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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  does everything we need - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By hbs - February 24 - 10:00 am

  We traded in a 2002 BWW 330i. I realy thought I would miss that car, it was so fun to drive, all the salesmen on the lot thought we were nuts. With a baby on the way we felt we needed more room. It says a lot that I dont realy miss that car.

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  Jays Truck - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jaymie T - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle rides smoothly. The 3rd row seats are very versatile with moving and removing. Heated seats are wonderful in the front. I feel very safe in this truck.

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  Family Review 2002 Toyota Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By reddawg - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Car Rides very well,Very Comfortable for the whole family (3 kids) Plus one large dawg (golden retriver 115 lbs) Great on long trips Kids have plenty of room to lay out and fight.Truck is very large compared to other vehicles Gas Milage is 14.2 mpg.Have over 26000 miles with no problems.Hope to have this truck for a long time.

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  Lovin My Quoia! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Shana - February 16 - 5:03 am

  I absolutely love my vehicle. I can always rely on it to drive well and it never gives me any problems. The gas is very expensive but everything great about the vehicle makes up for it. I not only love it, I am proud to drive it.

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  I like the Sequoia - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By gagrice - February 11 - 11:06 am

  I had my mind set on the new GL320 CDI Mercedes. I test drove it and did not like the 7 speed transmission. On a fluke I drove the Sequoia. I really do not like Toyota. I do like this SUV. It is not a diesel that I wanted but it is a very nice ride. On a trip to AZ I was not at all tired after 5 straight hours behind the wheel. I would recommend it.

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  Daddys Monster Truck - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By New Sequoia Driver - February 9 - 7:10 am

  My 3 year old son calls our new Sequoia Daddys Monster Truck. We traded in a Ford Explorer to get more space for our third child, due in March. So far the truck is great. The ride is very smooth and there is plenty of room in the second row - it has 3 LATCH hook-ups and lots of leg room. Gas mileage is actually better than my old Explorer!

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  Great Family Traveling Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mike - February 7 - 7:10 am

  I have a 92 Camry that I bought new 16 yrs ago and a 99 Sienna I bought new 9 yrs ago so I expected the Sequoia to be another "quality" Toyota and, 1,100 miles into this new vehicle, I have not been disappointed. We have driven through the Appalachian mountains twice and it rides wonderfully. With three growing children and a lot of long trips planned we wanted something bigger than the Sienna for these trips. Over a 6-month period I evaluated the Navigator and Armada and had to go with the Sequoia due to my personal experience with Toyota quality the past 16 years. We look forward to getting at least ten years out of this vehicle.

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  Pleased and Proud - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By jeannette dean - February 4 - 12:03 am

  I love this vehicle because it gives me a feeling of security, its powerful, its roomy (allowing at least eight passengers comfortably and two bikes) and the design is majestic. I drove across country in it and found the gas mileage to be more than reasonable for a vehicle that size. This vehicle is loaded and every conceivable convenience has been considered.

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  Undecided - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By dalex - February 1 - 10:00 am

  While the truck has performed well generally and is great in snow and rain, but there have been inumerable other "minor mechancial failures" such as power locks, windows and antenas all needing repairs as well other other issues. The problem...? These items are out of warantee and should not be breaking on a 2.5 yr old truck and have cost over $2,000 to repair. Toyota should come up with fold flat middle and rear seats. While they fold down, they do not fld flat and are cumbersome to remove from the truck and as a result take up considerable storage room when carrying cargo. Also the engine is slightly under powered.

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  2006 Sequioa - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By 2006 Sequoia - January 26 - 8:30 pm

  Quality you can feel. Ive looked at all of the big SUVs. This Sequioa just beats them all. Gas mileage is not bad, but heck you pay this much for this monster, who cares about gas mileage.