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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  Lovin the Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By LuvSequoia - June 1 - 12:36 pm

  I chose the Sequoia because I did the research and read a lot of comments posted on this very website. I am very pleased with the Limited 4X2. The ride is what I expected, but even better. I love the turning radius, when once was disappointed with the Tundra radius. The Sequoia is very sleek in its interior design. It is very spacious and love the tri-climate control. Gas mileage is about 16-18 hwy. The body is huge and the front end takes some getting use to when it comes to parking. I am very happy I went with an SUV, as a long time truck person, I am pleased.

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  Reliable Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Gauntlett - May 29 - 10:56 pm

  I have the fully load 4x4 limited with gold trim. No issues with the Sequoia for 9 months. High way milage is excellent for a truck of this weight 18 + miles/gallon on long trips, with a load of 6 people. Around the town ~16 miles/gallon.

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  My Toyota Sequoia SR5 4WD - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By M Jacobs - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I had researched this vehicle along against the ACURA DMX and that LEXUS 300. I followed EDMUNDS.COM to the LETTER about how to DEAL with DEALER GAMES and the reponse I got was AWESOME!!!!! THIS VEHICLE IS INCREDIBLE!!!!! I love evrything about it; I was even able to keep get my payments to were EDMUNDS.COM TOLD ME THEY SHOULD BE:) For my next car buying experience I will go through EDMUNDS AGAIN TO REASEARCH AND THEN BUY.

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  this is the best of the best - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By 4 by 4 monster - May 21 - 6:50 pm

  awsome ride. v8 has 282 hp, UNBELIVABLE. get fully loaded

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  Very Solid Family Hauler - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Maddog - May 11 - 10:43 pm

  I believe the Sequoia is the best vehicle I have ever owned. It is great for the family, work, and vacations. very reliable and a pleasure to drive.

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  2003 sequoia, perfect for the family - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By gregc - May 11 - 2:00 am

  We had a 2000 durango and traded up to this. Its a different class of vehicle. Leather, sunroof, full-time 4wd. This truck has the same displacement v8 as our durango (4.7) but its gutsier AND gets better mileage. Were at 20k, averaging 17+ MPG in mixed driving. Can keep it in 4wd full-time and not worry bout it. We live in "rural" Mass. where we get a fair amount of snow, and need a truck.

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  Love my suv!!!! - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
  By Patricia broach - May 11 - 12:58 am

  This is the best suv I have ever driven , despite poor gas mileage the comfort ,size and handling and great ease of navgation system outweigh mileage .take it for a test drive you will fall in love as I have done !!!! You wont be sorry if you purchase this sequioa limited

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  Still in good shape!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lori Atkins - April 22 - 8:10 pm

  Well, its true what they say... You get bored with a Toyota before you HAVE to buy one. This car is running great, with routine care. Just changed the serpentine belt, brakes ( sadly more often than Id like, as this is supposedly a heavy vehicle ) tuned up, and it is ready to go another who knows how many miles. Headlights are frustratingly dim, despite bringing in to the dealer. That is probably the worst thing I could say! It is AMAZING in the Connecticut winters, runs smooth, I dont even worry about reliability. Hauling kids, boats, dogs, this Sequoia handles everything. Almost afraid to think about another car maker. Wouldnt hesitate buying a higher mileage Sequoia!

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  I love my sequoia! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By trawe - April 22 - 2:00 am

  It is a large vehicle and if you need the space, this is the suv for you.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By abbylou - April 18 - 3:56 pm

  I have had this vehicle for 6 mos now and just love it! Comfortable and great tow vehicle for our midsize boat. Better gas mileage than most other large SUVs. Engine is both smooth and full of torque. I have the pkg that has the rear captain chairs and would recommend this seating unless you have 5 kids.