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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2003 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By CE - January 27 - 10:00 ammost comfortable car I have ever been in
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I love my Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Brad11111 - January 27 - 10:00 amLove it as a full size, still fun to drive, gets lots of looks, love it
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Superb! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Leon Kim - January 27 - 10:00 amI made an excellent choice
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GREAT - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By JJJJ - January 27 - 10:00 amTHIS TRUCK IS AWSOME!!! I WAS ANAVID GMC YUKON/SUBURBAN OWNER. GOODBYE GMC!!! HELLO TOYOTA!!!
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Bad Rear end! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Unhappy Toyota Owner - January 27 - 10:00 amI have had my Sequoia in the shop 4 times and only have 2,000 miles on it. Ive had a new set of tires and rims put on, but there is still something wrong with the rear end. The dealership says it rides like it should and if that is the case, then Im very disappointed. Drive you vehicle out on the highway and put at least 25 miles on it, before you decide to keep that one.
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MY TOY - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Ladydi - January 15 - 2:00 amLove my sequoia, very roomy and comfy, added flowmaster gave a little more horsepower and a few more turning heads. Got mine without roofrack for a more longer sleeker look, no need for rack with all the storage space inside. FWD handles great in snow. Kids and hubby love it too. Love My Toy!
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Great SUV, with problems - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By watermn99 - January 15 - 2:00 amLove the Truck, Its like driving your living room sofa. The truck has been in the shop for a week with a rear axle problem, The service dept has been good so far and they provided a decent loaner, so I am hoping for the best. I didnt like the sales tactics by the dealership, be aware and get your trade in #s in writing before you make the deal.
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My new Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By Perry Marshall - January 14 - 10:00 amI love this truck. I have had an Explorer and a Jeep Grand Chereokee (I loved the Jeep much more than the Explorer). I must say, I adore this truck much more than anything. Very comfortable. HUGE! Drives like a car. Very user friendly seats. Does off roading quite well. Much nicer inside than the Durango, and a nicer ride than the Durango or Yukon. Very refined.
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Great SUV, Great Blind Spot! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By Wilson47 - January 14 - 10:00 amThis is a great SUV! I really like this truck, but here are things to keep in mind. The third row is great for hauling around extra people, but when the seats are in use, I can barely fit my baby stroller in the cargo space. This car has a a huge blind spot! The rear 1/3 of the car! As long as you are aware its fine. The clock is too low! Those are my only complaints! I really like the car!
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A must for a family - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By Cesar Ruvalcaba - January 14 - 10:00 amThis is a must buy for a family, its very quiet, and the reliability is great. The Comfort is amazing and you wont even feel when its moving
