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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BETTER THAN ANY AMERICAN SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By GENEORICO - October 24 - 10:00 amI HAVE OWNED ALMOST EVERY TYPE OF SUV AND THE TOYOTA SEQUOIA MEETS AND EXCEEDS EVERYTHING I HAVE HAD IN THE PAST. THEIR ISNT ANOTHER SUV THAT IS BUILT BETTER.WE HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS AT ALL. I HAVE ALSO HAD FOUR TOYOTA TUNDRAS WITH OUR COMPANY IN THE LAST 4 YEARS AND THEY ARE FAR BY THE BEST PICKUP ON THE ROAD BAR NONE, NO ONE CAN EVEN COME CLOSE IN QUALITY. THANK YOU VERY MUCH GENE ORICO
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great deal - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By zaachrist - October 24 - 10:00 amI love toyota very nice car for different activities.It has a lot it room and confortable.I love the economy mileage for the city and fwy compairing some other v8s
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Very Good - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Robert Panzer - October 24 - 10:00 amThis is a great vehicle.
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Sequoia Rocks - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By GWE - October 24 - 10:00 amGreat reliable Toyota vehicle...not a lot of flash or dash...but going on 60000miles, very comfortable, not a problem.
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Spare Key - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Bob - October 22 - 10:00 amJust purchased my Sequoia used as a second vehicle. Spent a lot of money on new timing belt, serpentine belt, battery, replacing transmission fluid, etc. - which I anticipated and I am OK with all that. Seat belt retracter and gas gauge that failed right after purchased disappointed - but I still hung in OK. The big surprise that completely turned me off was a replacement ignition key (just the key!) to replace the lost key that did not come with the vehicle - $628 quoted! Unbelievable. From what I understand, an electronic module has to be replaced to work with a new key. Knowing that up front - I would not have purchased the Sequoia.
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Top of the line Sequoia Limited - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By OnlydriveSUVs - October 16 - 6:56 amI told the dealership to find me the top of the line Sequoia, and they did. What a great vehicle! In addition to the top notch Toyota quality you get a huge SUV - comfortably seats 7. You cant beat this truck if you need space. I couldnt be happier. Ive had it since July 05 and, of course, have had no problems. Avg 15-18 MPG.
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A high quality beauty - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By monterrey al - October 7 - 10:00 amWe (8 people)took this vehicle to Mexico, all the way close to Guatemala: All kinds of terrain. An awesome performer. I have yet to have a problem: plentiful acceleration, great comfort! Great looks; In Monterrey, the salesman told us how much people wanted the sequoia in Mexico, but is not sold there yet. Excellent attention to detail, premium quality on the interior, seats, and exterior; feels like a smaller car; I enjoy driving my sequoia everyday, and it is nice drive a truck with an elegant personality, but with excelent dna and character for off road duties. Very reliable with best residual value in its class.
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a little disappointing - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By mishmish - October 1 - 10:00 amI bought my sequioa with only 14 miles on it so I was disappointed when I took my sequioa at 7300 miles for routine services and they told me I need brakes and rotors Also at 4500 miles I had to get a new brain box or whatever its called because the check enigine light kept coming on.I also keep getting this foul oder smell when I go pass 65mph.
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Great comfortable big SUV - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By William D - September 22 - 12:03 pmSuits all the needs of as busy household with children, pets and things to haul. Also spacious. Great accessories/features in the Limited model. Plenty of power and a smooth ride front and back make it a pleasure to drive long or short distance.
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Nervous - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
By Dave - September 19 - 11:50 pmIve had my Sequoia for a little over two years now and though I love driving the vehicle and it works well for my family of five, I am 15,000 miles past my manufacturers warranty and already have over $2,000.00 in repairs. I was lucky enough to have purchased the extended warranty so I havent had to pay for these repairs out of pocket but I am very worried about what this vehicle is going to cost me in the long run. I am pretty sure I will dump it when it is paid for. This is a shame because I really like the vehicle from a users point of view. My last issue was with the fuel pump at 45,000 miles. The part alone is over $600.00 from the dealership. That excludes labor.
