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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  Big SUV, drives like a sedan - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By soonersok - December 14 - 10:26 pm

  When I first looked at the new Sequoias I thought that they would drive like a monster, however, when I test drove it, it was so smooth and the transmission shifted without me even noticing it. You could tell that this vehicle was well engineered and geared towards people who want a large SUV but without the "truck like" feel to it. The Sequoia is driven primarily by my wife but I always find excuses to drive it on the weekends and we do all of our trips in it. Its a great vehicle and I strongly recommend it.

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  The Beast - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By wermys - December 7 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I began our search for our new SUV by driving everything in sight. We Looked at Cadillacs, Lexus, Acura, and Toyota. After driving the Sequoia my wife was sold and so was I. The ride is smooth as as air and it handels very well for its size. make no mistake this SUV is huge. This is truly a great vehicle, the 4WD handles nice, and so does the rwd. The interior comfort is great I am a large man and often find vehicles lacking in head room or leg room. this has plenty of both. if you are lookg for a great SUV then this is for you. I think it gets ok gasmilage for its size. It guzzels gas like all SUVs of this size.

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  Unhappy - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By william hester - December 5 - 7:26 pm

  This Sequoia has been a real disappointment. Bought new, and have been paying for problems ever since. Bulb that used to illuminate the D on the dash when car is put in gear burned out. Surprise, this is an $85 repair at the dealer, plus cost of the bulb. Brakes are inadequate and require routine pads and rotors way too often. Figure $400 every 30k miles here. Timing belt and water pump at 90k miles, another $700 plus. Note, others use a timing chain, which doesnt require routine changes at premium prices. A/C has also gone out, as has rear hatch window motor. Toyotas Toyota will do nothing about the defective designs. My first and last Toyota for sure.

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  To Die for! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Socalxrider - December 5 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is top notch, comming from a 1999 suburban, this SUV rocks. The off road capabilites are outstanding the roominess of the third row seating is amazing.

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  Ours Went to Sequoia Heaven - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By blessed1022 - December 2 - 7:09 am

  What can I say - Loved our SR5 to death. June 2013 my wife and kids were in a bad accident. Rear ended and slammed into the back of another truck because the other car got so deep under the rear she couldnt fully stop. Bought ours on July 3, 2004 almost 9 years. We were never happier with another car. Planned on driving it until the wheels fell off. The safety of this truck left my family just fine. The frame stopped the other car in its place amazing. Wished we could have kept it but insurance claimed total loss. What a shame, cried for several days - seems silly but when you have such good memories with a car like this its hard to let go. 155k+ miles and valued at $13k. Way to go Toyota!

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  Awesome - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By lexus guy - November 28 - 4:13 pm

  This is my second Toyota SUV, we owned a 2000 landcruiser years ago that was awesome too. We recently came back to Toyota after trading our Lexus GX470 for the Sequoia. The GX was not big enough for kids and strollers etc. The Sequoia is awesome, the towing capacity is fantastic as well. It used to be you had to buy an Escalade or something to be able to tow 10,000 pounds but not anymore, watch out GM! I have a few complaints about the Sequoia. For a $50,000+ vehicle you would expect there would be a front middle parking sensor, why there isnt I have no clue, just side front sensors. I was also surprised there was no personalized settings for the front seats. Overall a great truck.

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  Best Gas Mileage V8 SUV - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By jj - November 27 - 7:13 pm

  After searching for the right sized auto with regard to value, we chose this beautiful 7 seater suv. Plenty of power for passing and hauling. Comfortable for everyone on long drives and the average gas mileage is 15.9, which is amazing compared to others in this class.

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  Car I will Drive for 10 Years or More! - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By OOwl - November 27 - 5:46 pm

  After owning a 4Runner for the past 6 years, we needed a bit more room (we travel with show dogs to dog shows and needed the space for crates), we upgraded to the Sequoia. I wanted the 07 version since I like the body style better than the 08s. I love the vehicle but it does ride louder and a bit "rougher" than my 07 4Runner. This vehicle is WAY too big not to have a backup camera, so we are having that added immediately. I also like the a/c and heater controls more than in my 4Runner. LOVE the universal remote to open my garage and dont know how I ever lived without the heated seats! I really overall love this car and expect to still be driving it in 10 years!

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  Good SUV for the money - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By William - November 24 - 11:40 am

  All SUVs are overpriced in my book, but if you need the size its a good purchase. Has good power. Not as much cargo room as one would expect. Rather noisy. I am average build and I feel like a midget trying to reach for everything. Person who decided where the heated seats button was placed should be shot. Solid feeling, makes one feel very safe. Well put together. Mileage is awful in general, but good in its class. "Toyota Quality" is overrated as Ive had a rather long list of things that have had to be repaired (under warranty of course) like rear window, tire pressure gauge and rear wiper.

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  Sequoia 2003 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By spcp1230 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Recently purchased, Very pleased so Far.