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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  Love our Sequoia! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sequoia Rocks - December 5 - 3:20 am

  So, let me start by saying we have a 2004 Toyota 4Runner, with 130,000 miles. We have NEVER had any issues with it and it drives like the day we drove it off the new car lot. Since then, weve had 3 girls and grown to a family of 5 and needed something new. So, we made a mistake. We bought a Acura MDX. Sold it. Bought a Cadillac Escalade. Sold it. Finally came back to our first love Toyota and found the Sequoia used with 44k. In short, this thing is now a member of the family. Yes, Toyota hit a rough spot, but they are still Toyota. They will recover and the 2008 Toyota Sequoia has exceeded ALL expectations. Not enough time to list all the things we love. Find one used, buy it.

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  Excellent SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Daddy - December 1 - 2:26 am

  With a wife and three toddlers, this truck fits the bill. Comfort for them, toys for me (NAV, performance, looks). Kids watch the DVD and have their own headsets, dont hear a peep from them when watching Shrek. The only thing and this is minor would be more cargo space, but can always get one of those Thules for the roof. Highly recommend.

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  Shangrila - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By John Martin - November 28 - 10:00 am

  Great for the Kids and the wife. Had a Caravan before, that I could not wait to get rid of. We worth the price. Not an off the shelf suburbon or expedition. This car is so nice and smooth. I feel very safe.

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  Great family vehicle - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bear1 - November 23 - 12:53 pm

  If you need room for a large family, enjoy traveling in silent comfort at barely legal speeds, and do not worry about a high gas bill, this is the vehicle for you. Seems readily apparent that the Lexus engineers had a hand in designing all aspects of this versatile family hauler.

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  Wifes New Car - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Joe Turpel - November 13 - 11:43 pm

  My wife loves this car; everything from the comfort to the design, the power on acceleration, handling, the sound system, the silence when the widows are up, cargo space, the navigation system, back up camera, satellite radio and the DVD player.

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  Not all Toyotas are created equal - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By jsampat - November 13 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new Sequoia 8/04.Check engine light came on at 22 miles. The wheels started vibrating since day one. Dealer in another town changed all tires, aligned and tested the vehicle. It still has the vibration.Wonder if the manufacturer made a lemon? Already made four different visits to the dealerships.Still trying to solve the persistant problem.Anyone has any sugestions? Toyota seems to be ignoring this problem.

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  Mary Ts Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mary T - November 13 - 10:00 am

  For my needs and my dollar this vehicle is perfect. The only things I would work on is improving gas efficiency (good now for a powerful engine) and improving the side wheel covers on all four sides to take bumps better. Just for luxury add a DVD player as standard equipment in the limited model.(: Thanks for my dream retirement car.

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  love it - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By B.Driven - November 12 - 6:20 am

  this was quite a change from our old Sub - while we gave up some room - we have more money in repair savings - the v8 is very peppy even here at 5,280 feet - at sea level it is quite exciting - great for long runs and it take along lots of whatever you want to pack

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  great overall vehicle - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By pml - November 9 - 2:00 am

  excellent overall sport utility with car type ride and luxury type felling

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  Sequoia Rocks - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By joshsabrina - November 8 - 1:36 am

  Excellent SUV all the way around except fuel economy. If you dont mind paying more at the pump though, this vehicle will make you think you are driving on a cloud. This SUV has the best resale value for the 2005 model for SUVs. Now you cant beat that.