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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  Not So Good w/ Standing Behind Product - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By cmadeira - August 17 - 11:13 pm

  Good ride and plenty of power - nice styling - had problem with design of 3rd row seat resulting in a bent latching mechanism - Toyota will not stand behind the product and repair under warranty. Also having trouble with bad exhaust odor in cabin after heavy acceleration - this seems to big a very common complaint from owners, but dealer in Austin did not know what to do about it. Will probably consider other makes next time around.

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  Our first Sequoia - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By g4zilla - August 17 - 5:50 pm

  Were 500 miles into our 2006 Sequoia, and are very impressed. This rig is smooth, rock solid, and very well appointed. Our kids, both teenagers, love the roominess ("Dad! My knees dont touch your seat!") and I look forward to Toyotas legendary dependability. Though its a large SUV, it handles like a smaller vehicle. I never feel as though Im driving a school bus! Recently, my son and I were traveling on the highway, and he turned to me and said, "Dad, this Sequoia is so quiet!" He was absolutely right. I looked down at the speedometer...oops, 80 mph! And that is my final point: the quiet, smooth ride betrays nothing of your speed.

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  Nice SUV, bad in gas - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ikealva - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Cargo area is great, performance is great, very comfortable. Only complaint is that 14 mpg, not even close. Youll get 14 mpg driving 15% on the city and the rest highway. City driving you ll be lucky if you get 12 mpg.

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  Good Quality Truck, so so Mileage - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By AD - July 10 - 6:53 pm

  Purchased in 5/02. Build quality has been superb. In three years here is what has been replaced (except for maintenance items): Oil Pressure Gauge, Security Transmitters, and Brake Rotors--all by Warranty. Front Ball joints replaced under recall. Truck has been very solid. Good travel truck for a family. Interior has a tendancy to scratch and show scuffs. MPG is not as good as I like (~ 15) but considering the size and weight it is inline. Original tires were poor (Dunlop) replaced with Michelin cross terrain and are much improved! Blind spot is quite large and recommend small mirror additions to address. Would purchase again if gas prices had not jumped so much. Great vehicle!

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  Best buy - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By kalloo - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Overall very comfortable. Inspite of its size, handles well even at high speeds and in hilly areas. Not too difficult to parallel park. Gives 17-19mpg on Highway. about 15 in city of boise Had to replace tires at 20,000 and front brakes are already gone with just over 21000 miles.

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  Satisfied! - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Cesar R. - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Boy, I was debating wether to buy the Sequoia or a Tahoe. Im real happy I made the right choice. Going back, I dont know how I even considered a Tahoe over this one!

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  Great Vechile - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JJCC - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Purchased to replace a Ford windstar that could not handle are growing family and pulling our tent trailer. Does everything well. Quiet and powerful. Was considering the Honda Pilot, Ford Explorer/Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe. After many test drives and much research I purchased the Sequoia. We are very happy. This will not leave are family for a long time.

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  Fuel Economy grrrrr - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
  By Hack - May 19 - 2:21 am

  The 2016 needs to be updated in a lot of ways but it didnt stop me from picking it as my first extravagant large SUV. I based my decision on Toyotas long reputation on reliability and resale value. I figured if it aint broken they didnt need to fix it. The gas mileage is awful but hey this truck is a beast. We can take our bass boat, kayaks, and all our stuff on long road trips all over the country in one hell of a reliable, safe, and comfortable vehicle.

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  The Sequoia vs The Armada - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Gerald - May 14 - 2:26 am

  Went from a Previa to the Sequoia. We consider Armada a great vehicle with great acceleration (0-60 is 1.5 secs faster than Sequoia and fold away seats and bold styling. Armadas brake issue was troublesome though. Chose Sequoia last minute for the smooth, quiet ride and the Toyota reliability (despite a more conservatively styled exterior and 20hp less). Armada is great if you tow and have time to spend at the shop to remedy the brakes. The Sequoia is the ULTIMATE minivan substitute if comfort, dependability, gas mileage, and interior space/flexibility are paramount(rear seat splits while Armadas is one-piece). There are more things standard on Sequoia than the brochure indicates.

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  Love it but ready to move on! - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By sailor2x - May 11 - 9:03 pm

  Weve loved the room and comfort of the Sequoia but we are spending a fortune on gas! It has been a very reliable vehicle for us but weve had a few problems. Air conditioning in 2nd row stopped working, VSC went out, front brake rotors warped, back latch broke. Spending 2K/year on maintenance.