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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  5 years behind the curve - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
  By Gary - December 6 - 2:50 pm

  First of all there is no engine choice. Ford Eco Boost and BMW x5 turbo charged engines get twice the gas milage. I get 10-12 MPG and drive from gas station to gas station. Toyota lags behind in safety technology compared to other models of the same year. Many Toyotas dont come with Blind Spot monitor, collision avoidance, GPS systems that you can see. I had to get the Platinum Series to get all the safety features and AC seats but lost a second row seats. There is no option for a second row bench. The Platinum is now a 7 passenger vehicle, not 8 as advertised. The lease program for toyotas are way too expensive. The same class of vehicle in Lexus or Mercedes is $400 a month cheaper. The Navigation system is the worst of any, repeat any car out there. Its located 6 inches to the right of center closer to the passenger than the driver. Its not inset so the Florida sun glare makes it impossible to read. When you can read it the print is too small and leaning over to the right to use the touch pad or see the back up camera is unsafe. I repeat, its unsafe to use. The voice controls are useless as it takes 3-5 tries to get it to understand. I gave up and put my garmin between the steering where I can see it. I cant wait to get rid of this car.

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  This vehicle sucks - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Lmckevitt - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Most wimpy vehicle Ive ever owned. Waste of money, wish Id gotten an Expedition instead. Alignment problems every 3 months, door handle broke, customer service sucks--never will go Toyota again. Chevy or Ford all the way--wanted something tough, got a wimp on wheels....

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  WORST Toyota - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By masterdoc - February 28 - 10:00 am

  Now with 34,000 miles, plastic trim falling inside and outside, rubber insulation on tailgate peeled off, engine with wheezing noise in the dash that 3 dealers cant find a solution for it, awful! Dealer interaction - bad - my other cars are 2008 Mercedes CLS, 2010 Audi S5 and 2005 Hummer H2 - by far this is the worst automotive I have owned! Planning to trade it in for either MB GL320TDI or Audi Q7 this fall! Even the recall repair required 2 visits! I guess the golden era for Toyota is over!

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  Big Disappointment - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By jwwatl - January 19 - 12:00 pm

  After having a Ford Expedition, I would only buy a Toyota. This vehicle vibrates terribly. You will also lose your children if you open one of the rear windows while your driving. They will get sucked out the back and youll break your ear drums. This is a definite design flaw. Toyota is aware of this and is working on a redesign of the aero dynamics. I have heard that a bug guard and the rear spoiler help but Im getting rid of mine as soon as I can.

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  sequoia-owner for 4 years - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Kittridge - November 17 - 7:26 pm

  Just an average SUV, with some annoying issues, like brakes that need replacement too often, doors that wont stay open and a poor speaker system, lack of ease when trying to get to the rear seats

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  Horrible visibility - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By ctinnell - March 16 - 7:50 am

  Dont buy Toyota. Long story short -- horrible visibility. Drives like a huge box wheels. Toyota nickels and dimes you to death. We had always wondered why the vehicle never drove right. Was told several times it is just the size of the vehicle. Come to find out it was never aligned right. Abnormal tire wear became noticeable after tires rotated twice.

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  boring - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By roadrunner - September 24 - 10:00 am

  The Sequoia is big and boring. Front seat armrests are too small to be of any value. Daytime running lights cannot be shut off. Climate control system has a mind of its own. The owners manual has you consult your local Toyota dealer to change many preprogrammed electronic features.

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  Legendary Quality - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By CincyJAS - June 25 - 10:00 am

  Legendary Toyota Quality is just that, a legend. I replaced ALL of the following in the first 12 months: 1) Control module for dashboard instruments 2) Front brake pads 3) Front rotors 4) Rear brake pads 5) Rear rotors 6) Hatch window weather seal 7) Hatch window wiper 8) Power steering pump 9) Alternator 10) Battery 11) Handgrips, coat hooks, etc. I replaced the following in year 2: 1) Brake Pads/Rotors on all 4 wheels 2) All 4 tires (between 25K - 30K miles) The on-the-fly 4 wheel drive system takes a LONG time (> 1 min) to engage.

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  Unhappy - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By william hester - December 5 - 7:26 pm

  This Sequoia has been a real disappointment. Bought new, and have been paying for problems ever since. Bulb that used to illuminate the D on the dash when car is put in gear burned out. Surprise, this is an $85 repair at the dealer, plus cost of the bulb. Brakes are inadequate and require routine pads and rotors way too often. Figure $400 every 30k miles here. Timing belt and water pump at 90k miles, another $700 plus. Note, others use a timing chain, which doesnt require routine changes at premium prices. A/C has also gone out, as has rear hatch window motor. Toyotas Toyota will do nothing about the defective designs. My first and last Toyota for sure.

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  unresolved problems - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By smily22771 - November 18 - 10:00 am

  The folks at Toyota should wear masks. Theyre robbing people on this truck. The interior is all plastic and cheap looking, Ive already had several problems with the roof/headliner area that are still not fixed, the climate control system has a mind of its own and lastly THE CUSTOMER SERVICE FROM THE DEALER UP TO THE CORPORATE OFFICE IS ABOMINABLE. Do yourself a favor and spend your money more wisely than I did.