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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2004 SEQ REVIEW - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By JMG0308 - January 10 - 10:00 amGREAT FAMILY CAR PLENTY OF ROOM HAS DRIVEN WELL IN SNOW.
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The Red Wood Tree - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By durell brown - January 6 - 4:56 amThe Toyota Sequoia is one of the best SUV in its price range that a person could every buy.Before I bought the Sequoia I had a Expedition and it did nothing but drink gas and make a lot of noise.The Sequioa does a lot of things that make people love it like the electronic a/c in the back, third roll seat with lots of room and more thing I cant even named because its so many of them.Its a very likable.I plan on keeping it longer than I kept the Expedition.
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Very Different! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By mtngirl2 - January 5 - 10:00 amWe traded a Honda Odyssey for the SR5 and are very pleased. Two cautions for those coming from a minivan. 1. you lose the pass through between the captains chairs to the 3rd row. 2. the Odyssey sipped gas, the Sequoia guzzles it. BUT it rides like a cloud on wheels and feels as safe as a bank vault. Overall, bigger than the van but you lose cargo space in the back - par for the course for 4x4s. Bottomline, if 4 wheel drive is not important to you then stick with a minivan. Otherwise, this is a great car.
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first drive - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By james wolfe - January 5 - 10:00 ampurchased 8/20/04 of 2005 model with increased horsepower [42hp over 2004 model] acceleration is fine. purchased car @ 3500 below msrp. was first 2005 to arrive at dealership and bought it six hours later. previous landcruiser owner and am very satisfied with sequoia even though it is not a 4wd vehicle.
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Excellent Ride, Disappointing Reliability - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By Mark - January 1 - 6:31 pmPurchased new. It has a comfortable interior and smooth, quiet ride-especially given its size. I have had several expensive (several hundred dollar each) repairs including: replace door actuator (automatic lock failure), replace passenger side mirror (motor failure), disable driver side mirror retractor motor (stuck), replace overhead electric console (temp/fuel mpg/DTE indicator - broken button), replace back hatch latch (broken). Am aware of others with other Toyota vehicles with some of the same problems. These repairs have soured me on Toyota reliability but I have kept it so far because it is a comfortable ride.
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Why buy a Land Cruiser? - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Mario Meas - January 1 - 2:00 amThis car is huge. But once you get in it and start driving it around, you realize that youre driving a sedan, except for the fact that youre above everyone else. The quietness and smooth ride of this SUV is nothing short of amazing. Toyota specd the Sequoias 0-60 at 9.8 seconds. But I sweart it did it in 7 seconds.
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Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By Tami Spencer - December 23 - 11:23 pmI was looking for a smaller SUV, having previously owned Suburbans. The room in the Sequoia is great and with the three seats, any place you sit you have a lot of room, unlike my Suburban.
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Rattle trap - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Dr.Bill - December 22 - 10:00 amAfter 63,000 miles it sounds like the dash is going to fall off. In cold weather the plastic contracts and really squeaks, more then any suv I have owned. If you live where the roads are smooth your ok, if your in NY good luck.
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Satisfied (for 3rd time) - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
By wvgasguy - December 13 - 10:00 amThis is my third Sequoia (mixed in between with 2 Expeditions) Would not have bought without new folding third row on this generation. The headroom is tight with a sunroof for taller drivers. The gas mileage is on the low end of the segment. But the "value" is tops and it has awesome power. Typical "junk" Toyota NAV system. Sounds a lot like Im disappointed? Not really, just pointing out flaws. Still heads and shoulders over the Tahoe/Suburban and Expedition. Wish they really would tighten up the suspension, its a 4wd, I can handle some roughness for handling. Would have liked a hybrid option
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Excellent ride - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By WB - December 8 - 10:00 amThe interior has enough room to be comfortable for those long road trips. Sure blows away the cramped up seating in the durango where you are sitting elbow to elbow. 3 months isnt long enough to give a fair opinion, but so far its an excellent vehicle to own.
