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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  Almost Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Florida SR-5 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I was excited about my first Toyota. I drive mostly highway miles. It had a pull to the right and my arm would be fatigued after trips over 15 mins keeping it straight. Many trips to the dealer later no fix. At the Lemon Law hearing the mech. expert who drove it agreed, but the other two who didnt, sided against us. I was shocked and stuck with it. Later I took it for a routine alignment at a different dealer and explain my past problems and they fixed it just like that. My ratings are based on it pre-fix, as Toyota assured me there was nothing wrong it then.Hope you dont have a problem because Toyota has your money for life.

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  300 Miles and the vehicle is in the shop already - 2018 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mark M. - July 19 - 10:23 am

  I have leased the vehicle not too long ago. A week later I had to drive it to the shop due to multiple safety sensors repeated failures. Rear cross traffic, Blind spot, active cruise control, front collision radar, etc. At the moment dealer had to contact Toyota to figure out what is going on. I wish I could return it at this point in time...Toyota reliability is gone. First one, and definitely the last Toyota I will ever lease / own.

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  toyota has some lemons - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By billboxman - April 24 - 10:00 am

  We have had our Sequoia repaired by the dealership 10 times in the past 18 mo. for VSC concerns and activation. toyota replaced the master brake booster @1135 miles,front calipers rotors and pads @17000 miles and again @ 34000 as a TSB.after going to arbirtation, I won toyota will replace my SUV with a new one. But toyota made it as hard and as possible, didnt care about my families safty or LIVES, and tryied to discredit 7 of the 10 repairs because the dealership didnt charge toyota any money, but still tryed to repair. In closing, stand up for your legal rigths even if toyota trys to make you give in.

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  Good value - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By rob328ic - April 8 - 2:33 pm

  We bought an 04 4WD SR5. We have a dog, 3 kids, and travel with lots of stuff (kids 4, 2 ,4 mos). Rides well, no build issues. Fit finish ok (a few panel gaps). Mileage has been poor but typical. This is a 4 speed trans too. Older 4WD has not been an issue, we live in Maine and works well. But it lacks little things. 2nd row lock for seat fold up to enter third row. No fold flat. No remote start option or camera accessible cup holder in 2nd row. Lack of lateral support in front seats. No power lift gate (my wife has tough time reaching this). Overall I’d consider a Suburban or Denali over this if I made the purchase today on a new 07-08. Used however I’d get the Toyota.

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  Big mistake - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By aaa - April 6 - 3:40 am

  First of all, I am an experienced mechanic. My wife wanted this car for the kids, she likes it. When I drive this truck here are the things I find wrong with it: right rear blind spot, you have to fold down the right rear seat to see your blind spot and to reverse, brakes issues (2 sets of pads & rotors in 1 year) suspensions is very poor, interior is cheap, as far as engine and transmission goes Toyotas quality is there. Other than that I would rather buy the Yukon or Tahoe, its a much better quality truck thank the Sequoia any day. If you have the money to spare, then buy the Landcruiser of which Toyota put a lot of quality and its day and night compare to this piece of junk Sequoia

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  Clunky - 2015 Toyota Sequoia
  By SlickEagle - November 6 - 7:02 pm

  The extra foot -bumper to bumper, compared to the 4-runner was too much for me. The interior was largely a step down from previous years. The v-8 had a lot of power and delivered acceleration. Road noise was high.

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  Spare Key - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bob - October 22 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my Sequoia used as a second vehicle. Spent a lot of money on new timing belt, serpentine belt, battery, replacing transmission fluid, etc. - which I anticipated and I am OK with all that. Seat belt retracter and gas gauge that failed right after purchased disappointed - but I still hung in OK. The big surprise that completely turned me off was a replacement ignition key (just the key!) to replace the lost key that did not come with the vehicle - $628 quoted! Unbelievable. From what I understand, an electronic module has to be replaced to work with a new key. Knowing that up front - I would not have purchased the Sequoia.

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  Nervous - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Dave - September 19 - 11:50 pm

  Ive had my Sequoia for a little over two years now and though I love driving the vehicle and it works well for my family of five, I am 15,000 miles past my manufacturers warranty and already have over $2,000.00 in repairs. I was lucky enough to have purchased the extended warranty so I havent had to pay for these repairs out of pocket but I am very worried about what this vehicle is going to cost me in the long run. I am pretty sure I will dump it when it is paid for. This is a shame because I really like the vehicle from a users point of view. My last issue was with the fuel pump at 45,000 miles. The part alone is over $600.00 from the dealership. That excludes labor.

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  Defective 2005 Sequoia - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Tony - April 10 - 8:26 pm

  Very upset with the purchase of this Sequoia. I drove it off the lot and start to have problems with the power steering fluids. I first I thought it was the dealer not doing their job but apparently I had a defective power steering pump. The car didnt even have 200 miles and it was giving me problems. I would definitely hold off on purchasing the 2005 maybe Toyota will make some recalls.

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  My Love/Hate Relationship - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By b1rd0g - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Lets see...what hasnt gone wrong. My engine knocks like someone is hitting it with a hammer in cold weather...no kidding! I had the steering rack replaced due to failure. Ive had driveline vibrations that Toyota cant figure out and feel like they are causing damage since 454 miles. I"ve had the brakes serviced four times. Ive got an exhaust smell of rotten eggs entering the cabin upon acceleration. The VSC system kicks in and I lose all power at "very exciting" times, like entering fast moving traffic! Thats not everything! However, I love to drive it, believe it or not. I just wish Toyota could resolve all of my issues.