Chicago 2017: Finally, More Excitement for the Exciting Toyota Sequoia and Tundra

It’s hard to go a day without overhearing people on the street whispering excitedly about the scandalous Toyota Sequoia. Okay, that statement is completely false, and no doubt part of the reason why Toyota saw fit to add an off-road-minded sport trim to its lightly refreshed full-size SUV for 2018.

Ah, hell, why not add it to the full-size Toyota Tundra pickup, as well?

Look closely and you might miss the exterior enhancements found on the TRD Sport grade variants. On the Sequoia, the new trim brings — you guessed it — prominent TRD badging for the SUV’s doors, done up in a black satin finish that’s supposed to convey menace. Remember, the Sequoia will still seat six of your kids.

The dark-as-a-poet’s-heart treatment carries over to the rest of the body, from the 20-inch black alloy sport wheels to the metallic mirror caps and shaded taillights. Expect to find the TRD name emblazoned on floor mats, sill protectors and the shift knob. The largest indicator (from across the parking lot) that this isn’t your uncle’s Sequoia is the equally dark grille and bumper grille inserts.

For 2018, all Sequoias see minor updates to the SUV’s face. Slimmer LED headlights join new (LED) fog light housings, a revised bumper opening, and a mildly revamped grille with four horizontal bars.

Thankfully, Toyota hasn’t committed the crime of making this an appearance package only. Product planners made sure the Sequoia received TRD sport-tuned Bilstein Shocks and TRD front and rear anti-sway bars. The extra gear and flourishes are only available on models equipped with the 5.7-liter V8, with or without four-wheel drive.

Pretty much the same can be expected from the 2018 Tundra in TRD Sport guise. The pickup receives the same shocks and anti-sway bars, as well as color-keyed mirrors, front and rear bumpers, and hood scoop. A mesh grille (new to all 2018 Tundras) is set into a body-colored frame, completing the monochromatic motif.

As for badging and graphics, don’t worry — there’ll be no chance of anyone not noticing this Tundra once spent a night at the TRD club. Any CrewMax or Double Cab variant outfitted with the 5.7-liter V8 can apply for membership.

Both models receive an extra scoop of technology for 2018, as Toyota races to stay competitive in an industry that’s foisting as many gadgets at customers as it can muster. Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) becomes standard equipment next year, delivering a host of driver assist goodies. Among the many safety aids are a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection and Toyota’s Dynamic Radar Cruise Control.

2018 Tundra and Sequoia TRD Sport grades should begin appearing in showrooms in September, if the thought isn’t too intimidating.

[Image: Toyota]