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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  I am in love with my Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Patty Sepulveda - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I did some research on the suvs I reallyliked and the Sequoia was the best. In most cases was the same but in others was better. It has a lot of space and is not as big as others. Besides it has wonderful security and great features. I am totally in love with it. It is very reliable and the warranty is the best one Ive seen so far.

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  Great SUV, But Expensive - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By garyp - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Goood looks, great features and seats 7 plus. Bought it to haul the family and it does that quite well! About to experience an east coast winter; should be no sweat with 4 wheel drive and a V8. Fit and finish are top notch, just as with every Toyota Ive owned.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By toothman - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my dream car! It handles great, very responsive, brakes well. Its easy to access the third row seats. My kids can get back there without help. The AC works well. I live in AZ and it blows cold air.

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  Poor Workmanship - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By JS3 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd Toyota Ive owned. The Seqoia build quality is poor and has several flaws: 1)no interior handle for opening the rear hatch gate 2)door latches fail frequently if exposed to dust - i.e if you leave the pavement 3)various interior plastic parts/covers fall off 4)paint scratches very easily 5)CD player has broken twice

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  I love my truck BUT... - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Baron - September 24 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sequoia. I think it is the best looking of the full size SUVs and I usually get 18-20 mpg which is good for an 8 seat SUV. However, I have not found my Toyota to be as well built as my Hondas. I am constantly replacing interior trim pieces that and have replaced all of my interior door handles. My overall maintenance bill his higher with this vehicle than with my Hondas too. It it is not an O2 sensor dying or a CV boot splitting it is my bushings for my rack and pinion steering or something else. This thing eats break pads like dessert. Nonetheless, I still like the truck but just have some $ set aside for maint.

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  Engine Issues - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By mcgeem1 - September 22 - 12:56 pm

  It is embarassing to drive this car on cold mornings. When it is below 40 degrees out, the motor sounds like there is no oil in it. It taps so loud that people look to see what the clatter is. Toyota corporate claims that this is normal but they will not put it in writing. This vehicle drives like a luxury car. The motor is peppy. The handling is responsive. The moon roof squeaks a lot. the dealer allegedly replaced something but the visible components still had wear marks after the alleged replacement. I think they greased it. it was quiet for about five months. There is also a loud cracking sound from the front end that the dealer has not been able to find (under warranty)

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  MLSmith comments - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mark & Linda - September 18 - 10:00 am

  To date we have no second thoughts about our choice to buy the Sequoia. It has lived up to every expectation we had. We intially wanted a smaller SUV but once we were exposed to the Sequoia there really wasnt any other choice.

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  GREAT SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Archie - September 18 - 10:00 am

  If you have a little bit more to spare, why not go for the best one...The Sequioa is definitely better than the Suburban, Expedition, Escalade..you name it. I had mine for 18 months now and still feels like its brand new.

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  Best Buy for under 45K! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By S. Rand - September 15 - 10:00 am

  We considered EVERY SUV on the market for 45K or less b4 buying (Tahoe, Envoy, Jeep, Yukon, etc). We took the time to dive/ride in each one b4 deciding. Ultimately Toyota held its value the longest, had the nicest feel (plushy) and reliability, and got us the most bang for our buck. Would recommend to all and would rebuy!

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  SEQUOIA - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By WCPM - September 12 - 10:00 am

  this is how others suvs should be built