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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  Love It!!! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Miguelmyson - March 5 - 8:06 pm

  My Sequoia, is very nice and runs so well the comfort is very nice and has so many different things it can so as far as electronics. It has a very large interior which has alot a room in the back and even nice room for third row seats. The only bad if any and that is with any SUV is gas mileage and we all know about that going in. But over all a great truck and wouldnt trade it for anything.

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  glad I didnt buy a suburban - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By rocco - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car! test drove all the full size suvs by far the best. Suburban was good too,but just does not compare in build quality and the sequoia holds its value better than most.

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  2002 TOYOTA SEQUOIA - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By FCT - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Good SUV at afair price.

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  Toyota is not my mother - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By MSP3304 - February 24 - 5:33 pm

  This 2010 Toyota Sequoia is my 4th new Toyota purchased. My platinum has every possible option available. I am very happy with the vehicle overall. However, Toyotas legal dept is ruining Toyota. The Navigation and factory remote starter are useless. As soon as the vehicle is in motion the NAV locks up so that not even your passenger can enter a new address or search for fuel or food. So basically you are forced to pull over into the break down lane (which is not only illegal but dangerous) to update your NAV. Also the RADAR cruise control does not work when the windshield wipers are activated. Give me a break Toyota, I know how to drive in the rain.

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  Great Buy, Great Value - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Christi - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Incredible horsepower, great family interior layout, comfortable seating, plenty of leg room, easy to remove and hange seating, economical fuel. Most comfortable vehicle I have ever owned, I made a great choice.

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  Toyotas done it again! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By BOB - February 15 - 7:00 am

  Owned a 97 4 runner and was extremely pleased, but needed something bigger to carry family to and from AAU Girls National basketball tournaments. Looked at all the competition and frankly they were no match for the Sequoia, in my opinion. The interior design and comfort is far superior to all the others especially in the rear seating area. The buckets in the second row are fully adjustable and also recline which made it great for the rear passengers. Not difficult to handle around town and its performance is well, outstanding. Recent long trip,passengers were very comfortable. Gas mileage low, but not why most will buy this vehicle. The Platinum has all the goodies,add entertainment system

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  Only Toyota I will ever buy - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By tustin - February 7 - 9:33 pm

  Had all carpet replaced at 1600 miles. Had interior trim panels replaced. Plastic covers keep falling off. Owned MB, audi and GM Yukons. My 94 E320 looks brand new. Toyota suggested I go back to buying MB product. Sequoia interior looks like junk. Toyota would not acknowlege poor manufacturing quality. Kept trying to send me to dealer but they did not build the car, Toyota did. Exceptionally poor customer service from Toyota Corporation. Paint is cheap as well.

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  What SUVs Should Be - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Setu Petaia - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, I put 285X50X20s on the car and it became a fused Rambo and Arnold - very smooth, adequate power and eye turning piece of art work. I wouldnt mind if Toyota turn up the HP/Torque catagory a little pit otherwise the car looks like a classic warrior with the comfort and executive ride. By the way this is a 2001 model with no much difference from the 2004

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  The nicest SUV we have ever owned! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By atlantapa - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Was reluctant to buy the Sequoia becasue of the high price. Test drove Chevry Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and new Nissan Armada and none of them compared to the Sequioa. The Sequoia has the nicest interior, safety features, and engine of all the ones we tested. The engine while not as powerful as Chevy and Ford is very refined and is same engine used on Toyota Landcrusier, and full size Lexus SUV. The Sequioa also borrows the same transmission and brakes (2003 and newer) as well. This probably explains the silky smooth engine and transmission. Overall we have been very pleased with the SUV.

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  sequoia is awesome - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By cmkollas - January 20 - 10:00 am

  great vehicle - fantastic