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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  Pros/Cons - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Paul Dobrovolskis - September 10 - 5:26 am

  I needed a full size SUV that had trailer towing capacity that gave me room to play when towing a boat. I have had Toyotas in the past and though always scant on creature comforts have been extremely well made and reliable. My last clocked in at 450,000 km and only died due to an accident. Issues IPOD connectivity useless to non existent. Dont bother with the Toyota cable. Navigation package useless. Very error laden, extremely user unfriendly, better to buy an aftermarket system. A 150$ garmin will outperform the Toyota navigation. Gas cap has no lock. Oil changes, uses a cartridge filter that few aftermarket dealers have. Dealers even hate doing changes.

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  disappointment - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By txag - September 8 - 3:56 am

  While I love the size and comfort compared to other SUVs, I have had a number of non-drive train problems, none of which the dealership would fix under warranty, despite the truck being less than 3 years old. Antenna no longer retracts, several pieces of interior molding have had to be replaced, including the drivers side door handle, motor on liftgate window burnt up after only a couple of years, and the air conditioner is a piece of junk. Not only does the AC control decide whether youre getting hot or cold air depending on the temperature you choose (and it varies with outside temp), but the strength of the air output changes if you change the temperature, or if you accelerate.

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  Sequoia Nice SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tom - September 7 - 3:33 pm

  This is my third SUV and it is the best. Very comfortable and reliable. I have not had a single problem. Would buy again.

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  Great family car - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Love it! - August 23 - 3:10 pm

  Love this car! What a great car for our long road trips and also all the in town day to day driving too. Nav and the DVD are great and a must have. The third seat comes in handy for extra family in town and can fold up or be taken out easily. The 2nd row bucket seats that recline with very large console is very nice and our teenager loves it. We will have this car for many years to come. We get 14.3 mpg in town.

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  Love My Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Serious Consumer - August 23 - 2:30 am

  I have had this SUV for over a year now and am just as pleased with it now as when I first bought it. The best vehicle purchase I have ever made. I love everything about this vehicle! I love the design, performance, comfort, everything.

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  Towing - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By elknutz - August 19 - 12:50 pm

  We all know how the Sequoia drives under normal conditions, but hook up a travel trailer and enjoy it even more. Our fully loaded Limited includes the air bag suspension which keeps the vehicle level without having to transfer additional weight to the front end. After a weekend outing to the Oregon Coast I was very impressed with the power this rig has. The combo with our 29 Tango was no match for climbing or descending the Oregon Coast Range. The transmission shifted with ease while in the tow mode and is simply a workhorse. The Sequoia handled better than any other truck / trailer combo I have driven over the last 15 years.

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  Amazing - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By momof3boys - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Sequoias right off the delivery truck. it had .02 miles on it when i got behind the wheel. I love it. I must admit, however, that I have had some big trouble with it. At 12,000 miles the brakes needed to be replaced and the compressor for the a/c quit. Again at 19,000 the brakes were bad. The service writer told me that this was a design flaw, and replaced my brakes with Land Cruiser brakes. They tell me that the sequopia was jsut to heavy for the original braking equipment. All issues have been adressed and I couldnt be happier. Heck, I get 14.8 MPG around town!!!

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  2002 Sequoia Limited 4x4 - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By HS - August 11 - 5:43 am

  Fun vehicle to drive. It is very well built and plenty of standar features. I felt that the 10 speaker description on the window tag is misleading. They count the front door speakers as two because is has a tow elements (tweeter and wolver - if I am describing it right). But even count this speaker as two each, I still can not find two of the ten speakers. The sound system could be a little better.

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  Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By beechtiger - August 8 - 2:00 am

  It is an excellent vehicle with roomy spaces for 8 passengers. It is also a well-designed vehicle.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By seano - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have own many SUVs over the years. I always wanted to drive American (this SUV is buildt in America). Toyota is great best in class. The little know fact that it runs on Reg. Unleaded gas is a day to day savings. The truck handle very well in Snow when FWD is used. For the price and value very much worth the look.