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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Great SUV - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
By K Brown - September 10 - 10:03 amThe Sequoia is an excellent SUV. Reliability has been great. At 25,000 miles repair of the tension control for the fan belt was required, up to 38,500 now and no other repairs. Like the looks of the 2007 better than the new style. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for an SUV that is big and holds a lot of stuff. Even got a full/queen size headboard in the back.
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Wifes car and she loves it - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By 1st Toyota - September 9 - 11:20 amThis is wifes favorite vehicle. Downside, horrible roof vibrations if you open moonroof while driving. Rear end failed at 20k. Wheel bearings failed at 38k. Trunk latch stuck and dealer says warranty doesnt cover anything affected by rust, even though salesman said extended warranty covers "everything".
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beware the AC - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By wishicouldrecommend - September 9 - 10:00 amwould love to recommend the sequoia, but cant. with less than 10,000 miles of easy driving, ours is back in the shop a 3rd time for a broken AC. there is a technical service bulletin on the AC problems, so it is an acknowledged problem. first, the compressor seized causing $1,700 worth of warranty repairs. now, the AC mostly doesnt work. service department doesnt know whats wrong. they seem to be guessing. for $40,000, and being a toyota, this experience has been a true disappointment. the only other person i know with a sequoia had the same problems. what are the chances? well, it tells me that this must be a fairly widespread problem.
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02 Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By L.M. Smith - September 5 - 7:43 pmThis is another outstanding vehicle from Toyota. Its great on the highway or off roading. Drive it to the symphony or take it into the mountain tops of New Mexico. The complete vehicle!
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Simply The Best - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By budzkie - September 4 - 10:00 amToyota reliability is top notch. This SUV is better than its more expensive cousins. The style is timeless. Handling is as good as a car. I get 18MPG on this, better than its lower priced cousins.
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Fun to Drive - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By fanatic - September 4 - 10:00 amGreat family vehicle for urban adventure. Good vehicle size. Great fit and finish. Comfortable ride for a truck platform based SUV. Great paint. Fair sound system. Love the dual AC with climate control. Sturdy well- built. Topnotch quality. Safe vehicle. But not perfect. See improvement suggestions.
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BEST IN ITS CLASS ! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Dickerson - August 29 - 2:00 amEXCELLENT SUV. LOTS OF ROOM. FUN TO DRIVE.BEST IN ITS CLASS, THE BIG THREE CANT COME CLOSE TO IT.
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My Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Leenzo - August 22 - 2:00 amI love this truck! With only 4200 miles it did commit the cardinal sin and break down. The cause was a leaking vacum pump having to do with emissions. But hey, nothing in this world is perfect. Its now fixed and back on the road!
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What a ride - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By zebramoray - August 16 - 11:53 amWe test drove Armada, Z71 Suburban, Sequoia, and Expedition.. Sequoia so superior in ride. 80 MPH its so quite you can talk in a low voice. JBL sounds great. Tire Pressure Monitor alerted us that tire pressure was too low, and it was, by 7 pounds. Handling is like a car, easy to park. SR5 loaded up is 4-6K less than limited, with same safety features and ride.
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TOYOTA BEST SUV - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
By pbroach1964@yahoo.com - August 14 - 11:11 amI Have been looking for SUV -love Toyota vehicles - traded in a 2011 Avalon for the 2016 sequoia limited - it has the blind spot monitoring which I really liked . I wish it had push start dont understand why Toyota hasnt updated this vehicle . I really love it , very comfortable ride , good visibility , you wont be sorry if you buy this SUV . The gas mileage for this size vehicle is not bad at all . I also looked at Toyota 4 runner but compared to size and price the sequoia was a better deal and 4 runner doesnt offer blind spot monitor and there are a few blind spots in this vehicle . Im very happy with my decision to get the sequoia .Go Drive one today you wont be sorry .
