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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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By JAR - September 1 - 2:33 am

  Last year we purchased the vehicle out of a five year lease because it had been so reliable and functional. For the first time, I couldnt find anything in the market that I preferred having. With 94k miles, it still drives like new. We plan to keep it for several more years and miles. It is a great road car and very comfortable to drive not only for the driver and the front passenger but passengers in the back seat as well. We have been surprised how often we choose to travel by driving than flying.

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  Best of Best - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By LizC - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Best SUV ever driven

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  Comfortable Road Trips - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By nt - August 28 - 12:56 am

  For a family of four this SUV takes us where we want without any bad experiences on the road. From our Chicago home to the mountain roads of Mt.Rushmore or to the Niagara Falls, two trips to New York, occasional camping trips this truck just keeps on going. I just had two repairs since I own this sequoia; one for the rear passenger ac climate control and the rear window wiper motor replaced.

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  Oh what a Feeling - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By pam - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2003 Toyota Sequoia, bought it new and at approx 8,000 miles it now has a pecking noise in the engine. I have had it back to the dealership several times and they tell me that it is a design flaw in the engine called "PISTON SLAP". It sounds like a diesel engine. Have contacted California with no success. Does Toyota really stand behind their products? What a feeling to ride in a pecking $40,000 vehicle. Their response is you still have a lot of warranty left. If it started pecking a approx 8,000 miles and still doing it at 13,000 miles by the time it has 50,000 miles it will be junk.

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  My family fun suv - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By vivaldo - August 21 - 3:36 pm

  I purchased our Sequoia in March, a few days later we were on our way to Pismo Beach. I really enjoyed the smooth ride and the level of comfort on our trip up North. My kids got to enjoy the DVD system and my wife and I enjoyed our Siruis sat. radio. We were going to buy an Armada but when we saw the Sequoia it just captured our heart and our wallet. Sorry Nissan!

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  LOVE IT - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Susan - August 19 - 2:26 pm

  This is my first Toyota. I plan on buying another of the same one. I love it. Ive owed several SUVs that drive like trucks -very rough - not this one! Smooth like a car. I have a long commute, so it is much appreciated.

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  A Great and comfortable ride - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Danoh20 - August 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a geat SUV that puts the familly into a vechicle. It rides and drives like a much smaller car! (Yes I said Car) I enjoy it creature comforts and put a-lot of satifaction and peace of mind that I drive a safe and reliable Toyota.

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  Worth waiting for - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By cactus jack - August 17 - 10:00 am

  Tested the QX56,Navigator,Escalade,Land Crusier and GX470, 2005 Sequoia was far superior to them all in value and price. So instead of buying a 2004 that has already lost its value, waited a month for my dealer to get in the new 2005 Sequoia. The new luxury package makes Sequoia a true competitor. Roomy, quiet, and has all the bells and whistles describes the new 2005 Sequoia Limited. My wife was so impressed with the vehicle (she drives an MDX) she is considering getting her own 2005 Sequoia. Cant say enough about the Sequoia, Toyota reliablity, dependable, good resale, high demand. Keep up the good work Toyota!

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  Toyota Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mark - August 16 - 10:53 pm

  Great vehicle inside and out. I wish it had better fuel mileage, but it is an SUV. Highly recommended.

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  Family fights to drive the Sequoia! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Curtis Berge - August 10 - 11:43 am

  ItÂ’s a 2004, owned for 18 months, with 21K. It has been very reliable, so far. Yea its large, yet doesnt ride like a big a boat. Makes you feel like your driving a vehicle half the size. Has a smooth, comfortable ride in any seat. Engine has nice pick up and the gas mileage isnt as bad as I thought it would be. I have gotten up to 19 miles to the gallon (speed limit driving) on the highway! Love this SUV!