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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  Artenas Funtoy - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Artena M. Tharp - January 13 - 12:40 pm

  I have wanted this particular for years; now that I finally have one, I am more than pleased with all the features and I am completely satisfied with the amount of gas the tank holds, the mileage that I get with this vehicle, and the complete luxury and comfort of this vehicle. I would strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone that can/cannnot afford it. Its worth the money and the experience. This vehicle itself is a look of the future comings. I just really enjoy this vehicle to the fullest; the children enjoy the entertainment as much as I enjoy driving and owning it!

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  $300 repair - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By eric135 - January 8 - 10:21 pm

  Purchased 2005 Sequoia and at 97K check engine light and VSC light dealer quoted $3000 to repair internal engine switches. WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA.

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  brakes - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By pamphil@vvm.com - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck. My only complaint is the brakes. I think the brakes arent strong enough for the vehicle. I can drive 55 mph with the emergency brake on! that is after it being adjusted.

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  Follow up review - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob - January 6 - 9:56 am

  After putting on over 20000 miles since purchase, I wanted to state that this vehicle is still enjoyable to operate. The vehicle still "feels" new and has not given us any problems. We use it to travel extensively around the country attending basketball tournaments that my granddaughter plays in. Always comfortable for the occupants and plenty of room for the gear.

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  Sequoia Review - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chad Gosda - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Very quiet ride and engine; extremely reliable; very spacious, with great usability and versatility on use of the cabin/cargo space; easy to operate; respectable gas mileage, better than peers; for such a powerful V-8, nice look. Do know that this is a large, full-size vehicle, tougher to manuever and drive for those inexperienced.

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  Not impressed - what next? - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Very high maintenanc - December 27 - 7:53 am

  Lift gate window motor went out right after warranty expired, 3 years old, Ive replaced all the interior door handles because they broke off ($100 a pop), constant brake problems, $500 avg price to fix every time the rotors have to be machined and brake pads changed, which is about once a year. Ive spent about $4000 in repairs due to poor build.

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  2008 Sequoia Warranty Repair@763 miles? - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By PIF - December 8 - 2:40 pm

  I only had the vehicle for 763 miles before a metal piece dropped on the floor as I adjusted my steering column. Now the steering column moves up and down, and can not lock into place. The service people wanted me to wait 2-3 weeks for an appointment. Would you drive a car like that? I said no. Toyota Quality?

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  toyota - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By miketango - December 8 - 10:00 am

  good exterior,beautiful leather interior,antitheft from toyota,entertainment system,spacious,smooth driving,dayrunning light,moonroof,many cup holders,many storage compartments,easy to drive.

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  5 years behind the curve - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
  By Gary - December 6 - 2:50 pm

  First of all there is no engine choice. Ford Eco Boost and BMW x5 turbo charged engines get twice the gas milage. I get 10-12 MPG and drive from gas station to gas station. Toyota lags behind in safety technology compared to other models of the same year. Many Toyotas dont come with Blind Spot monitor, collision avoidance, GPS systems that you can see. I had to get the Platinum Series to get all the safety features and AC seats but lost a second row seats. There is no option for a second row bench. The Platinum is now a 7 passenger vehicle, not 8 as advertised. The lease program for toyotas are way too expensive. The same class of vehicle in Lexus or Mercedes is $400 a month cheaper. The Navigation system is the worst of any, repeat any car out there. Its located 6 inches to the right of center closer to the passenger than the driver. Its not inset so the Florida sun glare makes it impossible to read. When you can read it the print is too small and leaning over to the right to use the touch pad or see the back up camera is unsafe. I repeat, its unsafe to use. The voice controls are useless as it takes 3-5 tries to get it to understand. I gave up and put my garmin between the steering where I can see it. I cant wait to get rid of this car.

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  Best Vehicle Ive ever owned! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Susie - December 1 - 4:56 pm

  I bought this SUV used and have never had to have any work done on it except normal upkeep. It is the most comfortable car Ive ever owned. When replacement time comes, I will replace it with another Sequoia.