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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  2008 toyota sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By jose chavez - May 21 - 8:00 am

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  The Best Vehicle I Ever Owned - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By briemer - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This Is simply "The Best Vehicle I Ever Owned". Quiet, Smooth, Comfort...Class act all the way...

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  Great Family Vehicle - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By russo188 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Our family of 5 (3 boys) and friends can ride comfortably in this SUV The drive is incredible. We have had numerous SUVs. My husband was a die hard Chevy man and Toyota has changed him!

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By akers1996 - May 13 - 2:23 am

  Purchased it two weeks ago. Love it, best SUV I have owned. Fuel mileage could be better but hey its a SUV. Plenty on interior room, beautiful vehicle on the outside. Very glad I bought it.

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  review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By nowwhat - May 2 - 10:00 am

  We are very very very very very very very happy with this suv

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  Room for Improvement - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Guffey Time - April 29 - 6:13 am

  We live in a very rural area on dirt roads. We were amazed at how this vehicle allows the dust to come in. The rattles in the car are very irritating. The bluetooth does NOT work. The person on the other end says that it sounds like you are in a tunnel and cannot hear. Toyota cannot fix the problems! The towing is amazing which is the only reason I am keeping the car. You pay 52000 for a car, you expect a little more - not dust and rattles.

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  very well designed - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By ranma22 - April 28 - 2:26 am

  The primary reason I liked this vehicle is the exterior design - it looks luxurious and comparable to the Land Cruiser. The fender wall makes this vehicle muscular. After I purchased the vehicle, I was very satisfied w/ the handling and comfort of driving. What about the engine? It feels very powerful. The actual mileage Im getting so far driving on surface streets is about 12 to 13 miles per gallon; on the freeway, Im getting about 14 miles per gallon. I logged all mileage and gallons of gas when I fill up my tank so thats how I obtained the numbers.

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  04 Seqouia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Filmwritin - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The fit and finish on this vehicle is excellent. Better all around than expected. Much more quality and comfort for the dollar then the domestic competition.

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  2010 Platinum 4x4 Platinum Sequoia - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By endotoothdoc - April 25 - 2:40 pm

  We traded in a Lexus Hybrid for this vehicle and have been very pleased. It provides the feeling of driving a living room on wheels. Extremely comfortable on both short and long trips. The third row is truly functional as well as comfortable. I recommend the power option for the third row seats. Would highly recommend this vehicle for a family that needs a "luxury" ride for great reliability. We were between a mini- van and this Sequoia, but in reality there is no comparison after you drive this vehicle.

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  2 Sets of Brakes - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By HBR - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Overall pleased with the vehicle after one year, but have been through one set of brakes and routers and are having problems again. A friend of mine is having the same problem with his LandCruiser. This was not covered by warranty as it was deemed "normal wear and tear" despite the fact that the car only had 15,000 miles. Dealer said they had them in at 9,000 miles before. Otherwise very pleased with vehicle.