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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Great SUV - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
By K Brown - September 10 - 10:03 amThe Sequoia is an excellent SUV. Reliability has been great. At 25,000 miles repair of the tension control for the fan belt was required, up to 38,500 now and no other repairs. Like the looks of the 2007 better than the new style. Would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for an SUV that is big and holds a lot of stuff. Even got a full/queen size headboard in the back.
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Wifes car and she loves it - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By 1st Toyota - September 9 - 11:20 amThis is wifes favorite vehicle. Downside, horrible roof vibrations if you open moonroof while driving. Rear end failed at 20k. Wheel bearings failed at 38k. Trunk latch stuck and dealer says warranty doesnt cover anything affected by rust, even though salesman said extended warranty covers "everything".
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Fun to Drive - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By fanatic - September 4 - 10:00 amGreat family vehicle for urban adventure. Good vehicle size. Great fit and finish. Comfortable ride for a truck platform based SUV. Great paint. Fair sound system. Love the dual AC with climate control. Sturdy well- built. Topnotch quality. Safe vehicle. But not perfect. See improvement suggestions.
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Nice truck for family with towing needs! - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By dmaxwellh - July 25 - 1:13 pmWe have been very happy with the first month of ownership. The Sequoia is a pleasure to drive and has many nice standard features. Interior space is excellent. Not thrilled with the regional packaging of the options. Each dealer in our region had similarly equipped vehicles (cold weather pkg, sunroof, etc.). It seems to be the trend with Toyota. The Limited and Platinum are nice, but extremely overpriced for the options. I think a nicely equipped SR5 with leather, JBL, etc. is the economic choice.
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Great Vehicle - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By J Pruitt - July 20 - 12:50 amIve owned the Sequioa for 2 1/2 years. NOT ONE PROBLEM. Just routine maintenance (rotate tires and oil change). No rattles, no squeaks, no loose fitting trim. The quality is A+. I will only buy Toyotas if they are this good. Gas mileage stinks---15/mpg-- --BUT I KNEW THAT WHEN I BOUGHT IT. This is a great vehicle for showing real estate to clients, transporting softbal teams, soccer teams, cub scouts etc. I also feel safe when driving on the daily life/death roulette of Houstons freeway system.
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A beast - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By kbert - July 9 - 9:23 pmI traded in a station wagon to get the Sequoia. With 3 kids, a spouse, a nanny, and a dog, I figured we really needed something bigger than mid- size/large SUVs like the M-B GL, Toyota Land Cruiser, or Land Rover LR- 3. After owning it for over a year, I was sort of right-- the Sequoia is a dream for family trips with lots of luggage. But, we only do those a 2-3 times a year! The Sequoia is nice for carting kids and sports equipment around, but a smaller SUV could do that too (though with the Seqouia, large/long items like skis and bikes can just be put inside without concern). In sum, its just a bit too big for my taste and 99%-of-the-time needs. Family loves it though.
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My Sequoia Saved My Wifes Life - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By wfegley - June 21 - 2:00 amWe only had our Sequoia for 1700 miles. It was the nicest vehicle we ever owned. It was roomy, comfortable, quiet, and peppy enough to get on down the highway. Its most important feature was our crash test. A moron made a left turn in front of my wife at point blank range. My wife t-boned the moron at 40 mph. The morons vehicle turned into scrap metal. The Sequoias front end crumpled as it was suppose to, but the passenger compartment was not compromised. The seat belts and air bags kept my wife from sustaining any serious injuries. The paramedics told my wife that our Sequoia saved her life.
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Would Buy Again - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By ToyoOwner - May 24 - 2:00 amGreat Truck. Mileage is not a good as we like (~16 to 17) but as big as the vehicle is, reasonable. Has plenty of power and features. Blind spot is large, suggest adding supplemental mirror to both sides. Interior tends to scratch easily. Leather captain chairs are very comfortable. Handles well with good forward visibility. Ride can be stiff on bumpy roads (again this is a truck)
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Gently - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By Japon - May 19 - 1:36 pmDriver seat armrest is short and uncomfortable. Long trips can be tiring, because the seat is not comfortable enough.
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Sequoia Summary - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By LCWestford - May 10 - 2:00 amOverall I am really pleased with the SR5. It has reasonable gas mileage when compared to other Large SUVs. I average around 16 to 17 mpg. It has plenty of room and is really convenient when traveling with family. The quality of the interior is also superior to Ford and Chevy. The drawbacks I have had since I bought the vehicle: there is an annoying ticking or tapping sound (lifter noise?) coming from the engine that "Toyota" says is normal and not a mechanical problem. Supposedly, Toyota has had many complaints about this and is redesigning the 2003 to eliminate the sound.
