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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Best Full Size SUV on the Road - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By Austin - October 2 - 10:00 amPurchased my Sequoia 2 months ago and love it. Traded in my 99 Jeep Cherokee Laredo (Terrible Vehicle) and havent thought about it since. Ive seen a few minor complaints I cant understand. You know what your getting before you buy the vehicle. If it doesnt have what you want, dont buy it! Seems simple enough. With anything though you always have a few nay sayers.
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Smooth Operator - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Mario A - September 30 - 10:00 amThis SUV is so smooth and quiet...feels like youre riding in a Lexus (former owner of an RX300 and SC400). At the same time, the body feels very sturdy. The 4.7L V8 pulls surprisingly strong considering its conservative HP and torque.
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Not bad but having VSC issues at 100K - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Jim - September 29 - 10:36 pmJust turned 100K for 2003 sequoia and pretty good truck. Have had a few recent issues with the VSC light and needed sensor replacements as well as timing belt at 90K for about $1500 but other then that, pretty reliable. I have four kids (two in college) and we use for trips back and forth. I hope to drive and put 250K miles...
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Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By cowboy - September 28 - 2:16 amLike it overall. the jury is still out on the transmission. I question the shift patterns. But the dealer says theres not a problem. But overall it is all i expected my first SUV to be.
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Big Toyota!! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By MICHAEL - September 26 - 8:43 pmI had Toyota 4Runner Limited 4x4 before changeing to Sequioa 4x4 Limited Edition for the family of four. INCREDIBLE!!! We love it!!! Space, Style, Headed seats, Room, Power and View (Our kids wants to keep it forever)
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This vehicle saved my life - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By CEOCAOCEO - September 23 - 10:00 amI was hit by an out-of-control Explorer doing 80 mph. It slammed my Sequoia into a water-filled ditch and we hit the guard rail sideways. I was going 70mph and the Sequoia did not roll or falter. It truly saved me and my daughter. I will never own anything else.
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Just O.K. at best - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By jbradabadowski - September 22 - 10:46 pmMy 2004 Sequioa with 130,000 miles isnt that great when compared to my 2003 Tahoe with 258,000. When comparing the two, the Sequioa isnt nearly as powerful, fuel economy isnt as good, and the towing capacity pales in comparison. The Sequioa doesnt ride or drive as well as the Tahoe. Many of the plastic pieces are falling of of the Sequioa, but I guess the worst thing for me is the drivers seat. If you are over 6 feet tall with long legs then you can forget about being comfortable while driving because the seat will not move back far enough. I will definitely buy the Chevy Tahoe again. Its a great truck. The Sequioa, I doubt that Ill ever buy another.
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Sequoia Is The Best Ride All Around - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Tazman - September 14 - 3:23 amFantastic SUV by far, this SUV has factory installed side air bag curtains for safety, fuel economy is not like a 4cyl but if you are buying this vehicle for gas mileage, it is not what you need. This vehicle rides like a feather top bed. Best comfort for 8 passenger SUV from other makes and models of this size. Resale and trade in value will hold up on this vehicle more that others as well. It pulls my 25 boat with ease on the hiway and out of the water with no sweat. I am looking forward for the 2007 model.
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Excellent Excellent, buy this truck - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By R Peacey - September 13 - 7:30 amI live in Toronto Canada, we are a family of 5 and ski regularly so we get lots of extreme weather. The Sequoia is excellent in the snow, feels very safe under even the worst conditions and is solid on the road. Everything works well, there is a lot of storage and the Sequoia gets excellent mileage for a 6500 lb vehicle. This is a true 8 passenger SUV but is very nimble in parking lots
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A Vast Improvement Over Previous Model - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By rmgator90 - September 13 - 2:50 amI have had for a couple of months now and it has operated flawlessly. I had an 06 and liked it, but felt it was not as safe as I would like it to be. This has all the safety whistles that I need, plus it is a MUCH smoother, quiet, and comfortable drive. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking to buy a large SUV. I have a friend who has an Escalade, and he prefers my Toyota. Averaging about 18 MPG on mostly highway driving.
