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 it - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By steve D - November 7 - 6:46 pm

  When I first bought this SUV I didnt think that I would like it because of the size, but after a few days I realize that it is like driving a car. Toyota has thought of everything when they built this fullsize SUV. I test drove the Yukon and the Tahoe and they could not compete with the comfort and handling and performance of a Sequoia.

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  Clunky - 2015 Toyota Sequoia
  By SlickEagle - November 6 - 7:02 pm

  The extra foot -bumper to bumper, compared to the 4-runner was too much for me. The interior was largely a step down from previous years. The v-8 had a lot of power and delivered acceleration. Road noise was high.

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  Not happy with warranty coverage - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By psfranco - November 4 - 10:00 am

  Overall the vehicle is fine. However, the driver side window has been squeeky lately. I went to open the window the other day, and the glass almost completely turned around. Took it into the dealership and guess what? Not covered under warranty. They want $700 to replace the motor. Im sorry, but for something that has nothing to do with the actual "running" of the car should include reasonable wear and tear. What else does one do with a window besides press the button to roll it up or down? Im pretty mad about this and Corporate Toyota will be getting a call.

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  Letjohns Love of her Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Letjohn - October 30 - 10:46 pm

  I love this truck!! It is spacious, butter-smooth transmission, GREAT LOOKING! I purchased the Limited edition in black with tan leather interior. I got all the bells and whistles. I will have this truck forever!

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  Love it - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By LukeSKY007 - October 28 - 7:26 am

  I love this SUV, had 2 4runner limteds before....the only draw back with this SUV is no lockable glove-box, and no light under the hood...What gives toyota? Also would be nice with a nav system. otherwise, great ride, lots of room and great stearing....

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  Excellent Car for a Large Family - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Derek - October 24 - 6:40 pm

  We just purchased our Sequoia two weeks ago and love it. We shopped around and took a look at the Tahoe and Escalade to compare it to. The Escalade was about $25k more and a lot worse on the mpg. Workmanship of the Tahoe had a poor feel and look to it, not to mention poor resale value. We had a 2004 Toyota 4 Runner and loved it, but were running out of space and decided to move up to the big boy. We can actually fit 3 more adults into the Sequoia over the 4 Runner comfortably. We opted for the SR5 4 X 4 with most of the options that come on the Limited edition, but without the additional $$$. We actually paid a little less for the Sequoia then we did for the 4 Runner almost 5 years ago.

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  Napa Fun - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By John C Naab - October 24 - 10:00 am

  This SUV is awesome! Much better than I expected. Last ride was a 95 Ford Exploder with 220,000 miles on it. Couldnt keep a transmission in it, so I went back to Toyota & Im glad I did!!!

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  Not bad for the money. - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By GScale - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Great quality. Drives like a bus, very heavy. Averages 15 mpg. This was expected. Tire wear was very poor, this vehicle came from the factory with Dunlop tires and I expect to have to replace them at around 20,000 miles. There were 2 minor defects when purchased, the sunroof leaked and the vehicle was out of alignment. Over all this is a good SUV and we are pleased with it.

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  Improve MPG for Best in Class! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bobav4 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I drive over 20,000 a year and need comfort. This vehicle is that comfort I needed. But, the fuel MPG is worse that I was led to believe from the Dealer and the window sticker. Great ride for long trips.

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  Sequia -2002 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Urquia - October 24 - 10:00 am

  IT is one of the best SUVs we have ever owned and we will get a second!!