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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  Its Okay - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By CypressTX Driver - May 3 - 12:00 am

  Its okay, my wife loves it and it is her car. To date no major problems with it, weve only had it for a year. There are a few things that dont work the way I expect them after driving domestic vehicles all my life but I cant say theyre done wrong. One nice thing is it gets pretty good mileage for a large SUV. Over all the vehicle has no personality. But so far it has been reliable and the wife likes it.

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  Looks and runs great but its a rust time bomb! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ben - April 30 - 6:48 am

  I purchased this older vehicle to replace my money pit 96 Suburban and considered getting rid of my car as well. While replacing the exhaust I found that the frame was rotted out in the back behind where the tail pipe muffler was located. This discouraged me greatly as I had heard these vehicles had this issue - but mostly the tundras were affected from what Ive read even though its the same frame. On the outside you would never know and even looking underneath you wouldnt see it because the exhaust system is hiding it from plain view. I contacted Toyota and they opened a case only to tell me that this vehicle was already serviced for this reason in February 2013 for the frame issue where they removed surface rust and treated it. It appears that the frame is rusting from the inside I think that they didnt treat the passenger rear corner because of the exhaust would be in the way. I thought I had purchased a dependable vehicle only to find out that its a pile of scrap now. It still drives great but I purchased it to tow which I will not do now - I hope to get rid of it before this rust time bomb explodes.

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  Significant Noise Problem - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ketan Vyas - April 26 - 1:43 am

  I bought a new Sequoia in June 2006. The very first time I drove on interstate I noticed humming noise of drive shaft at speed of 60 mph. This is some time appreciated in old real wheel drive cars. But not in a new vehicle which costs $52000. I cannot get either dealer or Toyota to fix this or take the vehicle back. In order to stay comfortable you need to drive at the speed lower than 60 mph. I am amazed the way I am treated by Toyota and the dealership. I used to be a Toyota fan. I recommend everyone to drive this vehicle on highway before buying. I am sure some of other sequoia owners might have experienced the same problem what Toyota calls "normal characteristic of vehicle."

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  In love with my Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By bdw2 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Unbelievable beauty, comfort, safety, reliability, and CLASS!! No problems in over two years........(this site would not allow me to put in the actual year, which is a 2001..Arrows dont work for year of car) Always prefer to take this vehicle over my husbands Mercedes, which is newer. I have the niftiest car and would not EVER drive anything but a Toyota. My Forerunner was outstanding and this is even better, if possible...........Thanks Toyota!!!!!

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  So glad I chose this car! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Liz - April 9 - 9:13 pm

  I looked at many of the large SUVs and found the Toyota is the best bang for the buck! It is well known that Toyotas hold their resale value. This car drives so smoothly, has an awesome turning radius, I carpool as many as 7 kids at a time and still have the trunk for groceries, stroller, backpacks. The middle row pops up easily for kids to climb in the back row. Also, I have car seats which actually still fit 3 across! I dont feel like such a soccer mom driving around in this luxurious ride... oh and cup holders a plenty!

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  RELIABLE FAMILY VEHICLE!!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By anthonydw6 - April 5 - 9:58 am

  bought this truck used in 2009, i wish i knew how many miles, anyways we always traveled back and forth from Houston to Louisiana, in 10 we got a new battery, in 12 we replaced the alternator. We recently sold her because we got 3 new vehicles and this truck was almost at 200k miles and needed some tlc, we just did not have any money in the budge with 3 other car notes. But this baby was a joy to have and we always felt so safe inside. The day we let her go was just hard to believe, but we do hope she will bring joy to another family or something

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  Just one thing missing! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By SequoiaNut - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I think we all should keep a hush hush about the sequoia, because I am afraid that like all things when more people know about it, they will spoil it. Sshh Dont tell them how good it is, you know "Supply and Demand". Sshh

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  good, smooth suv - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By kim10 - April 2 - 10:00 am

  no problem after 1 year. good drive on ice and snow

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  I love my Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Regena Hoglan - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Sequoia since November. Have had no problems. Just took a family trip in June to the Mountains. Very comfortable ride. My 2 kids loved having their own row of seats...

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2011 Toyota Sequoia
  By pmm12 - March 28 - 7:41 pm

  I do not often take time to write a review but since I used the reviews on this site for a variety of auto purchases I thought it was time to contribute. The Sequoia is a terrific truck. Handles very well, turn radius in tight spots is remarkable for a big truck and the pick-up is much better than any of this trucks competitors we have driven. The 4 wheel drive is the best I have ever used. We saw many off road jeeps get stuck in the sand and mud but the Sequoia did not. Plenty of room inside and comfortable, cruises on the highway at 70 to 80 mph with no strain. Second and third row seats can be adjusted and changed simply. Loves the snow and built like a tank.