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:

• 

  I love this truck! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By CodyandKatie - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a Kia Sportage for my Toyota Sequoia, and I couldnt be happier except in the gas department, of course. Great vehicle for those who dont want a minivan.

• 

  Best SUV I am glad its mine - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Karen - March 30 - 7:10 am

  I wanted a truck that was comfortable so we purchased this vehicle so my husband could travel comfortably due to a back injury. We traveled across country with it and he had no problems at all with his back. The vehicle has given us no problems at all. Women out there I would recommend this vehicle to you. It is high so you can see over the cars ahead of you, its very comfortable, I cant say enough about it I love it and so do my dogs.

• 

  Former Acura/Honda Owner Now Sequoia! - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Former Acura MDX Own - March 26 - 11:40 pm

  This vehicle is really fabulous. I have been a life long owner of Acura/Honda vehicles and now am extremely happy with my new purchase of a 2007 Toyota Sequoia Ltd. in June 2007. Ive had many knee operations and this vehicle provides me with ample leg room while all of my previous vehicles did not. Everything about this Sequoia is really perfect. And regarding the fuel mileage, I average 15.4 miles per gallon and that is almost as good as I was getting with the Acura MDX. If you are in need of a safe, heavy, roomy, and reliable SUV this is your one! My daughter convinced me to buy the Sequoia and it was a great move.

• 

  Awesome SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By tdub0928 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  Very quite ride. Simply fun to drive Pretty easy access to third row of seats

• 

  Excellent Used Vehicle Value - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Earle - March 22 - 10:34 pm

  I want to add a review of a used, older vehicle, since I value those reviews. Thats also the vehicle market I am in. I generally dont buy new vehicles. Instead, I tend to look for good used vehicles with 100k miles on them that I am confident will get to 200k miles with few problems. As such, I need and value reliable and dependable vehicles. Seems to be for us the most economical way to go. We are second owners of an 2003 Sequoia, which we bought to replace a Sienna. Bought the Sequoia five years ago with 90k miles on it and we have since added 50k miles. We have five children, ages 12 and under, and we live in rural Montana. The vehicle has performed for us very well. All seven of us fit comfortably. There hasnt been any winter weather conditions it couldnt handle. Feels very safe on the road. It does have the notorious rear door problems and a couple of other minor issues, but overall the vehicle has performed flawlessly. I love 4.7L V8 engine. While not the most fuel efficient, I am satisfied because we are only about 1.5 mpg less than what we were getting on our AWD Sienna. The Sienna was a bit more comfortable and roomy, but it could not handle the rough terrain and winter conditions nearly as well as the Sequoia. I recently looked at a newer generation Sequioa. It is bigger and better but not enough to justify the price. Putting 10k miles on our 2003 Sequoia a year, we hope it will continue to serve us well for several more years until the kids start leaving home and we can then downsize. Thus far, I am very pleased as this seems to have been an excellent vehicle purchase for our family. Great value! UPDATE: I have been asked to provide an update. I dont feel to change anything on my review. We are still very pleased with the Sequoia. It continues to meet our familys needs while handling the rural Montana environment. Weve added 10k miles and done some routine maintenance, including the notorious rear door latch. Even so, we feel it continues to be a good value vehicle. Probably our best vehicle purchase weve ever made. No regrets.

• 

  Better than Expedition? - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By rbarea - March 20 - 10:00 am

  Smooth, quiet and powerfull ride. Sways a little too much on turns and brakes need a lot of force to stop. The Expeditions interior lay-out with available Captains chairs and a power flat folding third row seat cant be beat and should be implemented by Toyota. The canopy air bag system in the Ford is also a gret safety feature that all should copy.

• 

  Nice - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By bhd - March 16 - 10:00 am

  We just drove our new SR5 on a 1500 mile vacation. The vehicle was great to drive. It was smooth, comfortable and had lots of power when passing. I couldnt wait to get back into the seat and drive it some more. I couldnt be happier with our choice of the Sequoia. I had to watch myself as I wouldnt be paying attention and I find myself doing 90 on the highway and it felt like 50. I really like this car.

• 

  good - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By cperez - March 2 - 10:00 am

  excellent car with many features. A very fun car to drive. It is also a very comfortable car and has a nice interior and exterior.

• 

  BEST SUV EVER PURCHASED! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By dplandry - March 1 - 3:13 pm

  Weve had our new Sequoia less than a week and my wife and I already love it! It is by far the best riding vehicle we have ever owned. Im very impressed at how powerful it is for being such a large vehicle and how unusually quiet it is inside. We have plenty of room for our 3 kids and their friends.

• 

  almost perfect - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mencken - February 27 - 10:16 am

  I have had the vehicle for over six months now, and it is flawlessly executed, and easy to drive smoothly, even if it never hides its size. But there is a glaring flaw that might get me to return it when the lease is over: Cargo space. You buy a big vehicle like this if you have a big family, so the third row is always in use. Cargo space is minuscule behind that row, barely a foot of floor, with the seatback angling back, taking away space as you move up. If the vehicle were 18 inches longer, all of it in the trunk, it would be perfect for its mission.