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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I Love This Ride! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By AllenEli - November 3 - 10:00 amWe just bought this Sequoia after looking at them for over 6 months. Its hard to find them, they are very popular and they really hold their value. We couldve gotten a 2001 Ford Expedition for about $8,000 less, but the Sequoia is superior in every way and you cant hear the depreciation fly out the window like its competition.
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my car - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By jason324 - November 3 - 10:00 amthis car is fun to drive its not very fast but it is smooth it can also go off road wel
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GREAT SUV FOR THE PRICE - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By Lisa - November 2 - 9:10 pmWe bought this car the month it came out! Except for some early brake problems (which the dealership changed for free a few times), the car has been totally reliable, has a nice perky pickup for the monster it is (6,000lbs), and is much roomier than the Lexus 470 or the other same-size options. I would have liked fold-flat third-row seats and a DVD system in the rear for the kids, but as I only really use the second row of seats every day, its not a big deal.
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Smooth, powerful, and fun - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By Tickled Texan - November 2 - 4:30 amWe chose the 2008 Sequoia because of the fold-flat 3rd row seating and the reliability of Toyota. The 4WD and sport-shift were invaluable on our recent trip to CO, especially during the snow storm at Wolf Creek Pass and on the many unimproved back roads. The 5.7L V8 is remarkably powerful and smooth. The headrest DVD system is great. Very roomy and very comfortable and very quiet, small turning radius, feels safe and solid. We average 16.6 mpg daily driving. I now look forward to driving each day. Im surprised there isnt more buzz about this car - it is fabulous!
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Toyota Navigation thumbs down... - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
By Christopher Lenney - October 30 - 6:23 amMy 2010 Toyota Sequoia has a nice smooth quiet ride, has plenty of power, and great handling. This is my third Toyota, and I am a very satisfied customer. However, the factory JBL navigation is the worst navigation I have ever had the displeasure of using. All essential features are locked out and cannot be accessed when the vehicle is in motion. My advice, purchase aftermarket NAV and backup camera.
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An overall great vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Rlerman - October 20 - 7:33 pmI have this car for two months now and after 1000 miles have few complaints. Smooth ride, solid construction, very quiet, good acceleration and tons of room. Turning ratio is good, but the vehicle can be a little tough to manuever in parking lots. Rear visibility is partially obscured by rear seat headrests. Gas mileage about 15, but thats expected for a V- 8. My biggest gripe is that auto-off headlamps were not on this vehicle, despite it being listed as standard equipment on Edmunds website. Seems Toyota builds some with it and some without.
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Great - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By dave - October 14 - 9:43 pmComfort, and handling are excellent. The clock and climate control instruments are hard to read as they is low and to the side. The car also vibrates at a harmonic frequency when you drive with the rear windows down.
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wish U.S. wouldve built this - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By scuba steve - October 14 - 10:00 amI hated to buy other than american but several friends have this and have had no problems towing or diving the beaches surf fishing. My other toyota truck is a 1989 with 155,000 miles and going strong with years of abuse behind her. hope I get that lucky with my new truck/SUV.
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Best built full size SUV - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
By SRQSequoia - October 11 - 12:40 amI have had several full size SUVs and I must say the Toyota Sequoia is the best built on the market today. I was concerned with the smaller engine but Toyota has it geared perfect and it will out perform most domestics. Great quality, great ride, and a great value.
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Most Value for your Money - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By pranab - September 21 - 10:00 amI have owned my Limited 4x4 for 2 months now and the honeymoon is still on. It rides smooth in city as well as on mountain roads, I have made many trips and we have enjoyed all those rides.The great exterior styling makes heads turn on roads and the luxurious interior is best enjoyed by all 8 passengers. The DVD and Gaming options make life free of stress for parents and all so wondeful for the kids.YES you can get a bigger GMC/Ford with more power/luxury features for the same price , but when it comes to safety, reliability,resale value and performace Toyota comes a clear Winner. Sequoia is the Best Full Size SUV Around Go For It, you will not regret!
