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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truck is great!!1 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By vinny - June 21 - 2:00 amIve tried them all the sequoia is far and wide the best!!
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My Sequoia Saved My Wifes Life - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By wfegley - June 21 - 2:00 amWe only had our Sequoia for 1700 miles. It was the nicest vehicle we ever owned. It was roomy, comfortable, quiet, and peppy enough to get on down the highway. Its most important feature was our crash test. A moron made a left turn in front of my wife at point blank range. My wife t-boned the moron at 40 mph. The morons vehicle turned into scrap metal. The Sequoias front end crumpled as it was suppose to, but the passenger compartment was not compromised. The seat belts and air bags kept my wife from sustaining any serious injuries. The paramedics told my wife that our Sequoia saved her life.
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Most Disappointing New Toyota - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By dogman - June 21 - 2:00 amThis is NOT a luxury vehicle! Toyota built this using the parts bin from their truck line. Several switches are not illuminated at night.(in a $46K vehicle!!!) The heating/AC controls suck. There is a large protrusion in the front Pass. foot area due to a stupid design. The vehicle is just too high. Overall quality is marginal. The new 4 Runner Interior is much nicer. VERY, very disappointing vehicle.
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Most Disappointing New Toyota - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Dogman - June 21 - 2:00 amThis is NOT a luxury vehicle! Toyota built this using the parts bin from their truck line. Several switches are not illuminated at night.(in a $46K vehicle!!!) The heating/AC controls suck. There is a large protrusion in the front Pass. foot area due to a stupid design. The vehicle is just too high. Overall quality is marginal. The new 4 Runner Interior is much nicer. VERY, very disappointing vehicle.
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Doesnt Compare to the Competition - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By mjstariha - June 19 - 7:00 pmWe recently let go of our 04 Suburban. Our concern was the loss of room. We knew from experience, our 04 simply did not have the craftsmanship to rival our new Sequoias life expectancy. The features are well thought out and intuitive. The conveniences have become necessities so dont skimp on these if you appreciate luxury. We needed all the features plus the room so save the addtl 10k stick w/ the limited. Very smooth ride, not sure if the 20" tires make a difference from standard 17", our Sequoia is fully loaded with all the accessories except two-driver seat memory and 4WD. A month in and the Sequoia has a piece of all 7 (includes 2 Great Danes) of our hearts
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Love it - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By Chris - June 12 - 3:36 amI wanted a large SUV I could pack full of stuff including the kids for long trips. About a year ago when I heard the Sequoia was going to be redesigned for this year I held off my purchase and decided to see what the 08 had to offer. Im glad I did because I absolutely love it. In fact the whole family does. Ive already taken it on a 1200 mile road trip and it was a joy to drive (as much as a 19 hour dive can be with two kids). We were able to load up the back with the 3rd row down and there was still room for the kids to sit in the second row. There was even enough room between the car seats for my wife to sit between them when needed.
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excellent suv - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By jay saini - June 11 - 10:00 amI love the ride. Very confortable
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What happened to Toyota reliability? - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By Christopher Reynolds - June 11 - 10:00 amThis is the worst @#%#@$ SUV I have ever bought! I love Toyotas and currently own a Lexus LS400 but this truck has cause me nothing but grief. Lets see ... 10K transmission slips, knocking in engine like a gremlin with a ball peen hammer! Air conditioning works when it wants to. premature brake wear on the front rotors (Toyota mechanic confirmed this)
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Great Truck - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By rileyb - May 25 - 11:00 amThis is truly a quality built truck. Previously owned a 2003 Sequoia. When replacing the 2003, I drove every other SUV on the market. I wanted to make sure I still wanted the Sequoia. After driving everything else, I still purchased the Sequoia. There is currently no other vehicle in the same class as the Sequoia. So far, the 2005 has been perfect, no problems, no service other, than standard oil changes, etc. I put over 35,000 miles on the 2003, it was flawless. I never had any service problems of any kind. I would make the same purchase again.
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Would Buy Again - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By ToyoOwner - May 24 - 2:00 amGreat Truck. Mileage is not a good as we like (~16 to 17) but as big as the vehicle is, reasonable. Has plenty of power and features. Blind spot is large, suggest adding supplemental mirror to both sides. Interior tends to scratch easily. Leather captain chairs are very comfortable. Handles well with good forward visibility. Ride can be stiff on bumpy roads (again this is a truck)
