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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  DuckTapeEngineer - 2011 Toyota Sequoia
  By ducttapeeng - August 8 - 11:34 am

  Great SUV. Our purpose was to have towing capability of 7000lbs easily and have an interior (eliminating trucks). All SUVs in this category have great front seats and comprable 2nd rows but the 3rd row was the best by far. Around town, gas mileage can be all over the map. Driving without trying to be efficient - expect 13 mpg / but if you try hard and learn - 16 - 17 is possible. Remember there is substantial push after getting off the gas. Speed is the key to mpg with something of this size. For 2011, getting in and out of 4WD occurs below 45mph - resolved in later models.

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  Best Experience - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ramon - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is one of the best cars I have ever owned. The fuel economy was a surprise to me. I was expecting it to consume a lot of gas but surprisingly it doesnt. Drives very smooth and has good acceleration for a big SUV.

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  Best In Class - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Nat Hooker - July 29 - 2:00 am

  The only real drawbacks with this SUV are gas milage & the driver seat does not go back quite enough. I have had 4 Suburbans including one currently. The Sequoia blows it away. It may be a tad smaller (length & cargo) however it is three times the SUV.

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  Terrible Reliability - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By AZ Owner - July 26 - 12:26 am

  120000 mile on SUV to date. Thankfully, warranty covers new VSC board. It did not cover all my time wasted (5 visits) at the dealers trying to figure out why the interior VSC light and brake light kept coming on. Now, at 115,000 the brake light comes on intermittently. When light is on the truck brakes differently and it scares me. Happened in the snow a few weeks ago. Engine must be restarted to reset the brakes. Kinda tough on the highway in the snow. I bought a Toyota for reliability, its been anything but. The oil gauge quit working when I drove it off the lot, brand new at $48,000.00. Took 3 trips before they could fix it.

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  OUTSTANDING - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By BOGS - July 24 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT RELIABILITY THE BEST HANDLING IVE EVER DRIVIN. COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE AND VERY QUIET IN THE FREEWAY.

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  300 Miles and the vehicle is in the shop already - 2018 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mark M. - July 19 - 10:23 am

  I have leased the vehicle not too long ago. A week later I had to drive it to the shop due to multiple safety sensors repeated failures. Rear cross traffic, Blind spot, active cruise control, front collision radar, etc. At the moment dealer had to contact Toyota to figure out what is going on. I wish I could return it at this point in time...Toyota reliability is gone. First one, and definitely the last Toyota I will ever lease / own.

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  buy it - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By buyit - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Great SUV! I have had other SUVs but none better than this. Buy it, you will noy regret it.

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  Very pleasant to drive long distances - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By gagrice - July 14 - 3:43 am

  As a confirmed Toyota hater, I was surprised at how much I liked this vehicle. Not sure how long I will keep it. I wanted a diesel Mercedes. I did not like the MB 7 speed transmission. This is MUCH smoother and less intrusive.

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  Love it! - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bean - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is a beast. Wife and two kids and all the stuff for family vacation easily fit. It drives wonderfully. Plenty of power, plenty of room. I wish the mpg were a little better. We got 17 mpg on the highway and 15 in town. We dont tow anything, but it feels like we could. It has plenty of horse power with a great ride. But, I do have one serious complaint. The navigation! Toyota should be embarrassed. Having owned an Acura with navi, I expected they would all be about the same. Big mistake! It is frustrating, counter- intuitive, and far from "user friendly." in short, buy the sequoia but skip the navi. Youll be glad you did.

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  Some Trouble - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Salam Rajjoub - July 6 - 5:13 am

  I bought this car with 5000 miles on it it drives smooth and dependable. I already took it for repair twice. I had problem with the rear window opening and closing in cold weather. I had also problem with the rear window defroster and the rear window wiper in cold weather.