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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  Engine failure at 138k miles - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By tmaracle - April 20 - 12:26 pm

  I bought brand new. Always kept up with oil changes. Mostly highway miles. A valve spring broke, hit the cylinder head which broke and destroyed the engine block and everything. For the dealership to build me a new engine is $15k in parts, not including labor. You cant buy new engines like ford and GM. I bought a used engine for $6k and the labor cost ended up in a bill for $9850. The new engine is not working properly but the dealership is working with me. I am disappointed. I wanted to keep this truck forever. Now Im faced with a tough decision. I also lost 3mpgs. Now around 13.4 mpgs when I used to average 16.4.

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  Best Suv Ever - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sodhi - April 15 - 8:06 am

  By far this is the best SUV on the market not just for the buck but for the features. So much interior room. The platinum edition feels like owning a Lexus with out the huge payment.

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  Very happy 1st time Toyota buyer! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By R. Cox - April 13 - 2:00 am

  This is my very first "foreign" vehicle and I truly love it! The ride is out of this world, the ride is what sold us. We test drove many mid-sized SUVs and for just a little more money than the higher end mid-sized SUV, you get alot more room and alot nicer ride in the Sequoia. Weve had it less than a year and we are very happy with it!

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  Capable Family 4wd - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By jbg4wd - April 13 - 2:00 am

  After months of research, we traded our Extra Cab Tacoma for a loaded SR5 Sequoia. I am convinced that this truck offers the best value and capability in a true off-road 7 pass. vehicle. If you have the mini-van heebeegeebees, check out the sequoia, if you have a growing family, but do not want to give up your off road adventures, check out the Sequoia.

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  Satisfied - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ruffryder - April 11 - 10:53 pm

  I am pretty much satisfied on my Sequoia. No problems yet and hope to keep it that way.

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  Toyota Reliability????? - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By John - April 11 - 11:00 am

  I was always told that toyota had the best vehicles out there, I dont beleive that anymore. At 28,000 miles I could already feel the transmission going out on this suv. I took it 3 times to 2 different dealers and none of them would admit that it had a problem. I was at at the middle of a huge intersection when I decided I had to make a u-turn, and guess what? the car just died out on me right there in the middle. Dealer found nothing wrong with it. I purchased this car with 25,000 miles on it, and it was a certified vehicle. Is anyone surprised about all the recalls toyota is facing right now? Im not. Thank you for your failure to me toyota. I am going all american from now on.

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  Sold on Full Size SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Carpool Mom - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Initially I was hesitant to commit to such a large and heavy vehicle. However, after one month of driving it, I am sold! It is fun to drive, easy to park, and perfect for hauling lots of kids and their stuff around. My only minor compliant is that it does tend to guzzle gas. I enjoy much more than I thought I would.

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  2006 Toyota Sequoia SR5 - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By lofoster - March 25 - 5:13 pm

  Bought the Sequoia used with 18,000 miles on it. It has been a dream to own. Nothing goes wrong with it. It is very comfortable and drives very well.

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  Smart choice - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By tony - March 24 - 12:16 pm

  This truck is awesome the power of the 4.7 engine is great. I have never had a truck with this much power. The mpg is not that bad at all. My wife fell in love with it when we drove it at the dealer. We drove all teh competitors and the Toyota was the best. Most of the other trucks were very cheaply made on the inside. I was NEVER a foreign car guy before let alone a Toyota. Now I see why people say toyotas are the best. I plan on keeping this truck for 10 years.

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  WOW!!! This is nice - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By marv - March 24 - 12:06 am

  After looking at the upper end American suvs and Lexus GX and LX 470s, this suv just seemed to stand out. It has the complete package for me. Its (the limited model) style, comfort, quality, sound system, size and quietness all seemed to outshine the others. Im averaging 15.1 MPG around town with the V8 and 18.4 on the freeway. My wifes Jeep Liberty (3.7L) only averages 14.3 in town! So far an outstanding SUV.