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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Excellent SUV to own - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By jay saini - May 28 - 3:16 amThis is one of the best SUV I have owned
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The Best SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By Bigman4372 - May 22 - 2:00 amOur Sequoia is everything we could have wished for. It does excellent in the snowy winters of Michigan and through all the ice and slush. Toyota could have put a bit more power into it but all else surpasses that small issue. The third row seat can even seat 3 adults with comfort. This is by far better than a Suburban or Yukon XL Denali. I love this car and I know it will last me 10 years, thanks Toyota.
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Mostly Good, few points to consider... - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
By armartin22 - May 19 - 7:25 amI traded in my 2011 Honda Pilot (yes, a 2011) for a slightly used 2010 Sequioa Platinum. I did this mostly for the towing capacity, but I also love the styling of the Sequioa. Despite loving the overall SUV, I will list the cons to consider if you dont need the towing capacity: - Seat layout. Platinum captain seating in back is silly and inconvenient. - Nav/Audio: overly complex touchscreen interface. For example, to change stations to next preset (without using the steering wheel controls), you have to switch to "audio" mode. - Handling: while good for a 3 ton truck, its still shaky at speeds and subject to wind. If you need a luxury tank, buy this.
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the best suv - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Dale Warren - May 18 - 2:00 amRetired and do all of our travel via auto. 95% of use is over the road. I find that we are more rested after several hundred miles than in convential vehicle
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THEE best SUV out there - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By Biggy - May 17 - 10:00 amThis SUV is all out. It can do anything you want it to. If you are a slow driver it can go slow, if your a fast driver, it goes faster than you can handle. It has the most room in the back row. Dont you see how after this car came out, all the other fullsize SUVs and midsize SUVs came out with the third row? I dont know but I lov this car and it is thee bomb.
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towson - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By TOWSON - May 3 - 7:06 amI chose the Sequoia over the Land Cruiser becasue it is much larger, with tons of room behind the third row seat and the rear door. It rides well in 4WD, much like the Mercedes ML320 that we traded in. We love all the extra space compared with the Mercedes.
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Sequoia forever!! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Loran R. - April 30 - 2:00 amI am totally in love with my new Sequoia, I love everything about it, especially the power, ride, torque and transmission. Awesome Vehicle!!!
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best suv! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By dotron - April 30 - 2:00 amafter extensive searching, we found THE best suv for the money. roomy and comfy, but drives like a dream. solid yet smooth. not bad on gas. toyota reliability and re-sale. a perfect big family tripper that thinks its a sports car!
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toyota has some lemons - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By billboxman - April 24 - 10:00 amWe have had our Sequoia repaired by the dealership 10 times in the past 18 mo. for VSC concerns and activation. toyota replaced the master brake booster @1135 miles,front calipers rotors and pads @17000 miles and again @ 34000 as a TSB.after going to arbirtation, I won toyota will replace my SUV with a new one. But toyota made it as hard and as possible, didnt care about my families safty or LIVES, and tryied to discredit 7 of the 10 repairs because the dealership didnt charge toyota any money, but still tryed to repair. In closing, stand up for your legal rigths even if toyota trys to make you give in.
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This is a great car - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By kathy - April 20 - 9:33 pmWe have three boys and two dogs and this is the perfect car for us. It rides like a car, but has so much power. We have towed a travel trailer across 5 states with it like a breeze. We are a tall family (my 15 yr old is 65") and this Sequoia is very comfortable for all of us to ride in. Even the 3rd row seat has adequate leg room. We have been very happy with this SUV.
