Matchbox’s Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro Is Oddly Captivating

There are some Matchbox models that I know I’m going to like from the moment they’re announced, like the Bentley Continental or the Audi RS6.  This Sequoia TRD Pro was not one of those models.  I don’t particularly care about the Sequoia generally, and while TRD versions of Toyotas are at least somewhat interesting, I didn’t really make much of this model until I got it in hand.  Once I did, I was absolutely captivated by it. 

One of the best things about Matchbox is their ability to make stunning models of fairly pedestrian cars, and this Sequoia is a perfect example.  Proportionally, it scales perfectly with the rest of the big Toyota and Lexus SUVs in the Matchbox line, and it features some spectacular detailing and clever construction techniques.  Toyota’s TRD models often feature some of the coolest special edition colors in the auto industry, so Matchbox’s decision to make this Sequoia a TRD Pro was a brilliant one.  I love this Solar Octane orange – it’s the perfect way to debut this model, and it should help it get more attention on the pegs. 

No expense was spared when it comes to printed detailing on this model, as is clear when you look at the Sequoia’s sizable front grille.  It looks to be inkjet printed, but Matchbox always manages to get more fidelity out of their inkjet prints than the Hot Wheels premium lines, so the grille print is sharp and perfectly aligned.  The headlights feature plenty of lens details and wrap beautifully around onto the sides of the model, and the hood fits so perfectly that you could be forgiven for not noticing that it opens!  

Once you do manage to pry the hood open, you’ll be greeted by a truly impressive amount of engine detailing.  I can’t say I’ve ever really cared to look under the hood of a Sequoia, but I appreciate the amount of effort that went into achieving this detail level.  There’s more texture and depth than we often see under Matchbox’s opening hoods, and the hinges are tight enough to allow the hood to stay open on its own.  This Sequoia’s hood feels like the rare example of a diecast moving part that justifies its own existence, and I hope it’s an indication of what’s to come on future Moving Parts models! 

I’ve always appreciated Matchbox’s willingness to resist the urge to cartoon-ify their regular SUVs with giant monster truck tires, and this truck is no exception.  The black six spokes feel like a perfect fit for a truck like this, and they match the rest of the black accents wonderfully.  One of the Sequoia TRD Pro’s most controversial styling decisions is the camo design on its fender flares, and I was surprised to see them replicated in such perfect detail on this model.  It would have been easy just to use black prints and it’s unlikely collectors would have complained, but the little details like this are what make this model great.  I also like all the bodylines that are cut into the side of this truck, and the bright orange paint helps show off the shadows that they cast.  

The printing at the rear is just as great as it is on the front, with brake lights that wrap around onto the sides of the truck and a lovely little blacked out Toyota badge below the window.  There are a couple oddities back here though, which feels unusual given the attention to detail on the rest of the model.  The realistic license plate print is lovely to see, but the casting has a raised license plate section with the proportions of a longer and slimmer European license plate, so the American-style plate doesn’t match.  The blacked out Sequoia lettering is wonderfully readable, but it sits too low on the tailgate.  The Sequoia has a crease near the bottom of the tailgate, and the Sequoia badge is supposed to be directly above it, but Matchbox has printed it below the crease.  At least the exhaust tips are in the right spot, and I love seeing the red reflectors printed on the bumper section! 

The Sequoia TRD Pro is available with a $1,400 optional roof rack accessory, and I’m always surprised how often I see them on customer cars, so I’m glad Matchbox chose to include one on their TRD Pro as well.  The way they integrated the roof rack into the casting is very clever.  Rather than relying on more printed detailing, the roof rack and sunroof are part of the window section, ensuring they always have a color break while also reducing the amount of metal needed for the casting, reducing the cost.  I love seeing intelligent designs like that!  Don’t worry, despite the darkly tinted windows, this model has an interior too (though I’m honestly not sure why they bothered, given the roof rack that will always demand dark tint).  

I simply can’t get enough of this model.  I’m not a particularly big fan of Toyota’s, and I certainly don’t care that much about offroad trucks, so there’s no reason I should feel so drawn to this model.  Yet, just like the Nissan Sentra from a few years ago, it’s such a perfect representation of the car it’s modeling that I just can’t stop staring at it.  Surprise home runs like this are one of the reasons I love Matchbox so much.  The best part?  Unlike some notable Moving Parts greats, we don’t have to worry about this model being a one-and-done, because the Matchbox team have already previewed an upcoming brown recolor with the same great detailing.