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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  questionable build quality - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By rich - January 26 - 8:03 pm

  owned since new. brought home with a transmission fluid leak- taken care of and has not been a problem. The rear door handle recently came off for the second time. First time about a year old under warranty. This time $400+ to repair. Had rear window motor replaced at the same time as the window has not worked for the last two years. Another $400 and change. Turn signal has not canceled itself for last year- $700 to fix, said no thanks. Interior pull handles broke months after purchase and drivers seat leather (dealer installed at purchase) is torn. Rear dome light works one out of ten times- dealer unable to find short. First and last Toyota. The car has less than 60K on it.

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  excellent suv - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By brums - January 26 - 2:00 am

  fun to drive. Smooth and comfortable to ride in. this is the best SUV I ever bought.

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  Great vehicle! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By KevinW_D - January 26 - 2:00 am

  We have owned a Highlander for 15 months and the ownership experience has been so good that we bought this Sequoia when we needed a bigger vehicle. What a great SUV! The domestic vehicles just dont compete with the Toyota (even though the Sequoia was designed by a team in the USA).

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  Over Rated - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By snoopy - January 22 - 5:13 am

  Traded a 2003 Suburban. Would not do it again. The Suburban has it all over the Sequoia when it comes to bells and whistles. Very disappointed in the Sequoia. As for reliability, already the plastic connectors(a .05 cent part) on both ends of the latch rod have broken. The Suburban has more room and cargo space. I got better gas mileage on my Suburban than the Sequoia and the Sequoia is the Limited model. Although it is made in Indiana and my Burb was made in Canada apparently my Sequoia was assembled either on Monday or Friday. In 2007 the Suburban is supposed to have an all new look. I will probably be going back to a Suburban. After all the Suburban is the Grandaddy of SUVs.

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  Better than a Sub - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By afr - January 21 - 10:00 am

  We finally got rid of our 99 Suburban. I vowed after owning two Subs one a 97 lemon and then a 99 Sub, we were looking for something more dependable than a Chevy, and our quest was fullfilled. Our Sequioa is fantastic, there is not a creek, moan, rattle or any noise what so ever. It handles the snow and mountain driving like the SUV it was inteneded to be and drives like a luxury car on the streets. We drove all the similar SUVs, but none compared to the Toyota. If you are in the market for an SUV think very seriously about the Sequioa, its not cheap, but then again it isnt built cheap either! Opt for the limited and get everything you want on it.

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  So Far, So Excellent - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By TNguyen - January 20 - 2:56 pm

  Weve been needing a family car for awhile now - with 2 kids and 2 dogs. Finally bought this tank. Man, weve been loving it. Comfy, tons of room, very quiet, drives great, and the turning radius is excellent for a car this size. Lots of storage, even when the 3rd row seat is up. I really like the 6 speed Steptronic shifting -- takes a little getting used to, but once you do, its fun AND its more fuel efficient and the full automatic mode (keep the RPM low). Overall MPG after about 300 miles = 15.5. I would imagine that once the engine is broken into more and my wife gets used to the Steptronic, getting 16+ mpg wouldnt be out of reach.

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  Good all around value - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By tommyk - January 19 - 1:46 am

  I forget I am in a large vehicle most of the time. It has a silky smooth drive train with an amazing amount of power should you need it. I wish the ride was a bit smoother, but what can one expect from a vehicle with a tow rating of 10,000 lbs? I get good mileage on the highway, I get about 20 mpg if I keep it at or below 65 mph and around town about 15. I have only had one little problem with it and that was a bad O-ring on the dipstick tube that needed to be replaced. Other than that it has been a star.

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  Dont leave home without it - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By papote1111 - January 16 - 3:13 pm

  I have now own my truck for the past 8 years. It feels like new except for the new tires I purchased they are meant for off road instead of highway other, than my truck is solid, looks good and feels great. I highly recommend Toyota trucks they are piece of mind worriers free and tremendous reliably.

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  Best SUV with 3rd Row seat - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Habagat - January 16 - 10:00 am

  For full size SUVs with 3rd row seats nothing comes close to the comfort of the Sequoia. I dont why Lexus and Toyota even bothered putting a 3rd row seat in the LX470 and Landcruiser respectively when its very uncomfotable. An average adult like me sits with my knees almost at the level of my chest. True, the Lexus LX470 and Toyota Landruiser comes in a more luxurious trim but why even bother a 3rd seat when its not made to seat 8...comfortably. Forget the other SUVs with comfortable 3rd seat like the Yukon, Suburban, Navigator, Expedition, and Ascender. These dont have the reliability of a Toyota.

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  Great SUV - top of the class - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By seth w - January 16 - 7:16 am

  I love this SUV, in 2001 it was ahead of its time. The ride is so smooth and the comfort is not matched by any! The leather seats are comfortable and I love the DVD system. Im a sucker for accessories and this one is loaded out! Only problem I have had from me or the previous owner is the back latch and window motor had to be replaced. Very satisfied!