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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no cash - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By wasted money - November 30 - 2:50 pmThis was a great vehicle when purchased. We average about 11000 miles per year. At the end of last summer the air conditioner went out at the tune of $2500! No recall just a service bulletin. Yeh ok - No help either from the dealership. Now the suspension is wearing out at the tune of $500- after 52,000 miles. This is a daily driver truck driven by my wife. Buyer beware. For a $45000 plus vehicle when new and make sure you figure in your maintenance costs. Or make sure you buy that extended warranty (that I usually dont believe in) I thought Toyota meant quality.
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Still like my tahoe - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By KIFER - November 26 - 3:20 amMy wife and i just had our first child, I had recently owned a 99 tahoe with about 100,000 miles on it... time for a trade in. The toyotas mpg is a joke I am no hot rod and I am getting barely over 10mpg. I assumed buying a foreign car the fuel econony would be much better than that of a domestic. The comfort and handling of the sequoia is great. The interior dash and controls remind me of the 80s.
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Tried em all - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By Big "Utes - November 14 - 10:00 amHave owned 11 large SUVs over 20 years. Sequoia is good but lacks the capabilities of the competition. Recent Car & Driver test results says Sequoia was only big ute to get stuck on their course. Got stuck twice last winter in snow - never been stuck before. All vehicles can have problems but have had to replace AC compressor, brakes, steering parts, fuel system EGR)parts, etc. Frustrated by Toyotas tendency to "wish" problems away, requiring calls to Customer Assurance. Toyota is extremely slow to issue recalls for known problems. You have to research TSBs. Im considering selling but choices for big utes are somewhat limited.
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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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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 $46K vehicle!!!) The heating/AC controls suck. There is a large protrusion in the front Pass. foot area due to a stupid design. The vehicle is just too high. Overall quality is marginal. The new 4 Runner Interior is much nicer. VERY, very disappointing vehicle.
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What happened to Toyota reliability? - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By Christopher Reynolds - June 11 - 10:00 amThis is the worst @#%#@$ 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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Not the happiest - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By filbert - March 5 - 2:00 amI find it ok to drive and as far as the performance its ok. But for as much as it costs it defenetly needs improvements to the interior design.
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Excellent Ride, Disappointing Reliability - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By Mark - January 1 - 6:31 pmPurchased new. It has a comfortable interior and smooth, quiet ride-especially given its size. I have had several expensive (several hundred dollar each) repairs including: replace door actuator (automatic lock failure), replace passenger side mirror (motor failure), disable driver side mirror retractor motor (stuck), replace overhead electric console (temp/fuel mpg/DTE indicator - broken button), replace back hatch latch (broken). Am aware of others with other Toyota vehicles with some of the same problems. These repairs have soured me on Toyota reliability but I have kept it so far because it is a comfortable ride.
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Rattle trap - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Dr.Bill - December 22 - 10:00 amAfter 63,000 miles it sounds like the dash is going to fall off. In cold weather the plastic contracts and really squeaks, more then any suv I have owned. If you live where the roads are smooth your ok, if your in NY good luck.
