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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Want my 2003 back! - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
By 3kids1dog - November 24 - 9:13 amOK - I have to admit, this purchase was a compromise for me. I wasnt sold on the new HUGE interior, but to accommodate 3 kids + 1 dog we decided to take a chance on this beast, especially considering our love of our 2003 Limited Sequoia. Here are my complaints: 1 - ITS HUGE. Hard to park such an enormous vehicle, even though the turning radius has been greatly improved. 2 - The interior finish is below par. For $50K youd think youd get nice finishes, not cheap plastic everywhere. Seats are NOT comfortable. 3rd - I miss the cargo space in my 2003 Sequoia. The self storing 3rd row makes the cargo space "short" from floor to ceiling.
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Better than I expected - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By Kaybee - November 11 - 7:23 pmI traded in a 2005 Honda Odyssey for the Sequoia as my wife tired of driving a minivan. I researched this purchase for almost six months and determined that the Sequoia was the best vehicle, for our needs, on the market. After purchasing, I couldnt have been more right. What we lost in fuel efficiency we certainly gained in vehicle enjoyment. Our fully loaded Limited has a fantastic ride and plenty of bells and whistles. The backup camera, sound system (although would like to have a 6 disc changer vs. the available 4 disc option), moonroof and Bluetooth are awesome. The second and third rows have a tremendous amount of room for our four kids.
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Reliable - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By jrw6736 - November 7 - 10:00 amI absolutley love this vehilce. It is leaps and bounds above the Ford and Chevy versions. It does have bland styling, but it more that makes up for that with its refinement and ability to please the driver.
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SR5 with premium package (leather, Entune, etc) - 2015 Toyota Sequoia
By Liz - November 6 - 11:24 amMy husband and I researched for about a month...we looked at a Sequoia, Sienna, Nissan Pathfinder, 4Runner, Highlander, Pilot, and LX570. In the end, we settled on a Sequoia SR5, 4x4 with a package upgrade that included leather and other useful amenities. It didnt seem to us that an upgrade to the Limited trim was worthwhile for what is added, and the platinum trim was more than what we wanted to spend. We chose the Sequoia because it really has it all. Great 4x4 system to get through the winter safely. A very roomy and comfortable cabin for our family of 5. A full sized spare tire for peace of mind. The right amount of amenities. Good comfortable ride. Reliability. It does cost a good chunk of change, and the gas mileage isnt great. However, if you are worried about that you probably arent looking for a full sized SUV. I dont know why Toyota doesnt push these more. We drove so many cars and this blows them all out of the water. You cant go wrong with a Sequoia! The turning radius is super for a car this size.
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Great ride! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By K. W. - November 5 - 11:40 amThe quality of the engineering design and craftsmanship is exceptional. It mirrors the Lexus line of automobiles in these categories. Its smooth exterior lines do get noticed and exude a classiness not shared by other SUVs. The only minor drawback may be the low bhp of this years model, which has been upgraded for the 2005s. Although, I have never required more power than the existing drivetrain has been able to provide. The ride is as smooth as silk and again shows its Lexus connection. I cannot say enough of how impressed I am with this vehicle.
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Love it!!! - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
By Dezi - October 30 - 7:40 pmOur second Sequoia. Put a lot of long distance driving on it!! Could not ask for any better!! Yes, it isn`t great on gas but we knew that when we bought it. Its better than most!! Great car!! Love it!!
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Awesome SUV! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By Susanne - October 28 - 1:16 amSporty and large yet doesnt look like a soccer mom car. Smooth ride and very reliable.
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Cant go wrong with this vehicle =Solid - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By osg - October 25 - 2:00 amI love my Sequoia. The only thing wrong is that they depreciate.
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Awesome vehicle - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By D&JHicks - October 24 - 2:33 pmThis vehicle drives great and is very comfortable. Very luxurious.
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Great SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By Todd - October 20 - 6:46 amCant go wrong with this SUV. Built on the Tundra platform, but rides like a car with the power of a truck!
