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:

• 

  Bought used at 90K miles, doing great - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By UncleTurbo - August 7 - 9:10 am

  I needed a vehicle to tow a 2 horse trailer on a $10K budget. Found my Sequoia used with 89K miles in Oct. 2008. The dealer had detailed it so that it took a lot of hard looking to tell it was not a new car. Still at 90K miles you have to wonder. I checked it over and bought it and immediately changed all the fluids and made sure all maintenance was up to date. This motor needs a new timing belt at 90K and got that done, changed the plugs and they might have been the originals. The gas mileage computer showed the previous owner got 14 mpg. I am getting 18 overall. Great used vehicle for me, no issues now at 110K miles and 1 1/2 years later. Pulls the trailer great, lot of room.

• 

  Toyota sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By friday_s - August 3 - 10:43 am

  The Sequoia is a much quieter ride. There is not a lot of wind noise, rattles and engine noise. The body roll on the Sequoia is less than either the 99 Suburban or the 97 4Runner we previously owned. This is the closest SUV Ive driven that feels like a car. You dont feel that tilt near as much when taking a fast turn. Overall I like this vehicle quite a bit over any other large-extra large SUV.

• 

  The best mid size suv - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jamin - August 3 - 10:00 am

  After 22k miles and several long trips towing our boat, I am comfortable writing that the Sequioa is a dependable and hard working truck. I would buy another one without hesitation.

• 

  Outstanding - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sherron - August 3 - 10:00 am

  We have had the Sequoia for three weeks. The Limited looks for 2003 are beautiful. The interior is refined and comparable to LX470. I see no real difference between the two except the lesser $20,000.00 price and the fact we have much more room. We look forward to years of pleasure driving it. My only complaint is that I never get to drive it as my wife beats me to it. She has left for IS300 to me though.

• 

  Cant match it.... - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dr Val - August 2 - 7:03 am

  Loving it all the way!!!

• 

  Sequoia -Great car - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Diane SS - July 29 - 11:53 pm

  When we first bought this suv I thought we had made a mistake because of its size, after a short amount of time I loved the size, comfort, power and ride. This is a safe suv to drive and is easy to manuever in traffic, the pick-up is great. I would buy another Sequoia.

• 

  Great Car! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Monica Castillo - July 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is great and fun to drive! The only problem I have expereinced since purchasing this car is the poor quality in its brakes. I had to replace the first pair of brake pads at only 11,000 miles (less then a year of owning this car). The brake pads were also on a two week back order when my car needed the brakes replaced. Which means to me that Toyota needs to work a little bit harder on resolving their brakes issue. Obviously if there is such a huge demand on their brake pads, something is wrong????

• 

  Still Loving It - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By gary from IL - July 25 - 10:00 am

  Bought this SUV new in 2001. Traded in a 4 Runner. Now have nearly 100M miles. We have had no mechanical problems of any kind. Great Vacation Car. Great Car for hauling kids stuff to college. The highway comfort and ride is the best I have experienced in any vehicle. It is large for hauling stuff but there is no bouncing or truck like handling. No rust, no rattles, steering and brakes still solid after nearly 10 years. We dont drive off road, but the Sequoia is great in the snow here in Chicago. Good speed and acceleration for highway passing. Mileage is superb for a vehicle this size. Better than our Acura MDX and friends Explorer.

• 

  The Beast - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Toni MB - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is so huge it took me a month to be able to park it! :) But it was all worth it. My whole family loves it, its the most flexible car weve ever owned, it meets all our needs.

• 

  2004 Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By uh33nowit - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent drive with great Toyota build quality