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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  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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  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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  Just O.K. at best - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By jbradabadowski - September 22 - 10:46 pm

  My 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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  tree stopped - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Vernon griffin - August 11 - 8:57 am

  To many recalls for this suv wife bought our 2004 used did not know about recall for suspension and lower ball joint riding alone on July 9,2015 lower ball joint failed. Wheel separated I lost control had no brakes and it ran me into a big oak tree. I had to be cut out of the car now I was almost killed I have very bad injuries to my leg multiple fractures, reconstructive knee surgery. Skin graph, bruised elbow and ribs

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  Premature exhaust manifold crack at 4k. - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jomer - August 9 - 11:53 pm

  I purchased my 08 Sequoia last Jan 09, after 3 days the headliner rattled, the headlamp washer cover discolored. After 4k miles the exhaust manifold cracked! Interior very plasticky and hollow!

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  Huge disapointment - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By JayEssPee - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Under 6,000 miles, both battery & rear wiper assembly replaced. Mileage awful, 11 mpg town, max 15 hwy. Cant open sunroof because of sulfur smell (dealer says try different gas - yeah, right) Engine lacks punch and power. Rear visibility awful. Turning radius huge, hard to park. Turn signal indicators blocked by top of steering wheel. Transfer case shift boot impossible to keep clean, interior looks perpetually dirty. Ride comfort good but thats only positive thing I have to say. Never so disappointed in my life, and my 1st SUV was an 88 Trooper II 4-cyl. Wife hates this SUV so much she wants us to trade it in on something, anything else

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  Toyota is NOT TOPS with me - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By fagan8254 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been in the shop 6X in its 4 month life. I have had the rotors replaced, 2 tires replaced (for wearing) and the noise in this vehicle in incredible. I also only get 13.1 on the fuel guage no matter what) I am SOOO disappointed in this one. I am selling it in the AJC (for what I paid for it) and expect to get it (since it is a Toyota!!) I am the cheapest one listed in the paper. Which says alot for imports. (I don;t say that feciously, since I couldnt give my 1999 Expedition away

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  Looks and runs great but its a rust time bomb! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ben - April 30 - 6:48 am

  I purchased this older vehicle to replace my money pit 96 Suburban and considered getting rid of my car as well. While replacing the exhaust I found that the frame was rotted out in the back behind where the tail pipe muffler was located. This discouraged me greatly as I had heard these vehicles had this issue - but mostly the tundras were affected from what Ive read even though its the same frame. On the outside you would never know and even looking underneath you wouldnt see it because the exhaust system is hiding it from plain view. I contacted Toyota and they opened a case only to tell me that this vehicle was already serviced for this reason in February 2013 for the frame issue where they removed surface rust and treated it. It appears that the frame is rusting from the inside I think that they didnt treat the passenger rear corner because of the exhaust would be in the way. I thought I had purchased a dependable vehicle only to find out that its a pile of scrap now. It still drives great but I purchased it to tow which I will not do now - I hope to get rid of it before this rust time bomb explodes.

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  toyota was better - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By toyota went down - February 17 - 10:00 am

  all of the other toyota cars had as much hp as its other rivals like the yukon please im thinking of returning mine and buying a new one in about three years untill it gets more horse power at least 320hp because the nizzan pathfinder has just as much and its a v6 i am very disipointed with toyota towing 6,500 is a very little amount for a v8

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  $300 repair - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By eric135 - January 8 - 10:21 pm

  Purchased 2005 Sequoia and at 97K check engine light and VSC light dealer quoted $3000 to repair internal engine switches. WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA.