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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Overall, we love our Sequoia! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By Taylor - April 6 - 8:26 pmIn 2 years of ownership, we have had no major problems. It carries our family of 5 plus a ton of luggage w/o breaking a sweat. We love the huge moonroof, the 6 CD in-dash changer, the power of the 4.7 L V-8. We have taken it down dusty desert trails to visit ghost towns and up mountain paths w/o so much as a hiccup. There are a few gripes, however - the tail gate refused to open not long after we bought it and we could hear broken parts rattling around inside. The transmission sometimes clunks when were at a stoplight and it feels like weve been bumped from behind. Both rear passenger doors refuse to stay open on even the slightest incline, and the rear cubby hatch cover pops open.
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Love my new Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By capnjackflash - March 29 - 5:33 am2008 Sequoia Platinum, slate w/ red rock interior, laser cruise and DRL the only options. Ive already filled it with stuff twice and am amazed at how much fits with rearview mirror still usable. Interior reconfiguration is so simple and easy. 400 lb-ft of torque is always evident and handling is surprisingly good in the sport mode. In soft mode, 85 on a smooth interstate feels like 70. The seating position and front visibility are great, but there are blind spots behind the large front pillars. You get the same huge center console as the Tundra, designed for people using their truck as an office.
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No buyers remorse here! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By 1st time SUVer - March 28 - 2:00 amI am so glad I bought this SUV. The ride is silky soft and the cabin is quiet and comfortable. I considered a Tahoe and an Expedition, but I questioned Tahoes reliability and did not like Fords style. So after reading mostly favorable consumer reviews, I decided to test drive the Sequoia. During the test drive I began to believe those seemingly suspicious rave reviews because I was hooked on the spot. I thought Id have some sort of buyers remorse, but so far there is none. I love having and driving this SUV!
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lap of luxury >40K - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By SalesMac - March 28 - 2:00 amI could have done with less truck. I could have bought a smaller truck. Who needs leather, who needs AWD, who needs the smoothest ride, and who needs all the room? I could have done with less, but once I drove my Sequoia I knew... I had to have it.
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excellent - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By Melissa Hinzo - March 25 - 10:00 amThis car has exceeded my expectations by far. I feel safe, have room for eight adults and dont spend a fortune in gas. My Jeep Cherokee V-6 uses more gas than my Sequoia. I love it, and would highly recomend anyone to buy this SUV.
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Limited Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By eman - March 8 - 3:36 pmI think that the Sequoia is a good car, But if you have kids, youre going two need to have a TV. It helps a LOT! Keeps them from fighting and talking to. It also helpes if you replace the middle row middle seat with a glove compartment. It will separate your kids, and if you are going out with some adult friends, there is a lot more room. It drives smoothly, comfertably, and hassle free.
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Not the happiest - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By filbert - March 5 - 2:00 amI find it ok to drive and as far as the performance its ok. But for as much as it costs it defenetly needs improvements to the interior design.
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2007 SR5 4x4 Sequoia - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
By Noleterp01 - March 4 - 12:40 amWe were in the market this year for a larger SUV expecting our second child, and looked at everything on the market to be fair. It came down to the Expedition and the Sequoia. The Sequoia is by far the best full size SUV you can get for the money. We were also able to get ours at an exceptional value, considering Toyota is cleaning the lots this time of year. Perfect for a two baby/child family. Decent on gas, and the ride is as smooth as most cars. We couldnt be happier and are officially a Toyota family. We bought a black SR5 with appearance package, tan interior, sunroof, towing package. It is a sharp SUV and we are looking forward to taking it on our first road trip soon.
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Best SUV (Period) - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Harry.t - February 27 - 2:00 amI had 3 new Toyota 4Runners since 1988 and the 2004 Sequoia is truly one of the best trucks in the world. I do quite a bit of 4wheeling, and this truck is better than any other truck I have driven, I dont like the new look of the 4Runner so I am glad the Sequoia took its place.
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Very Big SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By CanoeCrazy - February 24 - 5:16 pmI lost room going from an Aerostar AWD extended van, but I gained ground clearance and an extra seat. I canoe in Maine and need the ground clearance that the van could not deliver for the logging roads. One problem is that the truck is so high that I have troble loading a canoe on the useless roof rack. I will buy a canoe trailer! 4WD and traction control are OK in snow, but the skid control doesnt do much. This is a HIGH vehicle and the running boards help greatly getting in.
