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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  The best SUV Ive ever owened - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By gkurdi - April 18 - 10:46 am

  I have driven a Chev. Suburban and had so much trouble with it. This car feels/drives like a Lexus and is roomy enough to fit all I neede (8 passengers). This is the perfect carpool mom car. I love it.

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  I GOT THE LEMON - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By DCOOP - April 17 - 10:00 am

  First of all to be fair to Toyota, I have brought 4 Toyota vechicles, and all had been perfect, but the Sequoia, it has been a nightmare. 1st- problem 2sets of brakes and rotors. 2nd- Traveling in Florida on vacation and transmission made a clunk sound several times, then all of the sudden the truck dies out on the freeway the transmission needs replacing 20kmile. 3rd- At 30kmiles engine light comes on, need a catalytic converter.

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  Under engineered brakes - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By NancyH - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I have had to replace front and back breaks every 25,000 to 15,000 miles. I live on a hill but think brakes should last longer than this. Brakes were never a problem with my 4-runner or pathfinder driving the same hill everyday. Each time I replace the brakes its about $300. I like the car alot but want to trade it in for another car that has brakes that can handle the hills.

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  Off road machine - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ritchie - April 2 - 3:46 am

  I ended up pulling out two full-size trucks and a lincoln navigator out that were stuck in the snow. I am very impressed with its offroad capability. The differential lock is a great feature and it makes it almost impossible to stop. Awesome vehicle! Very glad I bought it!

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  How was I to know - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By WineMan - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Toyota and its the best machine I have ever owned. From the first day it has been a joy and to drive. With no effort I dart in and out of traffic as if it was a car. Taking it through the mountains of Napa Ca you would think the curves would give one reason for caution. Not here. It continues to amazie me how well it handles on the road, in turns, hard curves, quick stops. With a full load of seveal cases of wine it does not change the ride. How their can be any way a rating company can not give this truck a number one or best in class must just what to be kind to the other manufactures.

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  Great SUV!! - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Best Ive ever owned - March 23 - 11:00 pm

  Ive owned my 2006 Sequoia for a year and a half, and have absolutely loved it. I cant think of anything I would change. I shopped and compared many, many SUVs and finally ordered mine as I wanted it - fully loaded. Its beautiful inside and out. Very practical interior and very user friendly. DVD player is not used much but grandkids love it. Drives and handles like a dream. You wont go wrong with this car. Absolutely -0- problems or hitches. I even pull a large trailer sometimes and man, what a job it does.

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  Sequioa LTD 2004 - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By erparf - March 21 - 9:23 pm

  A really nice, but slightly underpowered, large SUV. Comfortable inside but a bit restricted when one needs to move backwards. Rear-looking visibility is limited, backing up.

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  Love My Truck to Death - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Love my Truck - March 18 - 10:46 pm

  My truck rides like a car, at times people outside do not even realize theres a truck behind them, thats how silent the 4.7 Liter V8 (lexus) engine is. Although, I have had problems with the rear window & broken door latch, I really dont care because these thing are simply cosmetic to me. My truck runs, feels and looks great.

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  EXCELLENT SUV - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By PAGETOWNUSA - March 18 - 10:00 am

  THESE SUV HAS A VERY POWERFUL ENGINE YOU CAN ACCELERATE VEY QUICKLY WITHOUT THE JUMP THAT MOST SUVS DO. IT VERY COMFORTLY SEATS 8 PASSENGERS WITH FEELING LIKE YOUR A SARDINE.

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  Not Bad - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By David B - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Looked at a few dif big suv,s,like style,toyota qual. tho u can see how the price was trimmed, we have a Rav 4,much is similar in looks and feel, not really what you would expect on a car like this,not flimsy but not substantial. Seems like a good car all in all, however,one thing i was not impressed with were the seats,drivers needs more side support, i felt like i would slide off, also my left leg rubbed against the door panel, it was uncomfortable.