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:

• 

  Great Vehicle, but something is missing - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JPell - December 25 - 2:00 am

  This is an extemely reliable and safe purchase in the large SUV class. However, for $40K, something is missing. I test drove the loaded Highlander and felt like it had a much classier appeal.

• 

  Excellent SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By ABCd - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Very nice and smooth powertrain. Inside is very nice, and comfortable. If you want to purchase Toyota backed extend warranty at the dealer, make sure you start the neg. by knocking down $400 off the price they quote you! The dealer will always try to take advantage of you first. Watch out!!You can find out the MSRP for those extended warranty on toyotas website under finance.

• 

  Smart Buy - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By spotbearsd - December 11 - 2:10 am

  I really disliked the idea of going back into another large SUV. I am so glad I did! I cross-shopped this with an Expedition, F150 Supercrew, Titan, Tundra, Pathfinder, Armada.The Sequoia was hands down the nicest driving. Its smooth as a Lexus (for a truck) and is not fluffed up or affected by gross depreciation like a Ford the minute its driven off the lot. Ford offered $3000 more for my trade and $2500 under invoice, but even with the higher price of the Toyota, it was clear which would be worth more in 6 months. The Toyota dealership was nothing special. Felt as though they really didnt try to sell the car. I had to really work at getting the price I wanted.Did not see the value in LIMITED model.

• 

  Sweet Ride - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Fiona - December 3 - 12:16 pm

  Best choice I ever made for a car. It is awesome in reliability and it does great on the beach. Excellent car.

• 

  1st SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By bch - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Quiet ride, roomy 1st and 2nd row. 3rd row seat should fold flat and optionally with a touch of a button like the Expedition. Getting in and out of 3rd seat thru folding of the 2nd row seat can be improved. Loved the different readings available in the convenience package. It tells me the actual mileage per gallon used. The mileage improves as the car is driven more. Cant assume that keyless entry is standard in the SR5.

• 

  2008 Sequoia - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
  By SRJ - November 13 - 7:40 pm

  Lots of power and much more room than the Tahoe. Ride is very good for a "truck". A little too much plastic for a $50K car.

• 

  Oh what a feeling - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By fourxfour - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a great truck. I love the ride, the room and the looks and the performance. I checked out the comp. and the Yukon Denali costs more and its interior is too cheap and plastic looking. The Fords ride was very unappealing. I have found the wind noise from the front window molding to be irritating, Im told they are working on a fix. The thermometer is not accurate when it gets colder than -22. The dealer doesnt tell you that they have a governor that kicks in at 100mph. We have had ours for about a year now and these are my gripes for now. This may sound negative but its not we love the truck just some bugs need to be addressed.

• 

  electrical problem - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By mannyboy - September 30 - 12:00 am

  I bought it brand new a 2001 model love it but lately having problems with my electrical.

• 

  2002 4WD Sequoia - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Prefers Harleys - September 28 - 3:33 am

  Bought new in 2002 and now have 110K miles on vehicle with little problems. After 2 years, rear window got REAL sluggish, so we left it up for a year afraid it would break. Toyota told us they had replaced a lot of motors. Waited one year, did nothing, works fine now. Too big to really go brush busting but wife likes it. I prefer my 1985 Land Cruiser. Parking brake stinks and truck lurchs forward after applying brake on slight incline. 3 weeks after brake service can drive 55 mph with parking brake on before realizing its on. Sister bought an 06, no parking brake problem. Mileage improved after 100K. Now we get 16.6 mpg in Georgia. Only get 6 mpg pulling 3500 pound boat though.

• 

  Beware of Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By bwarren2 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Yes the Sequoia is very nice, extremely smooth ride no question. However, two things prompted me to sell mine. First, Toyota needs to recall all of the Brake rotors. 18K miles and mine needed to be replaced 3 times...absolutely horrible! Another thing that drove me crazy was the way the SUV would just get blown from one lane to another for no apparent resaon. This wasnt wind related or asphalt related. It almost made me wreck 2 times. I am not the only one ot have these issues either. So beware. The Sequoia is a very attractive SUV, very large yes. It does have several bad blind spots and a few Toyota design flaws that make it overpriced.