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 to drive - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By viking100 - January 16 - 2:00 amthis suv is very comfortable. ride is smooth and easy. engine noise and outside noise are minimal. engine supplies adequate power and pickup. i am very satisfiedwith its performance and would recommend this vehicle without reservation.
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Nice Large SUV - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By nhtoyotaalways - January 15 - 2:12 pmUPDATE 12/2016. Everything going along OK. Did have a damaged rear hatch when I tried to close it and didnt see a suitcase handle sticking up. Misaligned the door/hatch pretty badly - so much so that replacing the hinges did not work. Had to get a used hatch, hinges, etc, plus the paint-job. $1,400 later it is still not exactly a perfect fit but does close. So be careful and be sure nothing is in the way (upper) when closing the hatch. Pulling a trailer full of furniture from hilly PA to NH it gets about 14 MPG. Nice, SAFE vehicle. Have owned nothing but Toyotas, from a 1979 Corolla to the 2003 Sequoia. Bought it to pull an enclosed trailer when needed. Wife fell in love with it. This Sequoia was part of the recall for the rusted frame/underbody. It also recently was recalled for the faulty passenger airbag. Put about 25K miles on it, and it did have an intermittent check-engine light on it - for evap issue i think. Usually got 15 MPG with it, 13 or so when pulling the trailer. As high as 21.5 on a recent trip that was mostly highway. Vehicle was rear-ended recently - probably a good thing we were driving this or could have had serious injuries. VERY solid SUV with good reliability.
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Great Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By John Sharp - December 30 - 10:00 amWhat a great vehicle! The Sequoia is very roomy, very quiet, and has plenty of towing power. It is extremely comfortable and very fun to drive. Along with all of these great features, it also gets suprisingly good fuel mileage for a vehicle this large.
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Toyota Seqouia 2004, excellent vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Zombie - December 30 - 10:00 amJust bought this vehicle and really love it. It is extremely comfortable and fun to drive. The front visibility is very good and its so quiet you sometimes have to check thats running. It looks rather large from the outside but amazingly doesnt drive like it. I am an avid Toyota fan and have bought many of them. This vehicle doesnt disappoint.
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Second Sequoia the best - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By D Harper - December 26 - 4:33 amI traded in my 2006 Sequoia for the 2008 Platinum additon. The ride is so much better than the older version and their interior refinements have entered the modern market with competitiors like Lexus, BMW, Lincoln. It gets much better mileage than the old one and all around a much more civilized vehicle.
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A great fun driving SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By fanman - December 23 - 10:00 amIve had my Sequoia since November 2001. It is a pleasure to drive and I believe ahead of the pack fit and finish. Its a swee truck!
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Love our Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By B&C - December 21 - 10:10 amWe debated on a mini-van, but wanted a larger 4wd. We looked at all the full size SUVs and chose the Sequoia that we purchased through a broker with 15,000 mi. Its an SR5, but loaded with almost every option available. Of course the mileage is horrible, but if you can get past that fact, you will love this SUV. It accelerates as good or better than my Mercedes E320. I have had 5 full size guys with 5 bikes and even my 63" buddy was comfortable in the 3rd row. We are very happy. On road trips we average around 18 mph. We put in an aftermarket DVD - if this is a requirement, get one with the factory DVD, aftermarket will not work with factory BT, poor steering wheel connections, etc.
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great suv - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By snowyman28 - December 19 - 10:00 amThis truck is a truly fun, surprisingly easy to handle and fun to drive. Incredible flexability in the interior in regards to passenger seating and storage options more than offset the somewhat bland and cookie-cutter exterior.
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Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By Sequoiadriver - December 16 - 10:00 amGreat family hauler. This is by far the best family vehicle we have ever owned. One word says it all, "utilitarian".
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Love our Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By kim - December 15 - 11:13 pmThe only problem we have run into so far is the gas gauge (sometimes the needle will go to empty even though there is over half a tank left) otherwise we are very happy with our sequoia. We owned a Ford Explorer previously and we have learned our lesson to never buy a Ford.
