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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  The limo of SUVs - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By C. Elliott - October 20 - 10:00 am

  Yes it is a nice ride. For the size of the vehicle, the feul economy is ok (still is better than the Tahoe, Suburban, Excursion, and Expedition) but the rest so far has been excellent. Fun and comfortable to drive too.

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  2001 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Brett - October 16 - 7:43 pm

  Bought my Toyota and it already had 80K miles on it. I used it to tow my G35 coupe on a car hauler from Michigan to California. Probably was approaching the max tow capacity of the Toyota but it pulled through like a champ. Even through the mountains of Colorado it pulled fine. It is a great drive and very comfortable as well as roomy. Tremendous quality and peace of mind with this vehicle as I would expect from Toyota, particularly in the fit and finish. No rattles, no funny noises of any kind. At over 90K miles it drives like new. I would buy a Sequoia with 100K+ miles on it before a new domestic any day... very unfortunate for the American companies.

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  Best SUV ever - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Toyota #1 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has the handling and feel of a small vehicle, then you turn around and there is a ton of room. Plenty of power to get you going, solid on the road, and sporty looking.

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  Lap of Luxury - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By MCR - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Grew tired of the van, upgraded to SUV. Love my Sequoia, nothing like it. Interior like a Cadillac, roomier than a van, drives like a sedan, performs like a truck. One great package.

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  Sequoia 2001 - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By MannyC - October 11 - 12:53 am

  I love my Sequoia, specially the interior, its roomy inside, the only thing that I notice about my Sequoia it needs more horsepower but after I reach 60 mph it runs so smooth.

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  Sequoia Review from San Antonio - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By TMDSA - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Great performance for a large SUV. It drives like a car. Very smooth ride, quiet, and powerful. Interior design is excellent and the sound system is also excellent.

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  Waiting for 2003 - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By 132 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  My 2001 has 37000 miles and Im waiting to buy a new 2003 as soon as they are out. After having my GMC Yukons and Suburbans lose half their value in a year, Im happy to see the current resale values. My only problems are like many others -- handling in the wind and the snow, excessive tire wear and the goofy Traction system. I have had no other complaints, I really enjoy driving this SUV.

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  Excellent Driving Pleasure - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Masood Khan - September 18 - 8:50 pm

  One of a class, great Toyota invention of Sequoia SR5. I am very pleased to have this nice and luxury vehicle with full of power and comfort.

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  Cost Cutting? - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By OOMPA - September 12 - 10:00 am

  We finally got our new 03 SR5 Sequoia. We did not think it would ever arrive, especially since we ordered it over 5 months back. We formerly owned a 2001 Chevy Tahoe. Wow, what a big improvement over that clunk. We were a bit disappointed with all the dealer gouging on this particular model. If you want the Sequoia, you will pay a small premium. The engine is smooth and torquey and the ride is quiet. We especially like the dealer installed TRD supercharger and the power rear hatch window. The Engine compartment is also well laid out and very spacious.

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  Rolling Office - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mick - September 7 - 2:06 am

  This is nice big comfortable truck. Ride is very good and truck has much power. If you need a large SUV for whatever reason, you should check this truck out. More refined then the others. I have been getting 15.8 mpg in mixed driving with only 2300 miles on the truck.