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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  Too many little things - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By tcj20202000 - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Sequoia is great to drive. Engine/transmission MUCH smoother than in my 98 Navigator. Big inside yet feels smaller to drive. Very quiet. Have had problems with rear window, interior plastic pieces, terrible design for rear controlled AC. Averall a great SUV, but without modifications would not repurchase.

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  2001 Sequoia owner - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By brian - April 28 - 2:23 pm

  Love it! It has been a perfect vehicle for family of 2 kids and a dog.

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  Sequoia Truths - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By ToyMan - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Like :) Ride is smooth and its a toyota... who can ask for anything more... You dont see me but I am jumping and am still in the middle of the air now with my right fist up and a big smile... just though Id let you know.

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  45K on my 04 Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By harryliuusa - April 27 - 2:26 pm

  Just passed 45K on my 04 Sequoia, It hurts to drive into gas station. Except that, I dont have too much complaint. It is roomy, comfortable (the best comfortable seats on cars I ever owned), quiet BUT clumsy. What can I complain? It is a BIG SUV, of course, it wont drive/handle as easy as Accord... I would like to see it acclerate a little faster at traffic light. Feel like grandpa when light turns green.

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  Great truck - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By polodogg1 - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. It turns heads for the great look that it has. It also gets the job done. I also use it to pull my 10x5 trailer, and it hasnt failed me yet.

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  Big, Roomy, Smooth and Quiet - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By DK Dallas - April 17 - 1:03 pm

  I think this is the best of the SUVs Big, Roomy, Smooth and Quiet. Suspension is great...Double A-frame in the front(like lexus) and 5-link in the back(like Mercedes) With the overdrive off the acceleration is very good. Build quality was perfect, not had anything go wrong with it. 15.4 MPG in city driving.

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  Back for more - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By MontyDog - April 14 - 10:00 am

  After owning a 2000 Toyota Tundra, I was sold on the 4.7 V8 powertrain, but had numerous problems with the braking system. Needless to say, I thought Id give Toyota another try. I purchased this Sequoia for my wife to drive and she loves it. We bought the SR5 with leather & the works (A value when compared to Ford, Chevy or GMC. My confidence in the brakes is still not good as we only have 4,000 miles on the vehicle and I am taking it back in for brake noise.

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  Best car ever - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Totally love it! - April 14 - 1:16 am

  Absolutely love this rig. Have had it for 2 years now and cant complain about anything. Super reliable. Zero down time. Great towning vehicle. Beautiful inside and out. Easy to operate. Nav is a life saver. Grandkids love the DVD. Just wish it got a little better gas mileage, but its a nice trade off I guess. Handles super and rides great. Ordered ours fully loaded with most everything. You wont be sorry. Thousands less than Lexus but same quality.

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  What a great truck!!! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Extremely Satisfied - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this truck in the last week and I am extremely impressed. Although its a big truck, it doesnt feel that big when driven. The ride is unbelievable. It has a firm ride (unlike large vehicles) but handles bumps and corners extremely good as well. Acceleration is very good even though the motor has a 240 HP rating. It feels very strong. This is the 4th Toyota I have owned (second truck, 1st was a 4-Runner) and at this point I would never buy from any other manufacturer. Their build quality is impecable, their prices reasonable, their resale great, and they last forever. What more could an owner want!

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  The Best SUV Ever - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By My Sequoia - April 8 - 3:23 am

  I got this Sequoia for almost a year now and everytime I used it, it put a smile on my face because I know that I made the right decision on buying this car . The safety and reliability you cant ask for more.Two thumbs up...