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:

• 

  My Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By british1970 - October 21 - 7:20 am

  Very nice and very reliable, the only problem with Sequoia 05 is there is NO automatic door hatch in the back and its hard to operate when it rains or when you have something in your hand and consumes a lot of gas,but the rest is ok its very powerful.

• 

  owner - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By mohsen - October 19 - 6:33 pm

  excellent suv,runs excellent -- very very strong

• 

  my sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By moni - October 19 - 10:00 am

  Excellent pick up speed. No road weariness during long road trips. Interior is roomy. All rows are comfortable for seating.

• 

  i love toyota - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By nando - October 13 - 5:53 am

  i had the 03, and never had any problems this 05 is alot the same but w/more horsepower. i also liked the phantom grey when it 1st came out

• 

  Step up to the Big Leagues - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Don - October 12 - 1:33 am

  This is our 3rd Toyota, but our 1st SUV. We finally outgrew our Camry and Prius to own the Platinum Sequoia. Wow, what a jump up in room and class! Our 7 seater has it all. I thought parking and maneuvering would be a problem, but not so with the sensors all around the vehicle. They keep the vehicle right on track to avoid any type of false move. The versatility of our Platinum is incredible. The 3rd row is spacious with the option to recline for more room. Get the 2nd row heated seats on the Platinum for cold weather...you wont be sorry. IPOD and Blackberry information fully transferable to your main screen. Cool. We got a remote starter added after market through the dealer.

• 

  Best truck ever - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jeb - October 6 - 11:13 am

  What a great truck to own!

• 

  Sequoia success - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
  By Waleska Maxwell - October 3 - 6:51 pm

  I owned my previous Sequoia for 10yrs with 150,000 miles on it and didnt really need another but I wanted the new technology with Bluetooth and all the new whistles so I traded it in. This new 2016 is outstanding. There is more room inside, the ride is smooth and the availability of apps and Bluetooth capability is cool. I used the Edmunds price tool and I wouldnt purchase another vehicle any other way. It was so easy and effortless. I will stick with Sequoia (platinum) as long as they are around. They hold their value, last forever, and run great with little to no maintenance. Thats my Sequoia success story.

• 

  solid ride - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By sparky - September 25 - 8:36 am

  the sequoia has a comfortable ride for being built on a truck frame. all the options for safety and entertainment are great.

• 

  SUPER SUV! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Nicole - September 24 - 6:26 am

  We bought our Sequoia pre-owned last year, because I was tired of driving a minivan (have 3 kids) so still needed the room. Love it! It is very roomy, has leather and power seats, 6 cd changer and its not even a Limited. The rear seat is nice, they can flip up and forward, like the roll down back window too. Do need a better way to get to 3rd row, though. I can fit a car seat, booster, and my oldest all in the second row! When we decide to trade-in my husbands van, we are definitely sticking with Toyota!

• 

  Get One... - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Nopars - September 20 - 2:13 pm

  If you want a big SUV - this is it. Looked at all the others (any you know who they are)- none compared to this car. Excellent quality thoughout with better passenger room than any of the domestics. I dont know about towing as we only towed trailor with AUV or lawnmower. You wont be disappointed. We would buy it again!!