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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  After 4 Days - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By BigBeav - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Disapointed on some simple features missing I expected to be in this price range of a vehicle. Being my first Toyota I expected some features found in lower costing vehicles. My bigest dissapoinments were the inside lights having no switch on the dashboard to turn them on to look back at night to see if the kids are okay. My wife is upset no vanity lights were on the visors Will post again in 6 months once I am more familure of the vehicle.

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  Good overall SUV, some flaws - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By b42346 - August 3 - 11:32 pm

  Overall good SUV. We bought it brand new in fall of 2005. But, we actually liked our 2 previous Chevy Suburbans WAY more. We got the Limited Sequoia with DVD. The 3rd row seat is actually comfortable for adults. In just 6 years, we have put approx. 130,000 miles. The gas mileage is horrible. I get 15 combined. Next cars will be a Suburban or Audi Q7 diesel for the fuel economy. Also, acceleration left something to be desired.

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  Best SUV Out There - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By toyota lover - August 2 - 2:00 am

  We hunted high and low for an SUV that was big enough to hold kids and dogs but that was not too big to take up too much room in the garage. We found it in the Toyota Sequoia!

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  toyota sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Hernando - July 22 - 10:00 am

  This is a vehicle with all the bells and whistles. Comfortable and fun to drive. The only thing that needs changing is the straps that hold the second row of seats up when they are folded. Without the straps, the seats come tumbling down. The straps do come loose on their own and could cause damage to your cargo. This is a very poor design and I believe Toyota forgot to include a locking mechanism for the second row of seats until the first Sequoia came off the line. Then they realized they needed to do something and this is what they came up with as an afterthought.

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  Our 2000 - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By T&K - June 27 - 2:00 am

  We got ours in 2000 , and love it we also get better gas mileage than most at 20 to 23 for one of the largest Suvs. It was also funny when we moved to Hawaii the dealer did not no what it was.LOL

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  very disappointed - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By cjh - June 22 - 10:26 pm

  Serious drivetrain problems the dealer says that its all in our minds. I have been through four sets of tires since May of 03. We have had the truck serviced on time, we have have to replace the brakes. We had problem starting two weeks after we purchased it. This is was a brand new truck with 20 miles on it the day of purchase. I will not purchase another Toyota. We were in the market to purchase our daughter a car, but it will not be a toyota now.

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  Loving it!! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By momof2 - June 22 - 2:30 pm

  I love my Sequoia! It is great for the kids. It is everything I thought it would be and more. It is a comfortable ride and easy to handle. It has such a sophisticated look!

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  Buy One - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By 4x4 fun - June 14 - 1:23 am

  I just purchased a 2010 Toyota Sequoia and it was the best full sized suv i have ever purchased. It is powerful and it is very capable,on and off road. The Jbl synthesis sound system is fantastic and i enjoy driving it over long periods of time. The fuel milage is not good, but this truley is one of the best full sized suv on the market today. I Would recomond it over the Expedition,Tahoe, Yukon, and the Armada any day.

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  My new sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Joel Conrad - June 14 - 1:16 am

  Have owned the vehicle for one month. Have driven across country and found the vehicle to be great on the road. Actually encountered blizzard conditions one day in Canada and the vehicle was terrific in the difficult driving conditions. So far I am very satisfied with the SUV. The only issue that I have is I could not order exactly the vehicle that I wanted.

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  I LOVE MY SEQUOIA! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By KDay - June 13 - 6:43 am

  I cannot think of a negative thing to say about my sequoia! I have enjoyed it completely! The back seats are a little hard to remove but I dont have to do that often