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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  TRULY SURPRISED - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By runner12345 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  My last car was a dodge durango ( bad choice). I looked at predominately US cars as my next choice to replace the Durango. Drove the Chevy Blazer, Expedition, Explorer, Yukon etc... was pleased by those cars but not impressed. Test drove the SEQUOIA and LOVED IT. The handling, designed, spacious and very easy to handle made it an instant BUY. I would highly recommend the car to those looking for an SUV. Having the additional features ( DVD player), heated seats etc... was worth the time. I found out that getting the SR5 model loaded ( with leather) is practically he same as the Limited but much cheaper in price!!!!!

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  I love my Sequoia, but...... - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Noelle - April 25 - 2:50 am

  Its been a great car. Probably should have gotten the leather seats for a little more comfort. We live on a hill so we have to replace the brakes about every 10,000 miles. Also, the rubber paint around ALL my windows is peeling off. I brought it to the dealer but they said I was out of warranty. I was a little shocked at that. It wasnt a cheap car. So now my wonderful car has peeling paint around ALL the windows, exposing chrome. But overall, its been a wonderful car. Id take it anywhere assuredly. Other than that, the functionality has been really great. Dependable. Wished it looked as great as I feel about it.

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  Smooth ride! Watch your wallet. - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By 4dfmbz - April 14 - 5:10 pm

  i bought my seq used it was a 2002 sr5 with all bells! My only concern is the brakes. I have had to replace pads twice in one year and rotors once. I do drive quiet a bit. I bought the car with 23k it has 63K in a little over a year. But the car is a joy to drive, very smooth, like the lexus. Had to replace battery, I left on the lights, tires, and brakes.. The car is defint reliable. I would def by another. But only used. The gas will murder your wallet. At aound 3.00 a gallon, youre looking at 85.00 to fill. Brakes run about 200-400, tires are 500.00. So we are buying a smaller car for commuting purposes. The SUV will be for trips and weekends only.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By J. King - April 9 - 8:43 pm

  Weve had our Sequoia for 5 years now - 80000 miles - and it still runs like a charm. It is comfortable, easy to drive, and weve had NO issues with it the entire time. Highly recommend for a great long-term daily car.

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  Overall, we love our Sequoia! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Taylor - April 6 - 8:26 pm

  In 2 years of ownership, we have had no major problems. It carries our family of 5 plus a ton of luggage w/o breaking a sweat. We love the huge moonroof, the 6 CD in-dash changer, the power of the 4.7 L V-8. We have taken it down dusty desert trails to visit ghost towns and up mountain paths w/o so much as a hiccup. There are a few gripes, however - the tail gate refused to open not long after we bought it and we could hear broken parts rattling around inside. The transmission sometimes clunks when were at a stoplight and it feels like weve been bumped from behind. Both rear passenger doors refuse to stay open on even the slightest incline, and the rear cubby hatch cover pops open.

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  Very Big SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By CanoeCrazy - February 24 - 5:16 pm

  I lost room going from an Aerostar AWD extended van, but I gained ground clearance and an extra seat. I canoe in Maine and need the ground clearance that the van could not deliver for the logging roads. One problem is that the truck is so high that I have troble loading a canoe on the useless roof rack. I will buy a canoe trailer! 4WD and traction control are OK in snow, but the skid control doesnt do much. This is a HIGH vehicle and the running boards help greatly getting in.

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  It took a while, but we got one - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By xxx - February 8 - 10:00 am

  We traded in our 2001 full-size Montero Ltd. What a difference! This blows the Montero out of the water. No more praying for dear life when you take corners or change lanes. We got the deal we wanted by using the internet to email all the dealers in the Southeast. We sent out a broadcast fax, as well. We were very clear in with what we wanted and what price we were willing to pay. There were a lot of dealers that met our price but did not disclose add-ons like "Toyo Guard", dealer prep, paperwork, document processing, etc. that well exceeded the price we wanted to pay. We didnt play that game.

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  Beats a Lexus GX470 hands down - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Bmac - February 6 - 8:06 am

  We needed a little more room with the addition of a third child to our family. We traded in our Lexus GX470 and the only thing we miss is the complimentary loaner car a few times a year for oil changes. The Sequoia goes through any mild to medium difficulty 4wd trails with no problem. On more difficult stuff, I feel a lot less guilty about bottoming out a Sequoia than a Lexus...and my pocket book doesnt pay nearly as much for the plastic you replace on the Lexus. If I had it to do over, I would have bought a Sequoia 4wd in the 1st place. Sure, the Lexus won 4wd drive magazine 4- wheeler of the year a few times, but how often do you do Rincon. I can bang my Sequoia around w/no regrets.

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  2003 - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By CE - January 27 - 10:00 am

  most comfortable car I have ever been in

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  Bad Rear end! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Unhappy Toyota Owner - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Sequoia in the shop 4 times and only have 2,000 miles on it. Ive had a new set of tires and rims put on, but there is still something wrong with the rear end. The dealership says it rides like it should and if that is the case, then Im very disappointed. Drive you vehicle out on the highway and put at least 25 miles on it, before you decide to keep that one.