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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  What Quality - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By California Guy 2 - April 19 - 10:00 am

  All I ever heard in the Toyota is higher in Quallity and Resale value then domestics. I like to really drive my SUV as a SUV. Bought this truck just because everyone including Edmund rated it highly. Just driving the Toyota on mostly smooth dirt trails, I have had to have all CV joints re-lubed twice. I have needed to be pulled out of soft sandy soil that my friend with 2wd Tahoe drove straight thru.

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  A Fig Bucking Truck - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By sirhcnalod - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have 2,000 mi on my SR5 4x4 and it feels like Im driving down the street riding in my barcalounger. Awesome ride, I have wife, 2 kids, 2 Goldens & we all enuf space. JBL steaeo is great, blindspot, we know where that is.....are you listening Toyota?.....this is my 3rd Toyota (pickup, camry, sequoia), love em all

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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jeff - April 9 - 12:40 am

  We purchased it used, at a great deal, two years ago. Weve put 25,000 miles on it since and couldnt be more pleased. Works great for our family of five. Weve had no problems so far and love the way it drives. We get a little over 16 mpg through the hills and mountains of East Tennessee.

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  Lovin our Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Texas YapYap - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Wife did her time in a worn 95 Volvo 850 wagon (now with 106K miles). With three kids that are no longer babies, we needed room for them and friends. She loves this car. I think the thing we love the most is how the car rides. Its just very, very comfortable.

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  Undenibly the best for me! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By tony9988 - April 3 - 9:50 am

  Cant hear the outside traffic! Rides like the Continental! Superb command of the road! Power is there, just step on it! The truth is... if you test drive one youll buy one!

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  Sequoia Review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By pluto - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Love it; Fun to drive; Comfortable

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  considering one? - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By mang - April 1 - 2:00 am

  If you are considering this vehicle stop here. I went to Chicago Auto show and sat in all Suvs and can tell you this is the best! The seating and capacity will blow all competitors away. My neighbors bought a Denali and said they wish they wouldve bought a Sequoia after seeing mine. Just remember. It may be a little more $ but you get what you pay for!

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  Rear Hatch has flaws - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Nicole - March 29 - 6:56 am

  I was disappointed with this vehicle. I had always heard how wonderful Toyota was and actually I liked my jeep grand cherokee much better. I only traded it because I needed a bigger vehicle. The rear liftgate has been stuck shut 7 times and this seems to be a common problem. Also - the rear window stopped working after about 50K miles. When the seats are folded up, they slam backwards and can catch a kids hand or foot if youre not careful. I also think for the price, the passenger side should have a power lumbar (like the Chevys and Jeeps have). Overall - the seats are stiff and not comfortable - when I trade I will be going back to Jeep or to a Suburban.

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  Best Purchase - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By luvthatsequoia - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Had this 03 for a few weeks and love it. Huge interior space, can pack the kids in easily. Power is no problem, handles superbly on the highway. Very quiet on all types of roads. Interior is sound and of high quality. Exterior design turns heads. Definately recommend this one.

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  Love my Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By 2005 Sequoia - March 18 - 2:06 am

  We bought the Sequoia new from the dealership and got an awesome price. We have used it to tow our boat and friends to the lake with no problems. We have 2 kids and plenty of room, barely use the 3rd row. Only had 1 recall on the tailgate hydraulics. We have 45k miles and no hints of any problems. We put the Michelin tires on and much better ride (if possible). I love the comfort as a driver and as a passenger. Plenty of room even in the back passenger seats. We hauled 8 volleyball players to a long distance tournament and no space complaints. I love this model but I am not happy to see the 2009 look. Looks too much like a Durango. Hopefully when we need a new one they will look different!