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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  QUICKIE - 2018 Toyota Sequoia
  By TOM - May 2 - 3:23 am

  The technology of today has not caught up to the Sequoia. Gas mileage is crazy bad! The ability to load a 4x8 sheet of plywood cant happen. The price is out of line.

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  Sequoia 2008 - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By Sequoia ultimate - April 28 - 2:24 pm

  Hard to find a good low mile well maintained truck.

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  So many little problems - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ted - April 19 - 8:23 am

  I bought a Toyota for their supposed great customer satisfaction and reliability. I must say that this not what I have experienced. The car does start and run just fine. The problem lies in all the little things going wrong and the number of times that dealer visits are required. So far both mirrors have gone loose. The clock has failed, the rear hatch wont stay open, the power outlets have failed ... the list goes on. On top of that, the dealer and Toyota Corporate are great at stating that not all problems can be fixed under warranty even though the warranty has not expired. I still have 18 months left on the warranty and 10k miles to go.

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  time will tell - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By silverseqltd - April 7 - 4:00 am

  Ive got approximately 4000 miles on the truck now. The dealership replaced the water pump under warranty when I took it in for an oil change. The ride is nice but I knew that from test driving other 4x4s before the purchase. I also like the Sequoias exterior looks and overall build quality. The water pump, well, time will tell me if it lives up to Toyotas typical build quality ......

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  Like Riding a Lexus - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Geeeyejo - April 4 - 6:22 pm

  Purchased my 2005 Limited 4x4 with 135k for $6800. Immediately had timing belt, water pump, radiator hoses and serpentine belt changed. Then put all new Denso coils and plugs, air filter, oil change. Have had several issues with a transmission sensor needing replacement, gas cap throwing codes - both easy and inexpensive fixes. Be aware almost all of these trucks will eventually have issues with the SAIS pollution pump system - throwing CEL light and sometimes limp mode. Previous owner had the bypass system installed - I had to add a pressure sensor kit wired to the ECM harness to finally address the issues. Thankfully I was able to do much of this work myself that would have been a fortune in the repair shop. Hence only 4 stars. All great now and should run for another 200k miles. I concur with others that the big tree drives like a large luxury car, has great fit and finish. I invested in an Android head unit to bring the tech to the 21st century. I can ask Siri to play anything on my IPhone through the head unit and make calls, etc. Interior space is huge for this class - all three rows comfortable. Sunroof a plus too. Last truck was a V10 Ford Excursion so about 15 mpg average and up to 18+ highway is not bad at all . Mine is black with grey leather interior and looks like a big vintage Land Cruiser. Also Toyota had a recall on the frames for rusting- had mine inspected - all is fine and getting a free anti- corrosion treatment to the frame - pretty cool. Love this truck!

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  Great SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By antnie - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Changed from a BMW X5 to a Limited Sequoia. Beautiful SUV, roomy, rides smooth, looks great.

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  Great Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jim M - February 29 - 5:43 am

  Excellent vehicle to drive. Lot of fun on the wide open mountain roads of New Hampshire. Everyone that see the SUV loves the style!!

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  Surprised! By the roomy interior... - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By MrCEIII - February 7 - 9:03 am

  Looked for my 5 member family for 2 months, had settled on either a Honda minivan or Toy minivan. I was trading a 02 Escalade so my standards are pretty high. This Sequoia is an excellent vehicle, it has more power than my 02 Escalade and so far I am extremely satisfied with my purchase.

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  Nice But It Aint A LandCruiser - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By David C - January 26 - 10:00 am

  An overall nice, well built car. Selected Sequoia over 2003 LC due to the $ value/interior size comparisons. Despite its attention to detail, the interior fit/finish does not compare to the my 99 LC. Yet kids love the interior size and sound system; wife likes the exterior looks. I guess things could be worse (like owning a Ford).

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  Limited 4x4 nav, dvd, lux, airbags - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By micmcp - January 20 - 12:20 pm

  Excellent vehicle - drives great compared to chevy/ford - always feel in control - no over steer or under steer problems - nice, tight steering wheel. DVD works great. Touch screen navigation requires vehicle to be in park to enter a destination; however, you can use the other features while driving. Air vents are loud with fan on high - especially in 2nd and 3rd rows. Could use more cup holders in front seats - one each on long trip is not enough. No squeaks or rattles... great truck overall! Very happy with my purchase!