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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  Awesome ride! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chris A. - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Awesome vehicle. Lousy gas mileage but a sacrifice for comfort and power. Great pick-up and braking. Superb sound system. Great ride w/ firm suspension. 10 speakers and 10 cup holders. PARTY!! $42,000 and Toyota still makes you buy the floor mats.

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  Sequoia - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tim - July 28 - 10:00 am

  The powertrain is outstanding and towing capability as well. It makes the vehicle a joy to drive. At 61000 miles mine has yet to have a mechanical problem.

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  Great but a couple problems - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By tmaracle - July 26 - 3:20 am

  We like this truck. I am encountering some issues. I added the running boards with LEDs underneath that light up when the door is opened. The dealership is fixing them for the third time because the wires got corroded at the connection. It is not a water proof connector, bad design. I now also have a leaking oil pan. It appears to be the valve seal that is faulty because the hose and pan are oily. Hopefully the dealership will fix both issues under the extended warranty. So far they told me the light bulbs are not covered. LEDs are not light bulbs, they are diodes that rarely fail. This is an electrical issue. Is anyone else having problems. Albeit, these seem to be minor.

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  Good SUV - Toyota quality - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By Craig T. - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my Sequoia two months ago {9/2010} and it has met my expectations. It has excellent acceleration, great maneuverability for a 6,000 pound truck, great passenger room, and the built quality is consistent with Toyota standards {we have owed GM, Lexus, Nissan, and Toyota}. We have rented a Chevy Tahoe LT for a vacation and although the seats are much more comfortable, I am very pleased with my choice since the overall quality/acceleration/and long term expected durability do not stack up to the Sequoia.At 50k+ in this class, you need to be sure.

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  Great car/needs some improvement - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By E. Chiboucas - July 18 - 3:06 am

  I love the look of my Sequoia and how it drives. There wasnt an available year for me to fill in for my car. It is a 2002.

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  my toy - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By hector rodriguez - July 18 - 2:00 am

  the best driving suv easy to drive .My wife has no problems parking it at the mall very comfortable.

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  2005 Sequoia - Better Than 2002 ! - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob Green - July 17 - 10:50 pm

  I traded in a 2002 SR5 Sequoia with 60,000 miles on it. Zero repairs, never a minutes trouble - loved the car. Wanted the new 5 speed auto transmission and larger engine. The trade in value was too good to pass up. The new 2005 has 4000 miles on it after 1.5 months. 2000 miles in one trip. 5 speed transmission is a plus. Some of the exterior features are not as "robust" as they were in 2002 (running boards) The extra 40 plus horsepower is a real "kick" when it is needed!

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  great large car; great large truck! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By schnooze - June 29 - 2:00 am

  very reasonably priced, great features and terrific reliability. if this sequoia were wrecked, id buy another to replace it!

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  2002 Toyota Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By rich99 - June 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for a year, and was a replacement for a minivan. Paid $34,500 for the SR-5. So far it has lived up to expectations. Love the fact that the rear seat can actually sit an adult (vs the Tahoe, where your knees are in your face). Gas mileage not to bad, average 16.5 on highway trips. Anti-skid control seems to kick in too easily on snowy days. Towing capacity was not an issue for me, might be for others. All in all very happy and would recommend it to others.

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  #2 sequoia owner - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By tim d - June 22 - 5:00 am

  excellent vehicle. One of the most comfy big SUVs.