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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  Very Happy - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Richard - May 29 - 2:26 am

  We have owned Toyotas or Lexus for many years. We have a tacoma, 4Runner, Sienna, and now a 2003 Sequoia. I LOVE this vehicle. It handles great for such a large machine. Steering is tight and easy, breaks work smoothly, the interior design is excellent. No complaints! JBL sound system rocks! Smooth over bumpy roads.

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  Platiinum Mixed Bag - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By unclejay - May 28 - 1:16 pm

  Taken as a whole, this is a great vehicle, and great looking too. However, missing a few features (see below) and also the dash panels are the cheapest plastic imaginable, looks like a Kia Rio..

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  great fun to drive - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By tck - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Got my Sequoia before the Oct fee hike. The car runs like a sedan instead of a full size SUV. Accelerator responds smoothly and the brakes are fantastic. Kids loved the DVD player and all the room in the car.

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  Sequoia Limited 4wd - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By braindeadmomma - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sequoia! The three rows are fantastic, especially since they all fold down for when I have to put "stuff" in it. My two boys are in football, so we have all the practice equipment and everything. We bought the car a day before we drove to Florida, and had a great! experience. I tell everyone I know how much I love it. I will never buy any car other than a Toyota.

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  Glenns Toyota Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Glenn Starks - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has excellent handling, particularly for a SUV. It comes with a list of options, such as heated seats, front and rear temperature control, a 6- disk CD changer, and even front and rear audio controls. Its the perfect vehicle for a family to its size (room for 8 passengers) but also for the single guy who wants a large vehicle with style. I am extremely happy with my purchase and I always get compliments on its style. The only negative thing about the vehicle is its gas mileage.

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  Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By chelleeee - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good vechile, except there is no catch to open the gas tank if the mechanism should fail without taking off the skip plate. I hauled a travel trailer, and now need to replace the struts. I was told by the salesman when I bought this vechile that I could do this without any problems; he was wrong.

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  05 Sequoia is like most Toyotas! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Yota Fan - May 15 - 3:30 am

  Bought mine used from a dealer in SC. One owner well maintained! In a day when most folks are cashing in on great mileage vehicles I opt to sell my 4Runner at 21 mpg avg. for a 15 mpg avg. vehicle. Sounds crazy but it is at best a weekend vehicle and vacation SUV. This is what I wanted in the beginning when I bought the 4Runner new which I still love but just lacked the room. It has decent power and drives like my Suburban which is a work vehicle as far as smoothness and comfort. I am a Toyota fan to say the least and have been for 21 years since high school with my 1983 Celica GT which I wish I had back many times. The only thing I cant get to work is the Homelink for my garage.

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  What happened to Toyota? - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mom of Two - May 13 - 3:53 pm

  Previous happy Toyota owner. I have had nothing but problems - electrical problems with this SUV since I got it. Toyota seems to not care. I tried arbitration with no luck. My car at 2 yrs old spent ONE month at the dealer maintenance only to have more electrical problems. I cannot let it idle without it wanting to stall - such a bummer when stuck in traffic!! At the time of arbitration Toyota claimed that the car is working at that instant so there is no issue, they will continue to fix problems that arise. That is not product reliability to me. I think I got stuck with the lemon.

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  I will definitely by another one! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Brandy3612 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I have never had a vehicle that was so perfect for my family and myself. Its sporty yet it seats eight and its roomy but its not too big. I love the style and how this SUV rides and handles. I enjoy actually look forward to long drives now.

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  Great Vehicle - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By J. Muller - May 4 - 5:20 pm

  Fun to drive. Interior item locations not fully thought out. Some features are inconvenient to use.