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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  really impressed - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By cattle - June 22 - 2:16 pm

  I owned a 4 Runner prior to the Sequoia and my daughter owns a Camry, it is impossible to beat Toyotas quality.

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  Best SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By star - June 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my 03 SR5 2 weeks traded 02 trailblazer. This Toyota is OUTSTANDING no more chevys for me.A very nice quality machine. Great ride. I am so happy not sure what i can say except its not a GM. This is what a car/SUV or vehicle should be.

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  2011 Sequoia Platinum - 2011 Toyota Sequoia
  By 02z71 - June 20 - 6:41 am

  Overall, great truck. My first Toyota. GAs milage far better than I expected at 19.5 highway and 17 around town. That includes Firestone Destination AT aggressive tires. Ride is smooth and the room is amazing. Storage space is unparalleled. I got a great deal at the Toyota dealer in Auburn Mass and could not have been happier with that. aggressive off-road firestone destination AT,

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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By John - June 15 - 5:46 pm

  I bought my Sequoia just over a month ago due to finding out that I will be having another child. I absolutely love driving it, to bad it is primarily my wifes vehicle. I recently had to make a trip to NC from NY and decided to take the Sequoia to see how it did on a long drive. The MPG was great for it size, it averaged 19-20 on the highway. The ride was extremely smooth and I did not have to crank up the radio to hear it over the road noise. I only gave a 8 for comfort due to the fact that my wife, who is 52", has a hard time reaching the pedals and being relaxed at the same time. There is also an annoying little squeaking noise coming from the back seat somewhere.

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  2004 Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By jimbrink - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Well-built, superb finish, solid ride, a lot of pep from the engine, engine the smoothest Ive ever encountered, huge on the inside, the climate control and audio systems are excellent

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  Best overall large SUV. Hands down winner - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Costa Rica For Me - May 28 - 11:33 am

  Ive been a truck/suv guy all my life. When it became time to "put down" my Chevy Suburban I began diligent research to find its replacement. Without question this is the best large SUV all around for the money. Go ahead and shop Chevy, Ford, Caddy, GMC, M.Benz and most importantly DRIVE THEM. Toyota has them all beat in quality and reliability and performance. While M.Benz has an edge on interior luxury, it lacks in ALL other categories when compared. Sequoia is unbeatable as a family vehicle, especially if you plan to take long trips or tow a boat or camper. What it lacks in the "bling" factor it more than makes up for in the "cha-ching" factor--financially it makes good sense.

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  The best Ive ever owned! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By JTT - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The ONLY thing that the Sequoia lacks, of which I dont understand why they dont have it already, is the GPS and electronic maps! Other than that, the Sequoia is a 10!

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  The best of the best! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By doc182 - May 27 - 9:20 am

  The title explains it all!

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  pinch me - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Double J - May 26 - 10:00 am

  This truck is the one! Its fun to drive and the quality is TOPS! I do alot of travel (40,000) and this truck is awesome! Previous owner of a few 4- runners and thought the added room would come in handy. The resale on toyota product is great if you take care of your vehicle. Cant say enough good things about the sequoia. Go out and drive one today..........

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  Great Replacement for my LS430 - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By cypherjeff - May 23 - 10:00 am

  This is a great SUV. I looked all around to find a replacement for my LS430. I found it in the Sequoia. My wife wants this instead of her 2004 Sienna.