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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  nice - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By hot one - May 21 - 10:00 am

  real nice suv that stands up well againt others suv in the middle of the pack!real nice

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  Impressed but not Overwhelmed - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By dfarley - May 16 - 8:06 am

  After having the vehicle for almost a year I am impressed but not overwhelmed. It has a ton of space inside yet handles like a much smaller vehicle. The interior design is uninspired but practical. Lots of space to store things and tons of cupholders. Due to its size it is difficult to park in crowded lots or garages. It also only gets 15.7 miles to the gallon - not bad for a vehicle of this size but still expensive to operate. Also, for a vehicle in this price range there are several common amenities that Toyota doesnt even provide. Memory Seats? Not available. Navigation? Nope. Satellite Radio? Check elsewhere. 4yr/50K mile warranty? You have to settle for 3yr/36K.

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  I love my new Sequoia!! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By lovemysequoia - May 14 - 1:53 am

  This SUV is so easy to drive. The ride is nice and the interior is very comfortable.

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  Excellent Car! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Shauna - May 12 - 3:03 am

  I love this car! Everything about it is excellent, especially Toyotas reputation!

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  Love my Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By blueracing - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Toyota has built a great SUV. The gas mileage is not at all bad when you consider you are driving a vehicle weighing over 5000 pounds. Much better mileage than a Yukon or an Escalade. Engine is silky smooth and power is adecuate. seating, legroom and headroom are perfect. a lot of cargo behind third row. Drives like a sedan. All around great vehicle. If you need memory seats or a fancy interior, buy an escalade or a land cruiser. Almost forgot, resale value is much better than the competition.

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  Now a little nervous - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By murphy - May 7 - 2:00 am

  We were extremely happy with our Sequoia UNTIL we drove out of the driveway and heard a TERRIBLE grinding sound. It sounded as if the entire braking system was doing to drop out. The TRAC light came on. I stopped and then starting driving again and the same thing happened. We took it immediately to the dealership. Two days later they tell us the ALIGNMENT was OFF!!? They "fixed" the problem and now I drive a little more cautiously than before. I bought a TOYOTA because I didnt want to have to deal with PROBLEMS!! Has this been a problem for anyone else?

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  Excellent - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By rakoto - April 27 - 4:26 pm

  An excellent car.

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  Love my Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By roatd - April 25 - 10:00 am

  First SUV I have ever purchased. Glad I did. More room that expected and rides smoother than the Land Cruiser. Braking is a little soft but then again its a big vehicle.

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  I expected more from Toyota - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By TNC - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I traded in an 03 Pilot w 100K on it which was bulletproof. Bought Top of the line Platinum and three weeks later wife backed into a pile of rocks in a parking lot island--turns out the sonar is off until you turn it on. Our fault but major design flaw. Now with 4K miles had major vibration at highway speed found to be failing universal joint and bad drive shaft. All under warranty of course but Toyota reputation is overrated. I consider this unacceptable for a $60K vehicle. Cant get bench 2nd row in Platinum and room behind 3rd row is limited due to wasted space between rows 1&2. Bought for towing capability. If you dont need to tow buy a Pilot. Otherwise nice car.

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  Toyota does it again - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By zee - April 23 - 8:26 am

  This is probably one of the best SUVs on the market. IÂ’m 8000 miles into it and I adore this car. Absolutely no problems whatsoever. The navigation system is great and it goes 0-60 it about 6.5 seconds. ThatÂ’s great for an SUV of this size. I average around 20 miles per gallon which isnt the best but itll do for a vehicle of this size. A definite car to buy.