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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  since new... - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jim - September 26 - 12:23 am

  Bought new in 2002 - love the vehicle. Left the van world an into the SUV world for the family - best thing we ever did. Great ride

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  Quality Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Toy for Mom - September 22 - 9:03 am

  This vehicle has POWER & is extremely roomy. Have no worries about how much time itll spend in the shop b/c this is our 2nd Sequoia & we are more than pleased. Hit the gas and the speed accelerates w/o you even hearing a change in the motor. Steering SUPER EASY & improved from our previous Sequoia although we thought it was great. However, we preferred the bumper railing on our 05. Thought it looked sporter, otherwise the front grill, step boards, and racks on top help the bodys overall look. The chrome accents are a MUST! Interior is so spacious. Definitely could accommodate the larger members of the family... front or back seats! Head room unheard of.

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  The best large SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ROW - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Great room and better mileage on reg. gas than expected.

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  What happened to Toyota - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By smyroad - September 14 - 3:50 am

  Five years of ownership, 100,000+ miles. Front suspension broke with no warning (not a recall). VSC randomly malfunctions. Rear door handle snapped off. Interior plastic pieces pop off like popcorn. Rear cargo compartment door won’t stay closed. Radio/CD Player sounds like a close-n-play. Emergency brake that requires adjustment every 1,000 miles. Brakes squeal when backing up – Service Department calls it Normal. Constant steering input required to keep it straight ahead – even on calm days. At a stop the transmission kicks forward. Feels like someone bumped the rear. Alarm sounds 50% of the time when unlocking the doors. To many to list here.

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  THE BEST - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By kenny2 - September 13 - 5:16 am

  This car is best Ive test driven out of the other competitors in its class. I thank toyota for building such a superb vehicle.

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  OH YAH - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By hal9000 - September 10 - 8:20 pm

  We bought the first one in Montana the day it came in and we love it! Excellent off-road capabilities and very good stylin. Good comfort and surprizingly good gas mileage. So far the seqouia has met all of our needs to were we are going. The seqouia is awesome!

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  The new Ultimate SUV - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chad from Mill Creek - September 9 - 10:50 am

  Drives like a sedan with a bit of sport feel. In the snow its an animal, you cant loose control and I tried.

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  Beware of Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By bwarren2 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Yes the Sequoia is very nice, extremely smooth ride no question. However, two things prompted me to sell mine. First, Toyota needs to recall all of the Brake rotors. 18K miles and mine needed to be replaced 3 times...absolutely horrible! Another thing that drove me crazy was the way the SUV would just get blown from one lane to another for no apparent resaon. This wasnt wind related or asphalt related. It almost made me wreck 2 times. I am not the only one ot have these issues either. So beware. The Sequoia is a very attractive SUV, very large yes. It does have several bad blind spots and a few Toyota design flaws that make it overpriced.

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  Hood Protector, Tires - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ironmike - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a hood protector (factory installed)that deflects every piece of debris from the road into my windshield. It looks as if someone took shots at my car...about 20 cracks. The dunlop tires put on the 2002 models were junk that had no treadwear. Replaced them after 22,000 miles. 2001 model had michelin ltx, which are great. Oil gauge went bad, and fuel latch was on service bulletin. Could not put gas in my car, until it was fixed. All else is well.

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  This vehicle saved my familys life! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lowe - September 6 - 3:00 am

  We were driving home from a ski vacation in Whistler, BC when a group of young snowboarders going too fast, lost control of their truck and crossed the center line, hitting us head on at over 50 miles per hour. We rolled and all 6 airbags deployed. It was a 2008 Sequoia... And it saved our lives! Yes, we already thought it was the best vehicle we had ever owned because it was comfortable, powerful, looked great and we could even fit a twin matters in the back for road trips. It wasnt a until I pulled my precious children from this crushed vehicle that I thanked God that I made the choice to buy it. Ive since been told there are no know fatalities in the Sequoia.. I dont know if thats a fact or not... But I know for sure that we are not fatalities because of our Sequoia. Honestly, I didnt know it had a built-in roll bar or 6 airbags or such a good safety rating before this crash. I just knew it was comfortable, could tow the boat and fit the kids and all their friends. Now I know... And want everyone else to know too. Just thought I would share this if your are considering buying a Sequoia.