Overview & Reviews
As the largest SUV in the Toyota lineup, the full-size Sequoia is designed to accommodate families who need three real rows of seating, a fair amount of off-road capability and the ability to tow a boat or other trailer. In reality, we suspect that only a small percentage of Toyota Sequoia owners are especially outdoorsy. But this hasn't prevented the Sequoia from becoming a popular choice due to its refined road manners and comfortable interior.
Throughout its run, the Toyota Sequoia has been notable for its V8 power, choice of two- or four-wheel drive and its roomy interior. Newer and larger Sequoias are spacious enough for large families and offer enough in the way of creature comforts to justify the rather hefty price when nicely optioned. Throw in attractive styling inside and out and until recently, a choice of two powerful V8 engines, and you've got the makings of a very competitive full-size SUV. Earlier Sequoias, though not quite as capable as competing models of the same period, are also a solid pick.
Current Toyota Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV that is based on the Tundra pickup truck. With traditional body-on-frame construction, it is blessed with greater off-road and towing capabilities than its car-based competitors. Fortunately, Toyota has managed to dial out much of the bouncy pickup truck ride qualities, making it quite pleasant to drive on a day-to-day basis. Power comes by way of a 5.7-liter V8 with 381 horsepower and 401 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission offered, but buyers can choose between rear- and four-wheel drive.
Toyota offers the Sequoia in three trim levels: SR5, Limited and Platinum. Base SR5 models come with alloy wheels, a 40/20/40 second-row bench seat, triple-zone automatic climate control, iPod connectivity, Bluetooth, the Entune smartphone integration system and full power accessories. The Limited adds leather upholstery, power front seats and an upgraded stereo. The range-topping Platinum tops it off with 20-inch wheels, load-leveling rear air springs, adaptive shock absorbers, a power liftgate, second-row captain's chairs (dropping capacity to seven) and a navigation system. Most of these features are available as options on supporting trims. A rear seat entertainment center is only offered on the top model.
A large SUV, the Toyota Sequoia seats seven or eight, depending on the configuration. Thanks to an independent rear suspension (unlike its Tundra pickup platform-mate), the third-row seat folds flat into the floor, a welcome departure from the previous-generation Sequoia. Fold all the seats down and there are a substantial 120 cubic feet of cargo room.
In our reviews of the current Toyota Sequoia, we've been impressed with its surprising maneuverability, overall refinement and the power generated by the 5.7-liter V8. Other than a funky control layout that puts some knobs closer to the passenger than the driver, we can't find much to fault. For a truck-based, full-size SUV, the Sequoia is an excellent choice.
Used Toyota Sequoia Models
The current Toyota Sequoia represents the second generation that debuted for 2008. Initially, it had a 276-hp 4.7-liter V8 and five-speed automatic as standard. The 5.7-liter V8 was optional. Model-year 2009 was skipped, while the following year saw the arrival of front-seat knee airbags, standard Bluetooth and iPod integration as well as a more powerful 4.6-liter base V8 that produced 310 hp and 327 lb-ft of torque. This base engine was short-lived, however, as Toyota discontinued it for the 2013 model year, leaving the 5.7-liter V8 as the only engine available. Other than lacking the Entune smartphone integration system, these latter Sequoias are identical to the current version.
The first-generation Toyota Sequoia full-size SUV debuted for the 2001 model year. In many ways, this eight-passenger SUV was the first serious import challenge to the large domestic sport-utilities. Initially, its standard 4.7-liter V8 produced 240 hp and was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. There were two trim levels -- SR5 and Limited -- and each was available with either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Limited models were decked out with luxury items, but even base SR5 models had a decent collection of standard equipment.
If you're shopping for a Sequoia of this generation, bear in mind that there were some notable changes during its production run. In 2005, the 4.7-liter V8 got a power bump to 282 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque and was coupled to a new five-speed automatic transmission. (It was later changed to 273 hp due to a revised rating method, with no impact on performance.) The '05 Sequoia also received an exterior freshening and two desirable new options packages, namely, the SR5's sport package and the Limited's luxury package, both of which included a height-adjustable rear suspension. Finally, '07 models were the first to come standard with front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags.
In our reviews of the first-generation Toyota Sequoia, we praised its well-constructed interior, refined driving manner and smooth V8 engine, although in terms of outright power it fell short of class leaders. We also noted that its relatively narrow width made it feel somewhat less gigantic than competitors in tight spaces, although shoulder room was a bit compromised as a result. We didn't appreciate the 50/50 third-row seats, as they were a bit cozy for adults and couldn't be folded flat. On the whole, though, we liked this Sequoia model and would recommend it to used-car shoppers who want the versatility of a full-size SUV in a not-quite-full-size package.
User Reviews:
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Great Vehicle! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By BAIMOM - February 4 - 10:00 amThis is an excellent vehicle for those with young, active children or for those who travel. The ride is smooth and quiet and the spacious interior makes for an overall pleasant traveling experience. As for locally, the agility of such a large vehicle is incredible. I went from a Camry to a Sequoia without any problems in terms of handling.
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Review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Jamess - February 4 - 10:00 amThis vehicle is great. It has a lot of room and power. There is plenty of cargo space and it is just awesome.
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ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY CAR!!! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By Queen Victoria - February 4 - 10:00 amIt is very liberating and comfortable to drive. I love how roomy the inside is. Its also very dependable and have never had a problem with it EVER!!! I feel very safe in my Sequoia and I know my 3 year old and 15 month old are safe as well. I recommend it to everyone with or without children.
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Home on the Road - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By JayBaugh - January 27 - 10:00 amOutstanding vehicle for long-range trips. Conveniences abound. Very comfortable for all passengers. Top- rated performance for class.
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Best SUV Ive owned - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
By Claude - January 27 - 12:10 amIve had 3 Escalades and 2 Blazers---I just took delivery of 2010 Platinum Sequoia and there isnt an American SUV nor for that matter any SUV that comes close---Ive tested Lexus 570 but for me it was too small as was Toyotas Landcruiser. This vehicle has every option one could possibly get for thousands of dollars less than any other vehicle in its class on the road today. The ride is amazing and with a 6 yr 125,000 mile warranty, need I say anymore.
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Excellent SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By momochan - January 22 - 2:16 pmReal safe vehicle, rides smooth, sturdy, reliable, handles like a luxury vehicle. The appearance is quite appealing. The thing that attracted me to the Sequoia was the look of it. I already knew about the value in owning a Toyota, the longevity of the engine but since the Sequoia came into production in 2000, I believe, I thought WOW they finally did it. After being impressed with the Land Cruiser, but not its price, Toyota went and duplicated the effort in a 20,000 difference. Im proud to be an owner of the 2005 Toyota Sequoia and hope that this body style doesnt change any time soon, after all why mess with a good thing?
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THIS CAR SAVED MY LIFE!!!!! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By monique11 - January 3 - 5:02 pmMy 04 Sequoia was terrific. I put 200,000 miles on it & it still ran great. This car is fun, fast comfortable & safe. Not only does it looks great, it performs excellent. It is 100% reliable inspite of the fact that I didnt serve it as often as I shouldve . In 2012 I had a serious accident in this car. I was driving 70 mph on the freeway downhill, "the bottom line," I lost control of the car which cause the car to spend in 2 full circles & ram the front end directly into the cement wall & it was total. I walked away with only a seat belt burn on my neck. The Hway patrol said he never seen anyone servive such an accident. My insurance gv me 15k for my lost which proves it holds its value.
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New Sequoia Owner - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By AWANG - January 3 - 2:00 amThis is a bargain if comparing to Lexus LX470. Toyota makes a full-size SUV closer to affortable with Sequoia. The engin is smooth and quiet, cabin is spacious. Other than poor fuel economics, I have no complain.
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Full Size Fun - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By FLOD - January 3 - 2:00 amComfort, luxury, and size characterize the Sequoia. For a family SUV, this is a great vehicle if you can afford it. We dont do off-roading, but the Northeast makes winter travel sometimes difficult. Not in this vehicle. Safety combined with Toyota reliability makes me feel good that my family is in this vehicle.
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My Love/Hate Relationship - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By b1rd0g - January 3 - 2:00 amLets see...what hasnt gone wrong. My engine knocks like someone is hitting it with a hammer in cold weather...no kidding! I had the steering rack replaced due to failure. Ive had driveline vibrations that Toyota cant figure out and feel like they are causing damage since 454 miles. I"ve had the brakes serviced four times. Ive got an exhaust smell of rotten eggs entering the cabin upon acceleration. The VSC system kicks in and I lose all power at "very exciting" times, like entering fast moving traffic! Thats not everything! However, I love to drive it, believe it or not. I just wish Toyota could resolve all of my issues.
