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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  Whats all the hype? - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By brian4cde - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I find this vehicle roomy & comfortable, but frustrating! Ignition is great: no holding key. Climate controls are OK. Defogging windshield is difficult. Controls, at steering column & elsewhere, are awkwardly placed & frustrating to use. Beware: power outlets go dead when the car is off. Seats are easy to move once you get used to it. Oddly enough, you cant get the rear spoiler w/the moonroof we wanted. This brings me to the most annoying thing: Noise & odors are ridiculous with open windows. The rear gate window is adjustable, but, dont open it when you accelerate: you will suck fumes. Open the side window and you get a loud pulsating noise. Open the moonroof & it sounds like an airport.

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  Sequioa - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By ss5jeter - March 23 - 2:00 am

  This a good big family SUV but it is hard to drive in alot a traffic. It is great in the snow and can tow big loads. It is also nice to take on long trips because of all the passenger room.

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  Eh.... - 2014 Toyota Sequoia
  By asmithmt - November 26 - 2:17 pm

  Ok - I started with a much longer review, but ran out of space. If you are looking for a car that will take you out of "mini-van world" and make you feel slightly cool and powerful, you found the right, over-priced vehicle for the masses. If, however, you are like me, and actually care about aesthetics, performance and amenities, you will be disappointed.

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  2005 sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By jrodgers - November 4 - 1:40 pm

  Very comfortable drivers seat. Have a back problem and traded in my 4Runner on the Sequoia. Big! Lots of room! Gas guzzler, but that is to be expected. Reverse detent not easy to get into. Gear shift on the steering column not a plus. Terrible turning radius. Excessive idle speed for about three to five minutes when first started. Could prove dangerous. Vibration at 30-50 mph when climbing a gently hill.Feels like a missfire, but the dealer here said all is ok. Park distance warning a must for this vehicle. Tires seem to lose pressure more quickly than other I have had. Have tire press. monitor system.

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  U cannot judge with one bad experience - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Guest - October 30 - 5:53 pm

  How can u beleive the car sales guy. I think this vehicle is an excellent city ride and freeway ride and good off-road ride with 4X4.

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  What happened to Toyota - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By smyroad - September 14 - 3:50 am

  Five years of ownership, 100,000+ miles. Front suspension broke with no warning (not a recall). VSC randomly malfunctions. Rear door handle snapped off. Interior plastic pieces pop off like popcorn. Rear cargo compartment door won’t stay closed. Radio/CD Player sounds like a close-n-play. Emergency brake that requires adjustment every 1,000 miles. Brakes squeal when backing up – Service Department calls it Normal. Constant steering input required to keep it straight ahead – even on calm days. At a stop the transmission kicks forward. Feels like someone bumped the rear. Alarm sounds 50% of the time when unlocking the doors. To many to list here.

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  2008 Sequoia Warranty Repair@763 miles? - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By PIF - December 8 - 2:40 pm

  I only had the vehicle for 763 miles before a metal piece dropped on the floor as I adjusted my steering column. Now the steering column moves up and down, and can not lock into place. The service people wanted me to wait 2-3 weeks for an appointment. Would you drive a car like that? I said no. Toyota Quality?

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  Toyota Sequoia - Poor Ergometrics - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By dwmclean - October 20 - 4:36 pm

  I am very disappointed in the engineering / design ergometrics of my 2007 Sequoia Limited. The console controls are not lighted (side mirrors, seat heater) and in a poor location because the seat heaters can be turned on by laying an item across the console. No dash indicator light for fog lights. The gas mileage is poor (16 mpg highway and 14 around town). Rear storage compartment wont stay latched. Second seats will stay folded up (must restrain with a tether). I have factory nav system and satellite radio not available. Limited slip differential doesnt lock (engaging TRAC OFF seems to help but that doesnt make sense). I wish I had my Chevy Tahoe back!!

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  Oh what a Feeling - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By pam - August 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2003 Toyota Sequoia, bought it new and at approx 8,000 miles it now has a pecking noise in the engine. I have had it back to the dealership several times and they tell me that it is a design flaw in the engine called "PISTON SLAP". It sounds like a diesel engine. Have contacted California with no success. Does Toyota really stand behind their products? What a feeling to ride in a pecking $40,000 vehicle. Their response is you still have a lot of warranty left. If it started pecking a approx 8,000 miles and still doing it at 13,000 miles by the time it has 50,000 miles it will be junk.

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  NewSUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By SUV4ME - July 20 - 10:00 am

  Overall good reliable SUV. Smoother ride than my wifes Expedition. Handles road well. Very roomy interior with comfortable seating. Pleased with basic performance, however disappointed with quality of leather and carpeting. Sound system mediocre. For 40K price tag, features are somewhat of a disappointment.