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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  Been waitin for 3 years since rumors! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By hla26v - December 26 - 10:00 am

  Other than Honda,been waiting for full size ute that wasnt Landcruiser price range. Got Ltd 2wd loaded minus side airbags, 41.5k for my wife, only time I got to drive after bringing it home was once a week. I love it, she loves it more, that = I get to drive once a week. Got so fed up, found a used 2001 SR5 leather, 15k miles for 31.5k.(I didnt believe it either) Now we are a 2 Sequoia family. I am smiling now. Almost opted for Tahoe/Yukon. Knew of Toyota quality. The Seq just gets all types of looks! Hers is white, Mines is Thunder Gray/champagne trim.

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  So far, So good - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Plowe - December 26 - 9:53 am

  Good kidhauler alternative to a minivan

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  Sharons sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sharon Schneider - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Solid "feel" when driving on highway. Very responsive for an SUV. Responsive braking. Very nice interior in the Limited edition. Extremely quiet.

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  Great Vehicle, but something is missing - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JPell - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This is an extemely reliable and safe purchase in the large SUV class. However, for $40K, something is missing. I test drove the loaded Highlander and felt like it had a much classier appeal.

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  Move over Ford and Chevy,Can not Compare - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tony E - December 21 - 2:00 am

  i have owned a tahoe before, a jeep liberty and cherokee and nothing comes come to the sequoia.my sequoia was quite riding,handles excellent in all driving conditions,plenty of power,more room than tahoe in storage and leg room.Plus the toyota engine is quite as a mouse running.Go get you one.

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  Excellent SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By ABCd - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Very nice and smooth powertrain. Inside is very nice, and comfortable. If you want to purchase Toyota backed extend warranty at the dealer, make sure you start the neg. by knocking down $400 off the price they quote you! The dealer will always try to take advantage of you first. Watch out!!You can find out the MSRP for those extended warranty on toyotas website under finance.

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  Smart Buy - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By spotbearsd - December 11 - 2:10 am

  I really disliked the idea of going back into another large SUV. I am so glad I did! I cross-shopped this with an Expedition, F150 Supercrew, Titan, Tundra, Pathfinder, Armada.The Sequoia was hands down the nicest driving. Its smooth as a Lexus (for a truck) and is not fluffed up or affected by gross depreciation like a Ford the minute its driven off the lot. Ford offered $3000 more for my trade and $2500 under invoice, but even with the higher price of the Toyota, it was clear which would be worth more in 6 months. The Toyota dealership was nothing special. Felt as though they really didnt try to sell the car. I had to really work at getting the price I wanted.Did not see the value in LIMITED model.

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  Excellent Value for Money - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Marut - December 9 - 7:13 am

  I bought this truck in 2005 just before Katrina hit and it was just for family weekends. Now I am driving it 3 days to work and even with the high gas price I manage it as I am getting about 17-18 miles a gallon (90/10 hwy/city). I have been thinking of getting a smaller commuter car but was rear ended couple of days ago at about 50 mph and the other car was smashed up badly and I had to literally go out and try to find where my truck was damaged as the hitch had taken all the brunt of the crash. The emergency responders as well as police and fire personal were awed by the vehicles safety so now forget the small commuting car as I probably saved a lot more than few dollars in gas - MY LIFE

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  1000 miles with my sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By ekunst - December 8 - 2:00 am

  The first SUV I have owned and I love it.Never considered any American models,still cant compete with Japanese engineering, quality etc.My choices were the MDX and the Sequoia,they offered the most hip,shoulder and legroom.Ruled out the MDX due to the lack of vehicles to look at,slim color choices and turned off to paying full MSRP sticker.The Sequoia offered more vehicle for the money.My purchase was 4k under MSRP.The Sequoia had a superior ride quality,better seats,interior/exterior design and superior color choices.The engine is the smoothest V8 I have ever owned and quiet.Fuel economy is exceptable at 17mpg.I have had no problems and no regrets.

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  A week with our new Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lee - December 7 - 2:53 am

  Just finished the first week of ownership of our Sequoia. We have driven about 330 miles with the tank of gas the dealership included with the car purchase. So far, we are very happy with every aspect of the Sequoia from the actual purchase of the car (via the net with a Fleet Sales Manager, almost $2K less than the TMV), the high build quality and the great feeling you get driving it. If you are looking for a full size SUV, I highly recommend you consider the Sequoia ... you wont be sorry.