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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  Reluctant sell BMW for a sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By dontay - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I must admit i hated parted with my BMW 5 series but after driving a sequoia i must say it was worth it. This car is great, I think this is the best suv for the money although it is a little pricey

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  Big Disappointment - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By jwwatl - January 19 - 12:00 pm

  After having a Ford Expedition, I would only buy a Toyota. This vehicle vibrates terribly. You will also lose your children if you open one of the rear windows while your driving. They will get sucked out the back and youll break your ear drums. This is a definite design flaw. Toyota is aware of this and is working on a redesign of the aero dynamics. I have heard that a bug guard and the rear spoiler help but Im getting rid of mine as soon as I can.

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  01 TOYOTA SEQ. - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By GJN - January 18 - 3:23 pm

  GREAT VEHICLE, PLENTY OF POWER, GAS MILEAGE IS A BIT OF A DISAPPOINTMENT, AROUND 15 MPG, LEATHER NOT AS HIGH A QUALITY AS IT SHOULD BE, OVERALL A NICE VEHICLE.

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  Nice SUV with some SERIOUS flaws. - 2011 Toyota Sequoia
  By feckman - January 17 - 3:22 am

  We recently purchased a 2011 Toyota Sequoia. It would be a great car but for the fact that many of the most important functions of the navigation system, radio, media system, etc. are *completely inaccessible* while the car is in motion! Clearly this is an issue of liability fears trumping usability or reason. Regardless, we would not have purchased the car had we known how difficult it would be to use. How a car maker thinks it is okay to tell me how to use the functions of an automobile I purchased is beyond me. Letting lawyers run a company is worse than letting inmates run an asylum. Its too bad, because it has all the makings of a great car. Instead its more like a nagging lawyer.

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  One Satisfied Customer - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jay Steven - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I have leased and driven (4) Ford Explorers over the past ten years and figured I would only drive Explorers forever. When my lease was nearing an end last month, I figured I look around at the competition. I drove the Volvo XC90, BWM X5 , VW Touareg, the latest Explorer and the Toyota Sequoia. Hands down, the Sequoia impressed me the most...and continues to every day.

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  2008 Toyota Sequoia Platinum - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Frank Di Bartolo - January 12 - 9:53 am

  I wanted an SUV that would give me all the bells and whistles of my Audi A8 and a great ride. I got all of this with my Sequoia Platinum. I drove everything out there from Caddies to Fords and all the imports, I found the Toyota to be the best choice. Fold flat seats were a very important factor for my two large dogs.

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  Reliability and holds its value - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By appel - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable car; found that they hold their value much better than the American versions; back seats a little difficult to fold down for backseat access; do like Fords folding flat seats. Love the SUV thus far.

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  priced better than a Land Cruiser - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By shooter - January 6 - 6:43 am

  i love my sequoia. i test drove several other suvs and found the sequoia to be the best ride, best looking and most luxurious with a third seat. i was very suprised initially when i was told i could get this ride under $40K!! i have recommended this truck to others and one has bought so far. go drive by a ford or chevy dealership and see how many exp/tahoes they have on the lot. toyota cant keep sequoias on their lots. they are the best suvs on the planet!!

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  What more could a soccer mom want? - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Timothy - January 1 - 7:50 pm

  This is the most practical and stylish vehicle I have owned. I refuse to drive a mini van; this was well worth the increased price. I can comfortably haul five kids for hours having them watch the big screen DVD in comfort. It is easy to drive and not expensive to maintain.

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  Electrical Problems - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By lauralee - December 27 - 12:06 pm

  This vehicle is an extremely comfortable SUV. The gas mileage is terrible, but size does matter. I have had issues with the electrical system, and now the air conditioning compressor. I cannot turn of the TRAC control off or on. Occasionally, the high beams are not usable. Now the air compressor just locked up. This vehicle has led a pampered life with all maintenance taken care of by dealerships. The mileage is only 68,000. What gives? This is my first Toyota, and I purchased because of the outstanding reputation for reliability. This has not been my experience with this vehicle. The gas mileage is also terrible. 15.6 MPG.