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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Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Coug120 - May 20 - 10:00 amI really like this SUV. I had a Expedition before and I think the Sequoia is much better. Has more leg room and I like driving my car better than the Ford. Toyota you have made one of the best SUVs in the world.
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Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Imran Virani - May 20 - 10:00 amI really enjoy the vehicle. Due to the nature of the vehicle, I find it difficult feeding it gas all the time. I also enjoy the spaciousness it has to offer compared to other SUVs in its class.
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The Age of the Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By Richard Golden - May 18 - 5:46 amThis is one magnificent vehicle to own! The interior is comfortable and large, the overall size of this monster is magnificent, and it hold 8 most comfortably. This is one fine vehicle for the price, and has the Toyota quality that makes it so much superior to the rest. A fine example of how a large SUV can also drive like a car and not like a truck. A smooth ride!
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This is really a great SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By kelvin x - May 15 - 12:36 amThis is my first large SUV. I traded in my 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander XLS for the Sequoia SR5. And I am very happy with it. I feel like the king of the road. I compared it to GMC, Chevy, Nissan and Mazda and the Sequoia stood out more to me with better engine performance 381 hp! 401 lbs torque, wow, better mpg, interior quality, comfort and better looking than most. Just buy it, you wont regret it!
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Best money I have spent on a vehicle - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Brandon Valentine - May 11 - 8:36 amI bought my 03 Limited with 60k miles. Today I have 175k. I changed the timing belt at 105k (book recommends at 95k). Average 15.7 mpg. It does like to use brake pads, but nothing unexpected from a large SUV. I get it serviced at the dealership and keep the regular maintenance. The rear window motor went $500. It went a year later and I have not repaired it. Other than that this vehicle is reliable. I am confident taking long road trips with it even at 175k miles. My family of 5 and 2 dogs and all the luggage fit comfortably. My wife wants to replace it with a new one, but I see no need. My heart will be heavy the day I part with this vehicle. 10/27/016, It now has 195k. Took it for a 6k road trip last summer; Phoenix to Michigan and back with much wandering in between. Just last week had to replace the rear gate latch for the second time ($508). This Sequoia is still the best money I have ever spent. 4/27/017, 201k miles. Does not burn oil and does not leak. The seats are beginning to show wear; leather cracked on passenger side front seat. Still the best money I ever spent on a vehicle. Finally parted with her after 206k. Still the best money I ever spent on a vehicle.
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Sequoia Review - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Gary Wentzel - May 9 - 2:00 amTraction is very good on snow and ice. Easy to drive and is very responsive. Plenty of room. Leather interior is very nice.
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Great SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By dnacrook - May 7 - 10:00 amJust got back from a camping trip and the 4 wheel drive worked great. Our friends brought up their $40k Suburban and it broke down on the way home. They said that they are looking seriously at buying a Sequoia. The sequoia is very comfortable and smooth. Build quality is exception, as one would expect from Toyota. Have had no issues with the vehicle.
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On my second one and going strong! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Peter L - May 7 - 6:53 amI traded my 03 Sequoia SR5 for a fully loaded leftover 05 Limited. I loved the SR5, but wanted DVD, sunroof, leather. The ride is great, cargo room exceptional, comfort is awesome.
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Rose - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Rosemary - May 4 - 10:00 amBuying this Toyota Sequoia was the best deal I ever made.
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`03 4WD Sequoia Ltd. - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By hemiden - May 2 - 10:00 amI researched many SUVs over a 4 month period. Although I wasnt looking for a full size SUV initially, I finally decided on the Sequoia for its hi-tech V8 engine, (which runs on regular gas), reliability and its decent towing capacity. The handling of such a large vehicle is very impressive and even better than my 2000 V8 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which I traded for the Seqouia (no regrets there). Of course, the added bonus of having the room for up to 8 passengers, and the quality fit and finish helps too. I have yet to find (any) quality or mechanical issues with this vehicle.
