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, with problems - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By watermn99 - January 15 - 2:00 amLove the Truck, Its like driving your living room sofa. The truck has been in the shop for a week with a rear axle problem, The service dept has been good so far and they provided a decent loaner, so I am hoping for the best. I didnt like the sales tactics by the dealership, be aware and get your trade in #s in writing before you make the deal.
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A must for a family - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By Cesar Ruvalcaba - January 14 - 10:00 amThis is a must buy for a family, its very quiet, and the reliability is great. The Comfort is amazing and you wont even feel when its moving
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Very Different! - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By mtngirl2 - January 5 - 10:00 amWe traded a Honda Odyssey for the SR5 and are very pleased. Two cautions for those coming from a minivan. 1. you lose the pass through between the captains chairs to the 3rd row. 2. the Odyssey sipped gas, the Sequoia guzzles it. BUT it rides like a cloud on wheels and feels as safe as a bank vault. Overall, bigger than the van but you lose cargo space in the back - par for the course for 4x4s. Bottomline, if 4 wheel drive is not important to you then stick with a minivan. Otherwise, this is a great car.
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first toyota - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By ag_rock - November 29 - 10:00 amTHIS IS MY FIRST TOYOTA, THE VEHICLE IS LIVING UP TO ITS REP ON EXCELLENT QUALITY AND VALUE. THE STYLING RANKS WITH THE BEST OF THEM IN CLASS, HOWEVER THE RELIABILITY PUSHES THIS VEHICLE OVER THE TOP.
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Superior To American SUVs - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By jimmyd - November 9 - 10:00 amI have owned Ford and GM SUVs. Tried their 03s including the new Expedition. Sequoia had far superior build quality and materials than Ford or GM. It was quieter than the Expedition for the same money when loaded equally(within $900). It is still rattle and squeak free after 10,000 harsh miles(regularly off road and rough road).
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my car - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By jason324 - November 3 - 10:00 amthis car is fun to drive its not very fast but it is smooth it can also go off road wel
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An overall great vehicle - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Rlerman - October 20 - 7:33 pmI have this car for two months now and after 1000 miles have few complaints. Smooth ride, solid construction, very quiet, good acceleration and tons of room. Turning ratio is good, but the vehicle can be a little tough to manuever in parking lots. Rear visibility is partially obscured by rear seat headrests. Gas mileage about 15, but thats expected for a V- 8. My biggest gripe is that auto-off headlamps were not on this vehicle, despite it being listed as standard equipment on Edmunds website. Seems Toyota builds some with it and some without.
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Sequoia is Best in Class! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By bamadaves - September 7 - 10:00 amAfter comparing and test driving Sequoia, Tahoe/Yukon, Expedition we decided that the Sequoia was best for us. This vehicle drives like a limosine on the highway and is much quieter than its domestic counterparts. It also has significantly more room behind the 3rd seat which is great for storage/luggage. Great 2nd seat leg room. More expensive that similarly equipped competitor models but I was willing to pay for Toyota reliability/quality. Also resale value is very high. There are many reasons why this vehicle heads up the editors and consumers most wanted lists for SUVs.
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Tough to beat - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By Ed Evans - September 4 - 7:53 pmAfter owning both a Suburban and Expedition, I can say this is the best of the breed. The smooth ride, tight control, luxurious interior, and JBL sound system make long trips enjoyable. The heart of a Tundra and the soul of a Lexus. I love it!
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Will I Buy Another Toyota? - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
By Calvin Swine - September 2 - 10:00 amRattles worse than 10 year old Explorer. Fold up seats take foot off cargo capacity. JBL radio does not work. Speakers fade in and out - now only one speaker working. Supposedly a TSB on this. Repeated trips to the dealer "I cant make any money on this" service managers quote! Interior fit and finish are average - side of leather seat already has a wear-hole. Car hesitates on acceleration after sharp turn, etc., etc. Very dissapointed in quality AND service. Toyota should be ashamed and should fire the service manager. After all of this the dealer charges me $40 for rental car. Toyota? Never again!!!!
