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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  Surprised! By the roomy interior... - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By MrCEIII - February 7 - 9:03 am

  Looked for my 5 member family for 2 months, had settled on either a Honda minivan or Toy minivan. I was trading a 02 Escalade so my standards are pretty high. This Sequoia is an excellent vehicle, it has more power than my 02 Escalade and so far I am extremely satisfied with my purchase.

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  Great Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By PaulBay - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Really the best car Ive ever driven - from comfort and roominess inside to enough space to hold my twins babies and all their stuff, its easily the best family vehicle you can get if you can afford the price.

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  Our first Toyota - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob & Kate - January 28 - 10:00 am

  Although this is a big vehicle it is easy to drive. The turning radius is excellent.

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  Nice But It Aint A LandCruiser - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By David C - January 26 - 10:00 am

  An overall nice, well built car. Selected Sequoia over 2003 LC due to the $ value/interior size comparisons. Despite its attention to detail, the interior fit/finish does not compare to the my 99 LC. Yet kids love the interior size and sound system; wife likes the exterior looks. I guess things could be worse (like owning a Ford).

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  Great Truck - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By toyo33 - January 26 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the SUV for almost a year now and I love almost everything about it. The only thing that bothers me is the loud noise when you have the rear windows rolled down. Also more power would be great. Before I bought it I was also looking at the Chevy Tahoe because I have a GM card and get points towards a vehicle but I decided to go with the Sequoia because it is more reliable and its a Toyota. I here people complain that you cant drive over 100 miles per hour, well you shouldnt be driving that fast with such a big vehicle in the first place. Theres never going to be a car that is perfect but this one is close enough.

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  My Dream Car - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tomika - January 24 - 11:13 pm

  For the last couple of years I have longed for the Sequoia. I got a great deal on the SR5. I do wish the steering wheel had radio controls on it though. I also wish it came with backup sensors, but other than that i as so pleased. I only hope that as the years pass i will still be as happy.

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  Limited 4x4 nav, dvd, lux, airbags - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By micmcp - January 20 - 12:20 pm

  Excellent vehicle - drives great compared to chevy/ford - always feel in control - no over steer or under steer problems - nice, tight steering wheel. DVD works great. Touch screen navigation requires vehicle to be in park to enter a destination; however, you can use the other features while driving. Air vents are loud with fan on high - especially in 2nd and 3rd rows. Could use more cup holders in front seats - one each on long trip is not enough. No squeaks or rattles... great truck overall! Very happy with my purchase!

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lance Blandford - January 18 - 2:53 pm

  I traded in my Land Cruiser for this. Not quite as plush on the inside ($15000 cheaper) but well worth what I paid. Compared this vehicle to many more in its class but had to stay with Toyota. There are none that can match the dependability nor build class.

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  Best SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By susan - January 8 - 10:20 am

  Owned since Dec. and love everything about it! Comfortable seating for everyone and great looks! Its like driving in your lazy boy...this suv is awesome!

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  Love My Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By BigFoot - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I have 10K miles on my Sequoia, and have had absolutely no problems. I was very surprised that my wife loves to drive it as much as me. Fit and finish is excellent. Buy one, you wont regret it!