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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  Excellent Choice - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Schnauzer - December 7 - 11:20 am

  With a need to haul people and tow a boat, big SUVs are my familys only option. I have spent a lot of time in all the competing big SUVs. With the changes brought to the Sequoia in 2008, I now feel it is the best vehicle in its class. Love the fold flat third row, and the ride and handling are as close to sportscar as you can get in a big vehicle like this. The wish list includes some gps/computer oddities but the engine/ride/handling/utility are unrivaled. The bluetooth/audio/temp controls on the steering wheel are excellent and totally negate the need to reach for the main controls strewn across the dash. Some gps/phone features are unavailable while driving in the name of safety

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  The One!!!! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Big Guy - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I have tried every truck and this is the one!!! I have it over a year now and I enjoy it more and more! I bought this truck because I wanted to protect my family better. It is one of the safest vehicles on the road. I bought it for my wife mainly to drive the baby around. I have driven all of the other trucks and they do not compare.

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  yes - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Nikky - November 29 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the Best Cars I could Buy.

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  first toyota - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By ag_rock - November 29 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIRST TOYOTA, THE VEHICLE IS LIVING UP TO ITS REP ON EXCELLENT QUALITY AND VALUE. THE STYLING RANKS WITH THE BEST OF THEM IN CLASS, HOWEVER THE RELIABILITY PUSHES THIS VEHICLE OVER THE TOP.

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  One of the best! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Rickey Lee - November 25 - 10:13 am

  We bought our 2002 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4x4 New and have been all over the US threw a snow storm on I40 from Flagstaff AZ to Texas and never-never slipped a wheel and Fords-Chev-Cad- SUVs tried to follow me and ended up stuck on the side of the road ! Believe me the snow was deep and the interstate was closed! This is by far the best and safest SUV on the road! Thank you TOYOTA from the Amerson family,

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  best in class...by far - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By todd - November 25 - 4:43 am

  I looked at every SUV in the $35-$45k range. This had it all by far. The quality starts the moment you open and shut the door. Its just built better than the others I looked at.

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  Great SUV!! - 2011 Toyota Sequoia
  By layne4 - November 13 - 10:07 pm

  Owned 2 Suburbans before this, wont buy anything else now. We werent 4 blocks away from the dealership on the test drive and my wife said "this is what i want to drive". Much better vehicle to drive than a Suburban, rides better, quieter, handles better and the turning radius is 10x better than even a Tahoe. We pull a 5,000 lb boat with it and it doesnt even break a sweat. The engine and brakes are unbelievable! Inside everything is very functional and well thought out. Seating is very flexible, I have to say that the 2nd row has at least 6-8" more knee room than a Suburban. Plus the 2nd row slides forward to allow for more knee room in the 3rd row which is really nice.

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  Get One! - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By SUV_GUY - November 13 - 8:23 pm

  I enjoyed my 2001 Sequoia very much. Unfortunately, I was rear-ended while sitting at a red light by a Trailblazer doing 50 MPH whose driver was obviously not paying attention. Air bags are great but nothing beats well engineered steel. With that in mind, I looked at the Yukon, Tahoe, Expedition, X5, Ms, Range Rover, etc. for comparison. The 2010 Sequoia is everything that my 2001 was and more. The 2010 is even more capable on the beach in soft sand than the 2001. I chose the 5.7L FFV engine and it is well suited to the 6 speed transmission and weight of this vehicle. I am looking forward to our first road trip.

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  Superior To American SUVs - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By jimmyd - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Ford and GM SUVs. Tried their 03s including the new Expedition. Sequoia had far superior build quality and materials than Ford or GM. It was quieter than the Expedition for the same money when loaded equally(within $900). It is still rattle and squeak free after 10,000 harsh miles(regularly off road and rough road).

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  Its Been Great! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bamagirl - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Sequoia for over a year and so far its been a great vehicle. We had a Ford Expedition before and we liked it, but we love our Sequoia! You cant compare the comfort & smooth ride that the Sequoia gives. It has a great look to it as well.