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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  Toyota Sequoia SR5 - 2002 - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ricardo Jalube - May 10 - 3:10 am

  It is a SUV built to last. Excellent reliability and build quality. After 48K Miles looks, smell and sound like brand new.

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  everything is a "mandatory option" - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By chris tinnell - May 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car in general -- the wife loves it. But I had to pay for it. Toyotas and Gulf States Toyotas (the distributor) "mandatory options" have left a very bad taste in my mouth. I settled on the dealership with the best attitude (most refuse to deal) although they are still tough to deal with. I was forced to buy options I didnt want. You have to pay extra for wheels??, floor mats, etc. Then Gulf States Toyota forces you to buy a $1,200 mandatory "extra mile" option package (10 yr limited floor mat warranty, glass breakage, etching -- hardly a good value). Whats next a $3,000, 30 year sunvisor warranty?

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  Dependable - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tammy Hunter - May 2 - 4:50 pm

  The vehicle is great, there some small things that I would change, but as far as perfomance and depandabilty it is great!!!!

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  QUICKIE - 2018 Toyota Sequoia
  By TOM - May 2 - 3:23 am

  The technology of today has not caught up to the Sequoia. Gas mileage is crazy bad! The ability to load a 4x8 sheet of plywood cant happen. The price is out of line.

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  Sequoia 2008 - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sequoia ultimate - April 28 - 2:24 pm

  Hard to find a good low mile well maintained truck.

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  So many little problems - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ted - April 19 - 8:23 am

  I bought a Toyota for their supposed great customer satisfaction and reliability. I must say that this not what I have experienced. The car does start and run just fine. The problem lies in all the little things going wrong and the number of times that dealer visits are required. So far both mirrors have gone loose. The clock has failed, the rear hatch wont stay open, the power outlets have failed ... the list goes on. On top of that, the dealer and Toyota Corporate are great at stating that not all problems can be fixed under warranty even though the warranty has not expired. I still have 18 months left on the warranty and 10k miles to go.

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  This is the DE FACTO Land Cruiser - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By George Withers - April 17 - 2:20 pm

  The ultimate large-size luxury SUV. Period.

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  Big, Bold, and Beautiful!!!! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By firefighterresponder - April 17 - 10:00 am

  After a full month of intensive research, I found the following: Best Resale Value (Sequoia), Best Overall Reliability (Sequoia), Best Safety Features (Sequoia-I got the front and rear side cutain airbags with rollover protestion package). Yes the Sequoia costs a litle more in the beginning, but because of resale value and reliability it costs you less in the long run. Additonally, my dealer (Stokes Brown Toyota) provided me with a great deal and has excellent service after the sale (This is my second Toyota from them). Plus its built in Indiana, so you can feel good that you are buying a vehicle that provides jobs to Americans.

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  If youre going to buy a gas guzzler... - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mike552 - April 11 - 7:30 am

  You may as well buy this one!!! Dont let some of the magazine reviews turn you away from buying this gorgeous vehicle. I mean, lets face it, is there a halfway decent car out there that has room for the whole family AND gets good gas mileage. The simple answer is NO. My 2008 Sequoia is a smooth smooth ride, and mine spends its time on Boston roads, which are some of the worst pothole infested roads in the country. Some reviews say that the steering is too easy, and coming from a 4runner I can see what they are saying, but if the Sequoia had a Lexus badge they would be complementing its effortless steering instead of trying do equate it to a Chevy Silverado.

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  Love my Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jackieO - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I love this suv. It is fun to drive and looks great- plenty of room for children, friends, backpacks and whatever I want to haul around. Third row seat is comfortable even for an adult although it takes a bit of agility to get in and out of it. The third row seats are bulky to remove and it has taken a bit of getting used to the different levers to flip them and or remove them. Children have difficulty flipping the middle row seats - middle row floor mats do not fit well which is irritating on a vehicle in this price range. Four wheel drive was great in snow and on ice -ride is very smooth and the interior very quiet. awesome SUV!