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 quality SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By binhthemantran - July 4 - 2:00 amGreat reliability and price for a large SUV. We go off road with our SUV both dirt and snow and it handles great and doesnt require servicing after we offroad. Very smooth ride for being a large SUV.
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Super Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By Bill - June 29 - 12:20 pmNeeded large SUV so we drove Expedition, Tahoe, and Sequoia. Great deals on all. Features very similar but the quality and execution of the Sequoia is superb. This vehicle is designed to Lexus standards and it shows. Engine is strong and trans is great. Fast, quiet and both my wife and I are fighting to take it. Just had six in it and they all loved it. Drives like a smaller vehicle and is easy to park.
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Still too new to tell, but so far, so good. - 2012 Toyota Sequoia
By 2body1head - June 27 - 12:02 pmJust purchased this beast yesterday coming from a 2006 Tacoma DBL cab. No difference from the 2011s and prices were basically the same. So, went for the 2012. Love Toyotas in general. In my opinion and history, very reliable. Absolutely humongous inside and comfortable. Ride is not as "plush" as the Suburbans and Denalis, but still good. 100x better than my stiff and bouncy ride Tacoma. Still have to fiddle with the NAV and controls but seems user friendly enough. Drove about 50 miles mixed highway/city and computer avg showed 15-17 mpg. Will post later after a few months for follow-up review.
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Am I the Only One? - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By Texas Toyota - June 22 - 1:26 amThe Sequoia is a beautiful SUV. We replaced a Suburban with it but unfortunately have been disappointed. The ride is not only rougher but the road noise is much louder. We replaced the factory tires hoping to reduce the road noise but that didnt help. The gas mileage is lower than advertised being consistently 13.6 MPG combined city/highway (about 17 - 18 MPG highway). Also, its braking distance seems longer. There were several little problems for the first six months. This is our first Toyota and I have not seen a big difference in quality or performance.
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Good Value - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By spearing - June 15 - 3:16 amI purchased my 2001 Sequoia in Feb 2001 and currently have just over 127k miles. During my ownership i have never had any mechanical problems (thank God) and have had only a few cosmetic issues( had to replace a/c adjustment knob, rear hatch door latch, drivers side seat adj knob, and currently rear window not working/not sure if i will fix)Overall, it has been very reliable vehicle and still attracts plenty looks and complimentary comments to this day(20 in. chrome rims/ silver vehicle). Getting ready to invest a lil money in areas that are beginning to show some wear(exterior window moulding & seats .
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I Love My Sequoia! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Alipanzo - June 14 - 2:00 amWhen the Sequoia was first introduced, I wanted to have a closer look. I admired the 8-seat feature--thats a plus. It is so roomy in the rear; my children love it.
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More for Less - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By fmrapisura - June 14 - 2:00 amWith my Sequoia, Im impressed how Toyota was able to combine luxury, design, comfort, size and performance at a price below $45,000. At 17 mpg rating,(although Im only getting 16), Im glad that it uses only 87 octane gasoline.
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03 Sequoia Review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Kingfish - June 8 - 10:00 amGreat truck, owned grand cherokee, never will buy American SUV again
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An SUV to Keep - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By El Cid - June 4 - 10:00 amWe just bought one and it is great if you have a large family and are towing a boat. We love the interior space and the dvd is great for long trips. it accelerates very well andhandles nicely.
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Simply better made and thought through - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By inbox - June 4 - 10:00 amWe upgraded to Sequoia from a Chrysler T&C. Talk about night and day. Gone are the just-off fit and finish issues. Gone are the why didnt they just put one of those here... disappointments. This is our first non-"american" car, and I feel a but foolish for having clung to inferiority simply out of patriotism.
