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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  Sequoia recommended - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Austin Leigh - December 18 - 4:26 am

  The Sequoia has been great! It was bigger than I thought however drove much smaller very nimble. I did not like how the Tahoe and the GMC products steering felt (too loose), and the entrance to the back seats are much easier than the Navigator. The engine sounds deep when you step, otherwise fairly quiet. Gas mileage is not good but its a V8. No problems with squeaks or rattles of any kind.

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  Upgraded from a 1995 Toyota 4 runner - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Rob Frailey - December 12 - 2:00 am

  Excellent design and craftsmanship Turns heads. Enough power to plant you in your seat. You can be driving at 90mph and feel like 55.

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  great suv - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By sean1234567890987654 - December 12 - 2:00 am

  for startes we took the SUV from MAINE to alberta canada, it was one of the most comfertable trips ive every takin. when we were going throught we hit some real step hill. im talking 35, 40 degrees on a high way. it hanlded them with no cares. also i never had to toalk the truck out of overdrive to make it up. were i live we get 2 feet of snow at least once a week and the truck with all of its safty feature keep this on the road with ease. so i recamded this suv to any one who can afforded it. thats the only draw back but it pays off because the gas milage is much better then on the sticker. and it has a unbeliveavle radio, and speakers.

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  2001 Sequoia Quality - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ray - December 8 - 4:40 am

  My 2001 4WD Sequoia has 110K miles and is driven in town by a soccer mom who does not go off road. So far these parts have failed: both front wheel bearings, the rear differential, rear window motor, LF window motor, A/C (compressor, evaporator, and something else- been to dealer 5 times for a/c problems). Engine has had oil replaced every 4K miles and has a knock in it. All failures due to faulty parts. I am thankful I invested in the platnum 0 ded bumper-bumper 100K mile warranty. The driver side seat is designed to wear a hole in the side (90K miles) from getting in/out. Gas mileage avg 12-18 mpg. Toyota Corp customer service not helpful. No problems since last major repair ~80K mi

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  Proud Driver - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Shannon Cloin - December 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sequoia. I feel like Im on top of the world while driving it, especially after driving with a friend in a small car. It has wonderful features with tons of space. Everything inside and out are great quality made. Im proud of my Sequoia seeing that it is made in my hometown and my father makes them.

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  Sequoia Platinum First Impression: WOW! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By J. Goldsmith - December 6 - 12:36 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for less than 24 hours and I have only driven it home from the dealership but thats 50+ miles of everything from Interstate to rough dirt roads, and winding, washboard mountain byways in between. On and off pavement, dirt, snow and ice, I have never become so comfortable, so "at home", felt so secure and in command so quickly in my almost 50 years behind one wheel or another. Also, I have never been in a car/truck that was so thoughtfully designed with the American motorist/family in mind. "Fuel Economy" and reliability just guesses at this stage, With apologies to "Field of Dreams and Iowa: "Is this heaven? No. This is a 4WD Platinum Sequoia."

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  Gotta have it! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By zenak - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have the LOADED limited. With everything, every damn option including the grey emblem package and the DVD.

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  No more Suburbans - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By martinadrian - December 1 - 10:00 am

  After eight years of having suburbans in our family, we decided to spend just a little more and get something we would not have to trade in every 2 to 3 years. It is amazing how much nicer this feels than a suburban. The turning radius is like a small car, it is more comfortable than our suburbans were and I feel that I wont have to be trading it in after 70,000 miles. You dont many used Sequoias for sale, that should tell you something!

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  Love it - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By HappyNH - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Sequoia. It handles like a dream and we can take long rides with the kids without a complaint. Wish there were memory seats since husband so much taller, even my 2000 Explorer had those. Great room and can actually seat 8 confortably. Would recommend to all!

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  Sequoia TRD - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By William Morales - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this truck for over a year and I love it.It has all the room our old mini-van had, with much more style. I have the TRD package, which appeals to my need for something a little sporty as well.