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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  Super SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JUNIOR JOE - June 9 - 12:46 am

  I bought the Sequoia used with 22,000 miles. The SUV has been super in every aspect except the front brakes, rotors warped three times, the Toyota dealer replaced at no charge to me for both rotors and pads. It is very comfortable on long trips for front and rear passengers. The average mpg is 16 that I can live with. Hauling my travel trailer it gets 11 mpg, still ok in my book, since the trailer weighs 5,500 lbs fully loaded. I have had no problem with the engine and transmission, both run very smooth.

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  Phanton Pearl Luxury At Its Best - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Roshaun46 - June 1 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle o much, I wanted a new car, but was unsure, I had been driving the ford explorer, now I am in heaven, the handling isg reat, its great on gas and the inside of the Sequoa Limited is all so special to me, the smell of the leather, the sun roof is so nice, the heated seats is devine, all mot like the Range Rover a far as luxury is considered, Toyota has done well with the Sequoa Limited.

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  Sequoia Rules - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By scojo - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Toyota quality, American largesse and bad to the bone looks and performance.

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  Gentle Giant - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By JohnnyD - May 29 - 11:33 pm

  I moved up from a 2004 Honda Pilot to this dream car. I wanted a vehicle that would effortlessly tow my boat and at the same time offer a smooth quiet ride during family road trips. This vehicle does both and how. Although it barely fits in my garage (!) it handles like a vehicle half its size. One thing that stands out is the turning circle. At first approach to a tight space in a parking lot, you have to fight the urge to back-up to straighten out the vehicle because of its size, yet it pivots nicely into any space.

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  Toyota Sequoia 2003 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By cfm jr - May 27 - 10:00 am

  A great vehicle. Meets all our family space needs. Comnfortable and spacious. Very smooth ride. Mileage about as expected for a car of this size. A small negative is the occasional surging of engine performance when on hilly roads in cruise control.

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  My Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mukund Khalasi - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I got the Toyota Sequoia 2003 in April and i love it. It has a lot of space and seating for up to 8 people, thats great for a big family. It also has 4WD so its great for the off road. It also has a VERY SMOOTH ride, you can hardly feel the ground.

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  sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By tiac11996 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I had a 4-Runner for seven years prior to this car. I loved my 4-Runner and only had to replace the battery in all those years. But the Sequoia drives so much smoother to be so much bigger. It is comfortable and has plenty of room. I have really enjoyed this SUV.

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  The Best Vehicle Ive Owned!!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By munchkin - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sequoia. From the drive to the comfort and ease in wich it handles there is nothing on the road today that I would buy other than the Sequoia. The gas mileage is great the room, there is enough for anything and everyone. I have driven and have owned alot of vehicles and this is the one for me. If you havent driven one you are mising out on the best suv out there today.

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  I love being a Toyota owner - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By trolinger1 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I love my toyota... its an ideal suv for a large family. It can seat 8 people comfortably and still have room for luggage, sports equipment or our giant dog.

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  Driver - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By William D - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Plenty of room, handles great and dependable!