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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Very Satisfied Customer - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By BNL15 - April 12 - 2:00 amI was stuck trying to justify the high price of the Sequoia compared to its American counterparts. In the end the resale value and reliabilty overcame the others. I have been very happy with my Sequioa, and feel more at ease with having to outlay that much money. The quality and workmanship is leaps and bounds above any others I have seen. I put in a Gibson Cat-Back exhaust & a Volant cold air intake. I get close to 18.5 miles to the gallon and much quicker 0-60 times, The set up cost me $600 but well worth it. In a nut shell, I am a very saitsfied Toyota owner. There is a reason that Toyota does not have to offer huge rebates to sell there products.
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Love My Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By jraider - April 6 - 10:00 amWe purchased our Sequoia in Nov. after our 98 Sienna lease was up. Our dealer showed us the Sequoia, we drove it then drove a new (03) Sienna, we knew it was the Sequoia hands down. Our kids are older (12 and 14)they fit better in the Sequoia, and they are only getting bigger. The Sequioa is fun to drive, and handles great for a large SUV. The interior has lots of cubbies and cup holders, and numerous sunglass holders (dont know why). For us its a great family vehicle. My husband recently rode in a friends new Lexus SUV for a fairly long drive, and he said our Sequoia was much more comfortable.
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Think of what this car/truck is - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By DAB - April 6 - 10:00 amSequioas have had some A/C compressor issues, Tranny issues, iterior issues. All of which have come and gone. I just wanted to say that the VSC kicking in when pulling out in traffic when one of the rear wheels slips a little bit is the biggest complaint. It cant be turned off without being in 4WD The Gas Mileage: 16.5 average city/hwy Brakes: 3mm left after 54k miles so about 25% left. Also what no one has said that I can find is that it really excels in 4wd on windy gravel roads - that is when the vsc really does help - and it is a WHOLE lot of fun. I could not go half that speed with my miata without spinning out.
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Stand-out Performer - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By cb4life - April 2 - 8:40 pmWe bought the Toyota Sequoia Limited (4WD) to replace a 2006 Land Rover LR3 HSE. We have not regretted it. Pros: Strong engine, quiet/smooth ride, reclining seats throughout vehicle, window shades, leg room for adults in all seats. Cons: Navigation system is not user- friendly, radio controls are hard to reach (have to stretch while driving). Kids love legroom and reclining seats. Wife loves safety feeling, power rear hatch, and power. I love flexibility for storage and comfort on road trips.
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Toyota the BEST - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Guillermo - April 1 - 10:00 amAll around great SUV. It has power, space and look. What else do you want? I love it
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Great SUV - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By fin - March 26 - 2:00 amWe love it! It is so comfortable and runs smooth. It has so much room and fits eight people veryn nicely.
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Greatest car Ive ever had!!! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Stephanie Williams - March 19 - 2:00 amI love this car becaus it is so comfortable to drive and all the seats are very comfortable and I feel like you have tons of room. It drives very smoothe and is not very loud.
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Great Truck, Poor A/C - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By BigDaddy - March 18 - 10:00 amI am loving my Sequoia when it is not in the shop. The truck has been in and out of the dealership for the last two months for repeated A/C failure. If it not the compressor its something else. To add insult to injury the parts for the truck are always on "back order."
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The best SUV Ive ever owned - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By markjenty - March 14 - 10:00 amThis is a real SUV that a woman could drive comfortably and easily. It drives like a car. Plenty of room for the kids with added bonus of the entertainment system. Never had Toyota before, but think I will never buy anything again. What a better ride than our Ford Explorer. We almost bought the Suburban. Glad we didnt!!!
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Not that great - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By venturen - March 13 - 11:50 amI love the size of the Sequoia, but I have had lots of problems... more than all my other cars combined. Replaced the transmission, rear window stopped working after almost decapitating my dog because it randomly opens and shut, the VSC shuts down on rainy day... loss of power when turning, the engine depowered while driving on the highway and almost got me killed. It eats tires... supposedly a problem with the $2500 VSCcomputer. The paint quality stinks! Scratches!
