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 SUV! - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Robman - March 17 - 10:50 am

  After looking at the Yukon and Expedition, and saw that the money I was going to spend, I noticed the Sequoia was a much better buy as far as the amenities included for the base price.

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  Big SUV without the stigma - - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By kevind - March 17 - 1:20 am

  I believe this SUV is in a class of its own. I wanted the 6000 GVWR tax benefit for my business but did not want to drive a gas guzzling General Schwartzkov type SUV that would loose $15k off the lot and make me regret ever buying it. This is it! A Land Cruiser but less money. The interior is fantastic; it drives like a dream and in my opinion is luxurious. I traded in a 2002 Explorer with 10k miles and felt a difference of night and day between these vehicles. No regrets here.

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Magnolia - March 13 - 11:40 pm

  This is an excellent SUV. Have owned it 2 years now. Not a single problem except the drivers interior door handle had broken. High quality throughout. Very roomy interior. All of us love it. Had Suburban previously. Ride is not quite as smooth, but tighter and sportier, with a fun factor that you dont have in a Burb. Had a number of mechanical problems with the Burb also. Get 17 mpg, better that most full size SUVs, but wish it was higher. All the safety features give a lot of peace of mind, VSC, TRAC, Antilock, and all the air bags and curtains. Excellent family vehicle.

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  excellent big SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By guo5598 - March 10 - 2:00 am

  Much better than my 98 Mercedes ML320, use cheap gas. I got 17+ MPG. So much space. Smooth power train. Quite, and reliability is just excellent.

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  Great for Large families - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By bbrown - February 22 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love taking our family of 7 on trips in our Sequoia. We fit very comfortably. My second youngest son who is 6 sits in the back row is comfortable. Im 65" and have plenty of legroom in the driver or front passenger side. This SUV handles great.

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  Great road trip vehicle - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Will - February 21 - 9:10 pm

  Sequoia is great for road trips, can hold lots of stuff, mechanically hasnt left me stranded. Best light duty off road ride of any SUV Ive ridden. However, it is a pig to drive in town, the exhaust manifold noise, I swear gets louder every day, and this is even after I had the "Tundra" factory recall performed on my Sequoia exhaust manifold. The vehicle has never had better than 15.5 mpg avg. Interior is falling apart (like a 90s era GM). Color keyed exterior plastics, like mirrors and spoilers have shedded their clear coat (like all 4yr old Korean cars). Stereo bad. Rear window on lift gate is stuck up, even after warranty repair. A/C clutch went out 92k mi. Resale value is terrible!

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  Great SUV! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Satisfied Customer - February 10 - 8:33 am

  Fun to drive, roomy, and easy to handle.

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  Awesome truck - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Elizabeth - February 10 - 3:50 am

  I bought this used at 85,000 miles, always looked at the Sequoia from afar, never thought I would own one, bought it used at a great price and have been thrilled ever since! Comfy, powerful, stylish, CD speaker system is the bomb and the sunroof is huge, you almost think its a convertible! Lots of room and I feel really safe in it, the curtain airbags were a plus for me and my kids. The gas mileage stinks, but what do you expect in an 8 cylinder?? Its an awesome truck!

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  Fine For Me - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Silver Man - February 8 - 5:36 am

  Seeing that this is my first SUV purchase it was well worth it! I test drove the Tahoe. I wasnt feeling it at all. The Expedition just didnt look appealing to me either. Once I saw the Sequioa. I fell in love with it. Once I drove it I knew this was the truck for me. My wife who drives a Honda Accord even likes the way it handles. Im 6`4 so its just fine with me!!! Thank you Toyota for getting it right!!

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  Dont wait! - 2018 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lyndon Creager - February 5 - 1:13 pm

  The only thing that I did not like about my new Sequoia is waiting so long!