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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Horrible Toyota Experience - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
By Former Toyota Fan - March 23 - 8:40 pmThe day after paying $48K to the dealer my car would not start. Turns out I needed a new battery. Back to the service depart., waited an hour, got a new battery, & on my way. Over the course of the next 23 months had various problems with the low tire pressure sensor coming on. Also had three other warning lights for the battery lighting up randomly. Eventually, 2-08, got in my car to leave for the morning and it wouldnt start. The battery had been leaking acid and corroded my battery cables. AAA cleaned up the mess and got me started again. In 5-08 car doesnt start again. Battery acid corroded my fuse block. One month later finally get my car back from dealer. Sept. 08 car doesnt start!
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Horrible visibility - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
By ctinnell - March 16 - 7:50 amDont buy Toyota. Long story short -- horrible visibility. Drives like a huge box wheels. Toyota nickels and dimes you to death. We had always wondered why the vehicle never drove right. Was told several times it is just the size of the vehicle. Come to find out it was never aligned right. Abnormal tire wear became noticeable after tires rotated twice.
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LOVE IT!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By texas_softball_mom - March 14 - 10:00 amI went from an F250 Crew Cab to a Suburban and i thought i loved both of those vehicles... until i met my Sequoia! The rack and pinion steering is amazing. I can park that baby anywhere, that is a new thing for me. It is alot of fun to drive simply due to the great handling.
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excellent! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By ml - March 14 - 10:00 amthis is our second sequoia and we love them both! only complaint is the gas mileage. ride is like a car. tons of room. very flexible cargo area.
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Like It Better Than I Thought I Would! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By AngiS - March 9 - 10:30 amI turned in my BMW X5 SAV and needed a vehicle with a 3rd row of seats that would accommodate someone older than 10. I searched for about two months and finally decided on the 2008 Sequoia Limited. I dont love the changed front end (too Tundra-ish), but I love the interior - from the 2nd row Captains chairs to the power 3rd row roomy bench seat. I upgraded a few things (especially love the woodgrain dash upgrade - makes it infinitely classier looking) and am very pleased that I purchased this vehicle. I truly enjoy it a lot more than I thought I would. I love it!
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Nothing but problems - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By laura alvarez - March 2 - 6:03 pmProblems with vcs, trac, abs lights coming on and medal grinding noise when making a right turn, it has been taken in several times to the Toyota dealership and they cant figure it out, read all the reviews about this problem and decided not worth the hassle and felt very unsafe driving it, returned it for another vehicle, 2006 gmc Yukon what a shame for being a Toyota; had a Chevy 2003 suburban for 6 years 120,000 miles, not one problem other than fuel pump, should have kept it!
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SOLID vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By JAMMER - March 1 - 2:00 amI enjoy driving this vehicle for its solid ride (this is one heavy vehicle), comfortable seating, rear window operation and rugged off road capabilities
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Great but could use some improvements - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By Doug Seal - February 28 - 10:00 amMy wife drove a 4WD 97 4Runner Lmtd up until we sold it and bought this Seq. After alot of shopping, we settled on the Desert SR5 with lthr, wd grain, rear splr and the stl whl pkg. I then traded the stl wheels for some nice rims. Total,I have $35.5k into the vehicle. However, I have two issues that Id like to share. First, fuel economy is 12-13mpg in the city and hwy which I think should be better. Second, just had to replace the front brakes at 21k miles which the dealer is saying will be normal. The 4runner I had 78k on the original set with the same driver/conditions. Therefore, I think Toyota has put too small of brakes on this one.
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Great SUV - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
By stuka - February 23 - 1:50 amHave had this SUV since 2001 when they first came out. Have 116,000 miles on her. Hope for another 116,000. Great styling. Now I see so many of them on the road. Cant wait to see the new styling.
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2006 Toyota Sequoia - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
By the doc - February 21 - 8:36 amI bought my 2006 Sequoia new. I have owned it over 2 years and driven it almost 30000 miles. I have to say that it has been a great vehicle. The quality has been exceptional. It is a large SUV with a V 8, so gas mileage is what it is. The vehicle is very quiet at high or low speeds. The vehicle has been very reliable and only been to the shop for regular maintenance.
