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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Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By 2004 Sequoia - September 8 - 10:40 pmIt is a fanstastic vehicle with ample space for seating in all three rows.
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Mileage is the ONLY downfall - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By Pam - September 7 - 7:53 pmMy Sequoia has been a delight from the very first day. My friends assumed from the look, feel and ride of it, that it was new. I certainly didnt correct them!! On highway trips, it rides like cloud. In town, it handles and responds very well. The gas mileage is the single issue I have with it. I average approximately 16 mpg. Wish it were 21 or more. Love it anyway!
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Great large SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By Sequoia in No. Cal. - September 6 - 5:13 amThe Sequoia is the best overall large SUV out there. It has a great engine, large cabin and the rear window that retracts all the way down is a huge plus for carrying long items. The mileage isnt great but it is better then expected for such a large vehicle. The Navigation and DVD system are not up to par with the Acura system. The DVD needs to be controlled with a remote control and you can only enter an address in the Nav system when in Park. Small complaints for an overall great truck.
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Excellent choice - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By spacelink - August 21 - 10:43 amWe purchased our vehicle (AWD) off Craigs list from a dealer in So. California. It had 92,000 on it and is in pristine condition. Weve had a 100,000 mile service done which included bumper to bumper service and the vehicle continues to drive like new. It was purchased as a replacement for our 1998 Toyota 4-runner with 250k on it was totaled by a friend. The Sequoia has more than we will ever need in a vehicle and weve taken two out of state trips with it. It has the room, the comfort and the separate temperature zones is something that definitely comes in handy. Our conclusion, we wont buy anything else. Other than the less than desirable fuel economy, its a great vehicle.
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Sunroof Problems - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By marsimms - August 17 - 10:00 amWe just purchased this vehicle less than a month ago and have had to make several trips to the dealership with it. Our most distressful problem is the poor interior build quality and a sunroof that squeaks over bumpy roads to the point of distraction. As I type this review, the roof still squeaks and no one at my dealership seems to know what or why it is doing this. The slogan should read, "interior by mattel". Also, the rear audio plate looks like its falling off even after THAT was replaced. After spending 50+ thousand on this truck I want to kick myself. There are better values out there.
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Nice family SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By Anthony - August 11 - 4:23 pmThis family SUV is very nice. I traded my 03 Sequoia which I like. What I like the most is the safety features this vehicle have and off course the 5.7L engine very responsive and fun to drive. It is also more roomier cargo especially if you have the 3rd row folded.
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best choice - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By johnny8here - August 11 - 2:00 amafter spending countless hours shopping for a full-size suv, i recently purchased a 04 sequoia. i could not have made a better choice.everything about it is great.for a full size suv the ride is surprisingly smooth and quiet. i would recomend this vehicle to anyone shopping for this type of vehicle.
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SUV for large family - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By No minivan please!!! - August 11 - 2:00 amThis is a great vehicle for a large family that requires transporting either lots of stuff, lots of kids or both... If I had to by another SUV of this size, I would buy another one tomorrow... and I have looked at them all!
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The best of the best - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By Finnegan Family - August 10 - 11:20 amWe had an 03 loved it. We drive this vehicle everywhere and love it. We bought the sr5 model and added leather, blue tooth, t.v. system. We have a rattle in the back unless one of the kids is sitting back in the second row of seats. So much improvement over the last truck. With 4 kids and a screaming stereo you cannot even tell that they are with you.
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Solid as the tree - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By JoeT - August 8 - 2:00 amLove the Sequoia. On one trip I put 3500 miles in 6 days with elderly parents. Great ride and comfort, never tiring. Average gas mileage for its size. Grat comfort, especially for those of us with wide bodies (Im 61 and 250 lbs - not "fat" just plump) Look at resale value vrs same year Eddie B Expedition to see what a great buy this realy is. My dealer was great to dea with.
