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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  if you need it all, it has it all - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By toyotaluver - September 1 - 10:00 am

  great design and comfort. I suggest if you have children to consider purchasing the all in one DVD player. OUr kids love it.

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  My Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Arvella - August 29 - 12:36 am

  My Sequoia is wonderful. I purchased it in April 2006 and it had 36,000 miles on it. I have had to pay only for oil changes. I rotate the tires every other oil change. I now have 83k miles and I have purchased a battery. I will purchase tires this winter for the first time. Gas is expensive. When you drive a V8 gas is expensive. You can not purchase a more reliable SUV. You get what you pay for. It rolls on the freeway like ice. It is smooth. If you like heavy vehicles this is the truck for you. Its very classy and stylish. I have five children and we ride very comfortable. So do all of your research when you are getting ready to purchase a SUV. You will be satisfied with a Sequoia.

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  Very Pleased With The 2010 Sequoia - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Nick G - August 25 - 3:23 am

  This was my first SUV purchase. Before I have owned a BMW 530, a VW Passat, Porsche Boxster, and Chrysler 300. I have always avoided SUVs, but I am looking to have a few kids and needed something more practical for around the house. So far this has been a great SUV with a car like drive an feel. The improvements in the suspension allow for more room inside and a better ride. It has plenty of power and I love that I can now have 7 folks easily get into a car take a long ride in comfort. I would suggest required features to have the Sonar, running boards and back up camera. I also like the wood grain interior and larger wheels. With this package the maintenance was included for 36K miles

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  Great SUV - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Toyota Lover - August 18 - 11:53 am

  This is my first Toyota and first SUV. Got tired of the minivan style. Test drove any out there, Escalate, Yukon, Tahoe, Expedition, Aspen, QX56, Navigator. When you compare each of those cars to the Toyota, probably each will have a thing or two better than the Toyota BUT as a package... nothing is comparable. The ride is very close to the Navigator, the performance... well there is nothing to compare too! The interior is extremely roomy and especially the 2nd and 3rd row (both fold flat and recline). Compared to the previous model, it is amazing what Toyota was able to achieve. The interior could be slightly richer. I am getting around 15.5 MPG for mostly city driving. Try it!

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  not too bad - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By ox - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my seq for over a year now, and its the most comfortable and easy ride Ive had in a while - it compares to riding in a car - but still reminds you its a honking suv.

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  very pleased - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By jjdd - August 14 - 10:00 am

  not much to say - except its a not the top of the line lux land cruiser - but its pretty damn near. toyota - itll run forever, and the trade in will be much better than most, and its a great machine.

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  We love our Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ToddH - August 14 - 12:06 am

  This is the best vehicle weve ever owned. The ride, drive and comfort are way beyond what we expected. One of the very best in its class and we looked at every one of them...

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  Sequoia Rocks! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By susan orourke - August 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sequoia! Its roomy, comfortable, attractive and feels safe.

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  Towed 9000lb boat 4000 miles - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By culross - August 8 - 10:03 am

  Purchased my Sequoia used w/ 7K miles. Now, at 20K miles, the car still functions like new. Towed 9000 lb boat/trailer from south California to Alaska without any problems whatsoever. This SUV was able to accelerate up even the steepest mountain passes with the boat in tow. Very impressive. Now it allows me to take 6 other people along for fishing trips.

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  Love my Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Warrant_ero - August 2 - 7:16 am

  Just bought our Limited 4x4 Sequoia on 1 Jun. Love driving the big beast. For a big rig it drives like a small car. MPG been around 17 city/highway combined. The interior is nice although I would think there would be less plastic. Very quiet when on the road, love all the power. Looking forward to many great years of service.