low-speed crawl control found on some TRD models like the Tacoma and 4Runner, it does feature a capable multi-mode four-wheel-drive system with a lockable Torsen limited-slip center differential.
A Torsen limited-slip differential helps distribute torque between the front and rear axles. When engaged, it can send equal torque to both, improving traction on uneven surfaces. The Sequoia also uses a two-speed transfer case with a selectable low range for steep or technical terrain, though it’s not intended for aggressive rock crawling.
TRD Pro Features
The TRD Pro package pairs body-on-frame construction with practical off-road hardware: RIGID LED auxiliary lights, robust skid plates, and a heavy-duty roof rack. These elements make the Sequoia TRD Pro a genuine overland-capable SUV while still functioning as a comfortable family hauler.
With overlanding and outdoor recreation on the rise, the Sequoia is well-positioned as a do-it-all vehicle: big enough to carry family and gear for extended trips without the cost and complexity of towing a trailer or owning an RV. Its size and equipment make it a practical base for camping, weekend adventures and long-distance travel.
The main compromise with the Sequoia TRD Pro remains fuel economy. The well-regarded, durable 5.7L V8 provides ample power and towing capability, but it returns EPA figures around 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway—figures that decline further when the vehicle is fully loaded or towing.
If you want a full-size SUV that’s ready for family road trips, overland adventures and light-to-moderate off-roading with minimal aftermarket work, the 2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro is a strong candidate. It combines proven durability with factory-installed off-road upgrades that suit a broad range of recreational needs.
