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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  LOVING MY SEQUOIA - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By mimisample - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I love my Sequoia. For the price, you cannot go wrong. We chose the Sequoia over other SUVs in its class because its more sophisticated. When we are dressed up for church or dressed down for a picnic, my husband and I look good in it. Of course, it drives well.

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  THE LAST VEHICLE YOU WILL BUY - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By VILLA - March 7 - 10:00 am

  TRULY THE LAST VEHICLE YOU WILL EVER BUY. I WAS A BIT HESITANT A FIRST IN PURCAHSING IT, BECAUSE OF THE PRICE, BUT NOW THAT I HAVE IT, NOTHING COMPARES. I AM GONNA ENJOY THIS.

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  toy 4 wheel drive - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By bertolini - March 7 - 10:00 am

  it handles well off and on road plenty of hauling power lots of room and fun to drive.

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  The best car like ride I ever had - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By vann - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Quite and comfort ride

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  my review - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By raptorriderdp - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I think that this is a great car for anyone who has an active, family lifesyle, and enjoys offroading in style and comfort.

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  Good Family Car - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Harry - February 24 - 8:46 am

  I got this for the family and work. Got it with all the bells and whistles. Love the Red Rock leather. Comfortable ride. Not bad gas usage for a V8. Very comfortable ride with a vehicle height adjustment for when stopped and loading/unloading. Acceleration a little slow but manual option allows for better acceleration control. Looked at Escalade, Yukon, Mercedes Benz and decided this was best bang for the buck. Also, handling/steering seems better and quality is good. Interior better looking than the GM cars. Also, back seats automatic and fold flat, unlike the GM cars. Storage minimal when using all 7/8 passengers but most SUVs like that. Perfect for 4 person family.

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  2005 Toyota Sequoia SR5 - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By maripro1 - February 21 - 5:43 am

  I purchased the Toyota after selling my much loved Nissan Pathfinder. We needed something larger and the new Pathfinder / Armada just look "sloppy" in comparison to the Sequoia. A lot of on-line sites will tell you the 05 is just a carry-over of the 04. This is wrong, the 05 has a 282HP engine (compared to 240) and a 5speed automatic (compared to 4 speed) which so far has netted us about 15MPG in mixed driving. The fit and finish appear to be outstanding (some say boring) but in my view approaching Lexus standards.Having only two weeks with the SUV, my only concern is the brakes take a little more effort to slow the Sequoia down than I would like.

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  Very Comfortable! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Kate - February 19 - 1:13 am

  I have been very pleased! Its powerful, though it doesnt feel like you are in a huge SUV. I love it!

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  Anytime Anywhere - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Robert Finley - February 15 - 6:10 pm

  Best vehicle I have ever owned, and I have had some of the best. Roomy and can pull a ton and still stop on a dime.

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  the best suv made - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By bevelh - February 11 - 10:00 am

  best suv ever and the best dealership in Florida. i will forever be a toyota buyer