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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  Tarnished Quality Reputation - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By cahrensntx - May 22 - 8:13 am

  I value quality and reliability above all else, price, feature, comfort etc. Both consumer data and experience convinced me Toyota is the best here. So it is with high expecatations for a long life vehicle I bought my 3rd Toyota, this Sequoia. After 5 yrs of dealer only scheduled maintenance and 100K mi, I am very, very disappointed. In reverse chronological order: transmission failed 100K, brakes replaced 5 times (even with total system replacement at 60K), fuel gauge failed 80K, dashboard ignition key receiver failed 70K, dashboard drive gear LED out 70k, traction control oversensitive and grinds 50k. Did not meet expectations of Toyota quality.

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  nice - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By hot one - May 21 - 10:00 am

  real nice suv that stands up well againt others suv in the middle of the pack!real nice

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  Toyota Reliability????? - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By John - April 11 - 11:00 am

  I was always told that toyota had the best vehicles out there, I dont beleive that anymore. At 28,000 miles I could already feel the transmission going out on this suv. I took it 3 times to 2 different dealers and none of them would admit that it had a problem. I was at at the middle of a huge intersection when I decided I had to make a u-turn, and guess what? the car just died out on me right there in the middle. Dealer found nothing wrong with it. I purchased this car with 25,000 miles on it, and it was a certified vehicle. Is anyone surprised about all the recalls toyota is facing right now? Im not. Thank you for your failure to me toyota. I am going all american from now on.

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  Nothing but problems - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By laura alvarez - March 2 - 6:03 pm

  Problems with vcs, trac, abs lights coming on and medal grinding noise when making a right turn, it has been taken in several times to the Toyota dealership and they cant figure it out, read all the reviews about this problem and decided not worth the hassle and felt very unsafe driving it, returned it for another vehicle, 2006 gmc Yukon what a shame for being a Toyota; had a Chevy 2003 suburban for 6 years 120,000 miles, not one problem other than fuel pump, should have kept it!

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  What a Turkey - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By RobMcP - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Toyota doesnt know how to build trucks or take care of customers. 4WD broke first time I used 4WLow in deep snow (in my driveway). Dealer accused me of abuse (had to be because Toyotas dont break...unbelievable arrogance). Got it resolved (had to go to another dealer who took mercy on me) but Toyota help center was no help at all. Took 2 months to resolve and repair. It also eats brakes (we drive VERY conservatively) and the windshield has cracked twice for no apparent reason. Clicking noise of fuel injectors when cold. Overall, a total turkey. If you want to buy a full-sized SUV buy American. Lesson learned.

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  Seating Design - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By GRF493 - December 15 - 10:13 pm

  The power option for folding the third row seats is GREAT! Now, if Toyota can just apply that same option to the second row seats, it would be outstanding. Having three large dogs, coupled with a knee injury, it makes adjusting the second row seats difficult. The power option would be a huge help in this arena. Think disabled, we rarely do, until we ourselves are in that situation.

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  Needed Improvements for this Day & Age - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By GRF493 - December 10 - 8:16 pm

  Overall, its been a good vehicle. While most people are aware of what theyre buying and all of the features that go with the vehicle, at the time of purchase, some "necessities" become apparent after your ownership experience gains tenure.

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  OH What a Failing - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By ronc - October 8 - 7:30 pm

  Got rid of a Trailblazer. Picked the Sequoia for Toyota reliability. Almost immediately observed a problem with oil pressure. Dealer had no clue ("never seen that before"). Went to arbitration, corporate ultimately claimed - ready for this?- "they all do that." Aside from hoping the engine doesnt seize, its a nice driving vehicle, well suited to its purpose. I want to get rid of it, though. Toyotas are good if you get a good one. If you get a bad one, be advised youre on your own.

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  Not that great - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By venturen - March 13 - 11:50 am

  I love the size of the Sequoia, but I have had lots of problems... more than all my other cars combined. Replaced the transmission, rear window stopped working after almost decapitating my dog because it randomly opens and shut, the VSC shuts down on rainy day... loss of power when turning, the engine depowered while driving on the highway and almost got me killed. It eats tires... supposedly a problem with the $2500 VSCcomputer. The paint quality stinks! Scratches!

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  Only Toyota I will ever buy - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By tustin - February 7 - 9:33 pm

  Had all carpet replaced at 1600 miles. Had interior trim panels replaced. Plastic covers keep falling off. Owned MB, audi and GM Yukons. My 94 E320 looks brand new. Toyota suggested I go back to buying MB product. Sequoia interior looks like junk. Toyota would not acknowlege poor manufacturing quality. Kept trying to send me to dealer but they did not build the car, Toyota did. Exceptionally poor customer service from Toyota Corporation. Paint is cheap as well.