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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everyone needs one - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By hediedforus - November 14 - 10:00 amExcellent vehicle. Drives great. You gotta drive one!
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Great Family SUV - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
By hihiheidi - November 12 - 10:23 pmWe purchased this SUV after owning a Durango for 8 years and what a difference! Smooth ride, lots of room, especially with two kids. We bought the luxury package and love the second row captains chairs and the center console. The kids can keep all of their things (videos, head phones, games, etc.) all in one place. I splurged and got a wood-wrapped steering wheel, which makes the car feel like a luxury vehicle. And I second the vote on Artic Frost Pearl, best color ever! It is very pretty!
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Love this SUV - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By kathigrist - November 12 - 10:00 amLove this SUV. Had an old GMC Jimmy that just finally died from hard wear but I loved it dearly. We replaced it with a 1999 Grand Cherokee that I hated. The Toyota Sequoia was the replacement for the Grand Cherokee. We have driven it across the country literally and up and down the East Coast. It is a very smooth riding vehicle and excellent for long trips. It will hold and amazing amount especially if the back back seats are removed. Easy to do. Everybody loves it.
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Best Value for your money - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Darryl Wheeler - November 5 - 2:00 amGood value and ride. Dealer played typical games of bate and switch made process a bit flustrating.
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Why sacrifice XYZ - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By rcaron - November 4 - 2:20 pmSignificantly LESS headroom compared to my last Sequoia and the seats cant adjust down. Sunglasses on my head hit the ceiling. They also dropped the gas tank cover lock from the old Sequoia... why??? And they dropped the side moulding strips to protect vs door dings. And the gas mileage is much less than my old Sequoia, and much less than advertised. It is a great truck and very comfortable but I might think twice about keeping my old Sequoia. Dont get caught up in the hype!!
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very good - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By tasnyde - November 3 - 10:00 amOverall I have been very pleased. I expect to get a lot of milage out it, which I did not get from Jeep Cherokees I had in the past. The power is sufficient. I do not tow things, which if you did, might look at something with more torque.
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I love this car - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By Sharonlee - November 3 - 10:00 amI am a mother of 3 very active boys, I love this car. I had a Yukon XL prior to this and there is no comparision. The Toyota is just a far superior product and Cherokee Toyota was very pleasent to deal with. There service shop is one of the best I have ever seen. We take our other cars there too.
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Cant beat it for the money - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By will45 - October 26 - 6:56 pmHaving owned a Tahoe, Yukon and Expedition over the past 10 years I can say that the Sequoia is a vastly superior car. Now, I have only owned it for three months, but it is a 2001 4X4 with 125,000 miles and I am the second owner. The first owner gave me an inch of paperwork, 99% of it was oil changes and scheduled maintenance. The CD player was replaced at 95,000 miles along with the passenger power window button. Other than that all has been good. It drives like brand new and I am really impressed by the interior. The seats are still very firm and comfortable with no sign of wear. I am hoping to get another 50,000 or about three years. I paid $9,500.
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The good and the bad... - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By JayReddy - October 25 - 10:00 amOverall the car is great. I bought it with expectation for Toyotas quality. After have 6 other Toyota. The power train is flawless. My only issue is that I have to remind myself this is a truck Im driving. The ride is rough. The kids complained the back bounced around alot. This could be a problem with long family trips.
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New 4x4 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By tkj - October 20 - 10:00 amMassive and feel safe. Good visibility at front, but rear quarter has a big blind spot. Will be great going to ski trips.
