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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  Fun, Reliability, and Comfort - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By JIMEL - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I love this car!!! It is fun to drive, smooth, and powerful. I feel like I am driving a $60K SUV. The feature that can be added is the NAV system.

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  great SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By SBMNC - August 30 - 10:00 am

  After owned 98 Expedition and 99 RX300, this new Squoia provides the best overall SUV we ever drove. Up to this date, I have to drive at least once every day just for fun. One time we had 6 adults and two children with their car seats install on the road for 3 hours. None of the passagers complained about too crowded. They all felt sitting comfortable.

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  Great Tow Vehicle - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By GMG - August 26 - 8:56 pm

  Just returned from 4000 mile trip from Az to Mn. Averaged 19-20 MPG at 75-80 mph. Got as high as 22 mpg low of 18. Had 2 people and 300 lbs of stuff. Truck virtually drives itself. Very quiet and tight. This truck tows 4000 lb boat effortlessly. This is no commuter vehicle but if you need the towing capability and interior room this is a great choice.

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  2006 Sequoia - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Joseph Pino - August 24 - 7:10 am

  I traded in a 2005 4Runner for this vehicle due to uncomfortable seats. The Sequoia is comfortable, yet firm and handles good for a vehicle of this size. My fuel economy has averaged 17.5 MPG on a mix of 75% highway, 25% local driving. The build quaility is excellent and there are no squeaks or rattles. The 4.7L V8 is refined and responsive. Step on it at 40 mph and you will feel pushed back in your seat. My vehicle has a 4.11 rear so it has good acceleration. The 5 speed transmission shifts very well. There is an enormous amout of room for hauling cargo or people. All accessaries work well. Overall, I am very pleased with this vehicle and dont plan to sell it anytime soon.

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  BYE BYE 98 Suburban - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By atldave - August 23 - 2:00 am

  We traded our 98 GMC Suburban 4X4 LT. We looked at the Yukon XL and there was no comparison. The Toyota is really a vehicle that you can live with day in and day out. Its a blast to drive! It seats 8 comfortably...The Yukons are mostly sold with 4 bucket seats in ATL now. The interior comfort and ease of use is way ahead of the Yukon XL. The Yukon XL back seat was a beast to remove. The Yukon just was too truck- like, plus it was more expensive feature for feature. We dont tow much...If I towed, Id have taken the Yukon.

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  Solid Vehicle after 4 Years - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tracie - August 21 - 11:33 am

  My family and I have had this vehicle for 4 years now and its still running really strong. We have the SR5 with cloth and Ive thought of upgrading several times, but cant part with our Sequoia. Its so comfortable and I never had to worry about mechanical problems while on the road. This is the perfect full-sized SUV. I love that I can pull into my garage and still have room to walk around.

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  From Ford to Reality - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By PhillyBoy - August 18 - 2:00 am

  After 5 years of driving a Ford XLT, i couldnt take it any more any moved on up to a Sequoia SR% (fully loaded). What an experience. I have seen the light! Although the leather quality is by no means Lexus standard, it is comfortable and classy enough. Please dont complain about the gas mileage - we know the deal going in. The JBL rocks and the CD player is in play. Overall, I should have made the move sooner.

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  2008 Toyota Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Toyota 4everVB - August 15 - 2:06 pm

  We have been driving Toyotas since 1990. They are the most dependable vehicles in this planet! We still drive our 1998 4 runner and have never had any problems! We traded in our 2006 Tacoma for the 2008 Sequoia because it rides like a luxury car. We feel safe in it will all the airbags! This is the way to go! I love what Toyota does for me and my family!

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  So far so good - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By big fan - August 10 - 4:03 am

  The Sequoia is one of the best SUVs we have owned or test driven. Its a great vehicle and one of the smoothest rides. Its also a great looking car. The color of our Sequoia is Arctic Frost and it is one of the most beautiful colors ever. Its a creamy white with an irridescent pearl flakes in it. We had the headrest DVDs put in for our boys and they can both either watch the same or different movie or connect their gamecube. Its great for long trips. I will definitely keep the Sequoia in our family. We have gone from being Ford drivers to Toyota. Our next Toyota will be a Tundra for my husband.

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  2008 Sequoia Limited with all Options - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Luv2Dive - August 8 - 8:56 am

  Traded in my wifes Ford Explorer Sport for the Sequoia Limited 4wd, and it was the best thing we ever did. Before purchasing the 2008 Sequoia, we test drove the Escalade, Tahoe, 2006 Sequoia and Expedition XL for a weekend each, and the 2008 Sequoia was the clear winner. The Sequoia ride quality and handling ability is excellent... even in 4 wheel drive. Our regular ski trips to Lake Tahoe have been a lot more comfortable and fun, since we got the Sequoia.