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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  Not great - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By CentralValley - July 11 - 9:46 pm

  We bought it to replace a Honda Odyssey because it was quieter and felt more solid. However, it performs worse, averages 7 MPG less and is not as comfortable or cargo-friendly. It refuses to get over 18 mpg on the highway and averages 13 in town. The socket to slide the 3rd row middle shoulder belt into will not hold it in place, so it dangles from the roof. One of the plastic moldings on the exterior of the rt. rear door came loose for no reason. The power rear window motor burned out and needed to be replaced. The dealer said that was common.(???) The rubber flaps in the front cup holders have torn out so cups arent held snug. Too many cheap, hard plastic surfaces inside.

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  Good SUV with bad workmenship! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By mesa-sticky - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Over all good SUV but many bad poor workmenship compare to Honda. Very comformatable seat and quiet engine. Be ware with saleperson, The dealer at Keaney mesa do not know what the sale. bad service.

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  Rear Hatch has flaws - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Nicole - March 29 - 6:56 am

  I was disappointed with this vehicle. I had always heard how wonderful Toyota was and actually I liked my jeep grand cherokee much better. I only traded it because I needed a bigger vehicle. The rear liftgate has been stuck shut 7 times and this seems to be a common problem. Also - the rear window stopped working after about 50K miles. When the seats are folded up, they slam backwards and can catch a kids hand or foot if youre not careful. I also think for the price, the passenger side should have a power lumbar (like the Chevys and Jeeps have). Overall - the seats are stiff and not comfortable - when I trade I will be going back to Jeep or to a Suburban.

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  Average SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By p1 - January 29 - 9:50 am

  This vehicle is underpowered, and in my opinion, was designed primarily for soccer moms transporting kids to and from the field/mall. It was not designed for trailer towing. We tow a 4000# trailer in the warmer months and the vehicle has a very hard time doing it. In trying to pass a slow moving vehicle let alone just accelerate, the engine makes a lot of noise but nothing happens. We are well within the towing limits of the vehicle given trailer weight, passenger/cargo weights etc. We already get bad gas mileage so having a larger engine really wouldnt change things; we would just get more power out.

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  Electrical Problems - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By lauralee - December 27 - 12:06 pm

  This vehicle is an extremely comfortable SUV. The gas mileage is terrible, but size does matter. I have had issues with the electrical system, and now the air conditioning compressor. I cannot turn of the TRAC control off or on. Occasionally, the high beams are not usable. Now the air compressor just locked up. This vehicle has led a pampered life with all maintenance taken care of by dealerships. The mileage is only 68,000. What gives? This is my first Toyota, and I purchased because of the outstanding reputation for reliability. This has not been my experience with this vehicle. The gas mileage is also terrible. 15.6 MPG.

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  Engine Issues - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By mcgeem1 - September 22 - 12:56 pm

  It is embarassing to drive this car on cold mornings. When it is below 40 degrees out, the motor sounds like there is no oil in it. It taps so loud that people look to see what the clatter is. Toyota corporate claims that this is normal but they will not put it in writing. This vehicle drives like a luxury car. The motor is peppy. The handling is responsive. The moon roof squeaks a lot. the dealer allegedly replaced something but the visible components still had wear marks after the alleged replacement. I think they greased it. it was quiet for about five months. There is also a loud cracking sound from the front end that the dealer has not been able to find (under warranty)

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  very disappointed - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By cjh - June 22 - 10:26 pm

  Serious drivetrain problems the dealer says that its all in our minds. I have been through four sets of tires since May of 03. We have had the truck serviced on time, we have have to replace the brakes. We had problem starting two weeks after we purchased it. This is was a brand new truck with 20 miles on it the day of purchase. I will not purchase another Toyota. We were in the market to purchase our daughter a car, but it will not be a toyota now.

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  Undecided - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By dalex - February 1 - 10:00 am

  While the truck has performed well generally and is great in snow and rain, but there have been inumerable other "minor mechancial failures" such as power locks, windows and antenas all needing repairs as well other other issues. The problem...? These items are out of warantee and should not be breaking on a 2.5 yr old truck and have cost over $2,000 to repair. Toyota should come up with fold flat middle and rear seats. While they fold down, they do not fld flat and are cumbersome to remove from the truck and as a result take up considerable storage room when carrying cargo. Also the engine is slightly under powered.

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  Not your favorite toy. Beware!! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By redmanct - January 10 - 3:46 am

  Purchase the suv with 69,000 miles. My wife had been on me about one so I got it for her. First the rear window motor went out. The reason I purchased it Edmunds had such good ratings and its a Toyota. Now at 82,000 miles my transmission went out while my wife were driving it. (@ 82,000 miles) I will never buy another Toyota. Very disappointed.

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  Couldnt Be A Toyota - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By azmark - November 27 - 2:30 am

  Great highway cruiser. Very comfortable. However, not the Toyota quality I expected. Interior trim pieces kept falling off. Had to do a $2200 front brake job (entire front brake system!) due to poor quality in original materials. Toyota knew about this from the early Tundras, but never fessed up. Ive owned several Toyotas, Hondas and Nissans. This SUV was a big disappointment. Did I mention the poor gas mileage and anemic power? HP up for the latter years, but the original engine was smooth, put underpowered for the weight of the vehicle. Shame on you Toyota!