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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  Hood Protector, Tires - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By ironmike - September 7 - 2:00 am

  I have a hood protector (factory installed)that deflects every piece of debris from the road into my windshield. It looks as if someone took shots at my car...about 20 cracks. The dunlop tires put on the 2002 models were junk that had no treadwear. Replaced them after 22,000 miles. 2001 model had michelin ltx, which are great. Oil gauge went bad, and fuel latch was on service bulletin. Could not put gas in my car, until it was fixed. All else is well.

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  Superior to the competition - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By dusa - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Having owned Ford and Chevy SUVs, I tried several 03 Expeditons, Yukons and Tahoes before sampling three Sequoias. The quality of the Sequoias was clearly superior. All of the Fords and GMs had little problems (rattles, squeaks, vibrations,loose,poorly fitting or non-functional parts). The Sequoias engine and drivetrain were the smoothest and it had the quietest ride. Its technology was equal or better than the others.

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  Love the Dependability of Ride, BUT NOT the Brakes - 2016 Toyota Sequoia
  By G. R. Ferris - August 11 - 11:50 pm

  This model is in serious need of updating. The style is old & outdated. We were going to potentially purchase a new, Platinum model, but we dont want the old style/look. If Toyota doesnt produce a serious update , well probably purchase some other SUV. Biggest complaint: The brakes. We have constantly had to replace the pads and rotors all TOO often. Corporate office doesnt seem to care about the issue. They need to use vented rotors, to reduce the heat build up. But, thats expensive too. Weve driven across the country a few times and this vehicle has been VERY reliable. The navigation system is in desperate need of updating. Its way behind the times. Radio reception is horrible, compared to our Lexus.

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  Excellent all-around vehicle - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By offroad - July 30 - 3:03 pm

  This is a great alternative to a Tahoe or Expedition. They handle well for a fullsize truck and cornering is flat with slight understeer when pushed too far. The traction control seems to do more harm than good. No way to turn it off either. Almost got it stuck 3 weeks after purchase going places I previously took my 4x4 pickup. Climbing a muddy hill, engine cuts power when tires slip leaving you with no momentum. Even with street tires, it should do better.

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  best full sizer - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By carexpert - July 25 - 10:16 pm

  if you must have a full size suv, sequoia is the way to go. fact: american cars suffer dearly from poor quality. if you think otherwise, youre a fool who has not done your homework. sequoia brings together this higher end quality with most of the desireable features in fullsize suvs. is it a little pricey for the LMTD? yes, but you get put a little more at ease knowing its a toyota. if you must have an suv and can afford $40K, the sequoia would be my 1st pick again in a heartbeat.

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  Still too new to tell, but so far, so good. - 2012 Toyota Sequoia
  By 2body1head - June 27 - 12:02 pm

  Just purchased this beast yesterday coming from a 2006 Tacoma DBL cab. No difference from the 2011s and prices were basically the same. So, went for the 2012. Love Toyotas in general. In my opinion and history, very reliable. Absolutely humongous inside and comfortable. Ride is not as "plush" as the Suburbans and Denalis, but still good. 100x better than my stiff and bouncy ride Tacoma. Still have to fiddle with the NAV and controls but seems user friendly enough. Drove about 50 miles mixed highway/city and computer avg showed 15-17 mpg. Will post later after a few months for follow-up review.

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  Am I the Only One? - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By Texas Toyota - June 22 - 1:26 am

  The Sequoia is a beautiful SUV. We replaced a Suburban with it but unfortunately have been disappointed. The ride is not only rougher but the road noise is much louder. We replaced the factory tires hoping to reduce the road noise but that didnt help. The gas mileage is lower than advertised being consistently 13.6 MPG combined city/highway (about 17 - 18 MPG highway). Also, its braking distance seems longer. There were several little problems for the first six months. This is our first Toyota and I have not seen a big difference in quality or performance.

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  Platiinum Mixed Bag - 2010 Toyota Sequoia
  By unclejay - May 28 - 1:16 pm

  Taken as a whole, this is a great vehicle, and great looking too. However, missing a few features (see below) and also the dash panels are the cheapest plastic imaginable, looks like a Kia Rio..

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  Glenns Toyota Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Glenn Starks - May 22 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has excellent handling, particularly for a SUV. It comes with a list of options, such as heated seats, front and rear temperature control, a 6- disk CD changer, and even front and rear audio controls. Its the perfect vehicle for a family to its size (room for 8 passengers) but also for the single guy who wants a large vehicle with style. I am extremely happy with my purchase and I always get compliments on its style. The only negative thing about the vehicle is its gas mileage.

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  Sequoia - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By chelleeee - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been a good vechile, except there is no catch to open the gas tank if the mechanism should fail without taking off the skip plate. I hauled a travel trailer, and now need to replace the struts. I was told by the salesman when I bought this vechile that I could do this without any problems; he was wrong.