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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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By ck_b2001 - February 24 - 6:26 pm

  Great SUV, Lots of power. Acceptable fuel economy. Lots of space. Handles like car. Great engine and transmission. Lots of std features. Build quality looks solid.

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  Great hockey family car! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Zany - February 18 - 1:16 pm

  Worth every penny for its 9 years and 234,000 miles to date!

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  Fun To Ride Rugged Look - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By sa - February 17 - 5:20 pm

  This is Hulk Fun to ride for road trips. Great comfort and superb performance offroad. easy to handle in city limits. Smooth Handling and braking system

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  Comfort and Roomy! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By LAR - February 17 - 7:36 am

  Now that I have had my Sequoia for a few months, I can honestly say for such a big vehicle it handles very smoothly. The engine is quiet, the power is unbelievable. I have a big family and needed a vehicle with room and the Sequoia has plenty and more to spare. Dont expect great gas mileage with this vehicle. Especially around town. But I wouldnt have bought it if I did. I only get about 9-10 MPG. I have never been in such a big vehicle that makes u-turns better then most cars I have owned. Back hatch-door is heavy enough to shut on its own without power option. We are a toyota family and after owning this beast of a machine I dont plan on changing.

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  King of the Hill - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sequoia2003 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with my Sequoia. It has the typical toyota build quality and a flawless drive train (might as well have a circle L on the hood). I do wish the diver seat was more comfortable. Also, the 3rd seat is a bit bouncy for a long ride. One of the great features is the reclining 2nd and 3rd row! I would buy another one in a heartbeat!

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  THIS is how to go on an Expedition! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By sequoier - February 9 - 10:40 pm

  The Tahoe has very comfortable seats, but I couldnt enjoy them over the racket the brand new demos interior made. Ive logged thousands of miles renting Expys, and they just arent fun to drive. The price difference was worth it, and I havent had a moments remorse. Funny, nobody else driving a 2wd in snow has anything but praise for the Seqs ability. One must learn how to drive this new technology, however. Dont expect it to be like anything else.

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  Total Satisfaction for The Big Family - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Big GIlk - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Caddy-ESV, Lincoln- Nav, and all the GMCs. They are all nice but the Sequoia has the best balance of power, space, and confort for a large family. The best resale value doesnt hurt, not one bit.

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  It drives like a car - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By vinny2vinny - February 7 - 9:50 am

  We did not have to take long to decide, the look is appealing form the outside, certainly much nicer that others in the same class. The inside is without question the best in class, comfortable and spacious. We then went on a test drive,it drives more like a car that a SUV, the responce from the engine when given a little throttle is exciting, you throw it into a corner and it sits on the road without that feeling of we are going to tip over. You must test drive this exciting vehicle.

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  Average SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By p1 - January 29 - 9:50 am

  This vehicle is underpowered, and in my opinion, was designed primarily for soccer moms transporting kids to and from the field/mall. It was not designed for trailer towing. We tow a 4000# trailer in the warmer months and the vehicle has a very hard time doing it. In trying to pass a slow moving vehicle let alone just accelerate, the engine makes a lot of noise but nothing happens. We are well within the towing limits of the vehicle given trailer weight, passenger/cargo weights etc. We already get bad gas mileage so having a larger engine really wouldnt change things; we would just get more power out.

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  2008 Toyota Sequoia Limited - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mike - January 24 - 4:36 pm

  Pound for pound, dollar for dollar there is no better SUV on the market. I consider myself a tough customer and after test driving the Navigator and Escalade, I knew the new Seqouia was best SUV in less than ten seconds. It drives like a dream.