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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  no cash - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By wasted money - November 30 - 2:50 pm

  This was a great vehicle when purchased. We average about 11000 miles per year. At the end of last summer the air conditioner went out at the tune of $2500! No recall just a service bulletin. Yeh ok - No help either from the dealership. Now the suspension is wearing out at the tune of $500- after 52,000 miles. This is a daily driver truck driven by my wife. Buyer beware. For a $45000 plus vehicle when new and make sure you figure in your maintenance costs. Or make sure you buy that extended warranty (that I usually dont believe in) I thought Toyota meant quality.

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  Not Perfect But Still The Best - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tinyelviss - November 29 - 9:13 pm

  My Sequoia has 8000 miles and runs flawlessly. Ergonomics excellent except for daytime visual of HVAC controls require driver to lean towards center of vehicle. Gobs of space in the back-much more useful than Tahoe. Electric rear window a big hit with the kiddies, but watch out for sucking stinky exhaust into cabin. INterior lighting excellent but needs central switch. 4WD system outstanding. You will really appreciate the locking center differential if you use 4WD more than just on rainy days around town. Vehicle Skid Control really works! All in all a nice looking package that surrounds you in safe quality.

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  Almost the perfect car - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Rescurik - November 28 - 10:00 am

  If it didnt eat up so much gas, it would be the perfect car.

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  Still like my tahoe - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By KIFER - November 26 - 3:20 am

  My wife and i just had our first child, I had recently owned a 99 tahoe with about 100,000 miles on it... time for a trade in. The toyotas mpg is a joke I am no hot rod and I am getting barely over 10mpg. I assumed buying a foreign car the fuel econony would be much better than that of a domestic. The comfort and handling of the sequoia is great. The interior dash and controls remind me of the 80s.

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  Update on 2005 Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By snoopy - November 23 - 7:10 am

  I have had my 05 Sequoia back to the dealers twice for the same problem. Front end vibration and steering wheel centering in only 3300 miles. Little has been accomplished in both problems. Will probably need a THIRD visit. Dealer rebalanced all four tires (Dunlop) and rotated them with little difference. Also re-aligned front end. Will probably need a different set of tires, a la the Firestone problem. Gas gauge went to empty despite 3/4 tank of gas. Am thoroughly disgusted with this vehicle. Wish I had never traded my 2003 Suburban. In summary, SEQUOIA, OVER- RATED and OVER-PRICED.

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  2010 SR5 Sequoia 4X4 - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By charfarrow - November 22 - 4:23 pm

  Traded in a Nissan Armada that I loved for the new 2010 Sequoia. While I could have saved $4,000 with a rebate on the new Armada, after I test drove the new Toyota Sequoia I had to have it. It is simply the best large SUV on the market now. It handles almost like a car, rides great, and gets better EPA than my Armada. BUY NOW - YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!!

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  I like the sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By adankwa - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I am enjoying this vehicle. So far I think it is the best SUV around.

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  Toyota Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By pjcho - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed this car. Moving seats up, back, and over is so easy. I can store groceries, boxes, plants, big objects easily. My kids love the comfort, I love driving it. It is the best SUV for a busy family in my opinion.

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  But the Vhevrolet and Save - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Baddeal - November 20 - 10:00 am

  The gas milage is terrible for this SUV. I would have reather bought the Ford or Chevy and got the performance and better milage at a much lower cost. The Toyota cost 9K more than I could have bought the Tahoe LT for. I cannot recommend this SUV.

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  Rating - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mark M. - November 16 - 2:00 am

  We have already taken this vehicle on a long trip and were impressed. The mileage ws better than expected. The fit and finish on both exterior and interior are better than other SUVs we looked at. Very happy so far.Typical for toyotas that we have owned in the past.