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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  What happened to Toyota? - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Mom of Two - May 13 - 3:53 pm

  Previous happy Toyota owner. I have had nothing but problems - electrical problems with this SUV since I got it. Toyota seems to not care. I tried arbitration with no luck. My car at 2 yrs old spent ONE month at the dealer maintenance only to have more electrical problems. I cannot let it idle without it wanting to stall - such a bummer when stuck in traffic!! At the time of arbitration Toyota claimed that the car is working at that instant so there is no issue, they will continue to fix problems that arise. That is not product reliability to me. I think I got stuck with the lemon.

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  Its Okay - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By CypressTX Driver - May 3 - 12:00 am

  Its okay, my wife loves it and it is her car. To date no major problems with it, weve only had it for a year. There are a few things that dont work the way I expect them after driving domestic vehicles all my life but I cant say theyre done wrong. One nice thing is it gets pretty good mileage for a large SUV. Over all the vehicle has no personality. But so far it has been reliable and the wife likes it.

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  Significant Noise Problem - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By Ketan Vyas - April 26 - 1:43 am

  I bought a new Sequoia in June 2006. The very first time I drove on interstate I noticed humming noise of drive shaft at speed of 60 mph. This is some time appreciated in old real wheel drive cars. But not in a new vehicle which costs $52000. I cannot get either dealer or Toyota to fix this or take the vehicle back. In order to stay comfortable you need to drive at the speed lower than 60 mph. I am amazed the way I am treated by Toyota and the dealership. I used to be a Toyota fan. I recommend everyone to drive this vehicle on highway before buying. I am sure some of other sequoia owners might have experienced the same problem what Toyota calls "normal characteristic of vehicle."

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  Mama loves this SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Cuz44 - March 27 - 10:00 am

  Looked at the RX300 and MDX but they were either too small or rode too roughly. The Sequoia does neither. Both intown and highway driving are a pleasure and my wife loves the height, visibility and secure feeling she gets. Toyota quality helps, as well. So far, so good; we both are enjoying this vehicle.

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  Fun to Drive? - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Jeff341 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Looking through others ratings I could not believe so many 10 ratings for fun to drive. The Sequoia is a solid reliable car (mine has 65,000 miles) but is like driving a bus. The competition does a much better job of building a car that doesnt make driving almost a numbing event. Then again, we are talking a SUV here, a maybe that is what the public wants.

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  good, but w/ obvious flaws - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
  By peter - January 28 - 3:43 am

  Owned this for about 3 months. Tranny designed to release torque build up. Felt as though someone had tapped my back bumper at a stop light. Became really annoying after a short time. Also, valve noise was considered normal (says so even in manual). Ran premium fuel, but still could hear valve noise at times. These two items were enough to sell it after dealership said this was normal characteristics and working at factory specs.

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  Sequoia - 2001 Toyota Sequoia
  By Phil007 - January 25 - 4:26 pm

  The Y.A.W. rate sensor went out on my family and I while on a road trip. Very dangerous. This is a recall item. This really put a dent in opinion of Toyota. Fuel economy 12.3 avg. this vehicle will break you if you use it as a daily driver and need to drive more than 100mile per day. The 2wd model is basically a big gas guzzling car with out any capability off the smooth paved road. I got mine cheap at $10,200 and 96k miles and only one owner so I guess I am going to keep it for awhile since it is such a big car and we all can pile in, but as soon as I can I am going to look for an FJ cruiser and not look back at the sequoia.

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  brakes - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By pamphil@vvm.com - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck. My only complaint is the brakes. I think the brakes arent strong enough for the vehicle. I can drive 55 mph with the emergency brake on! that is after it being adjusted.

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  Sequoia Review - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Chad Gosda - December 28 - 10:00 am

  Very quiet ride and engine; extremely reliable; very spacious, with great usability and versatility on use of the cabin/cargo space; easy to operate; respectable gas mileage, better than peers; for such a powerful V-8, nice look. Do know that this is a large, full-size vehicle, tougher to manuever and drive for those inexperienced.

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  Not impressed - what next? - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By Very high maintenanc - December 27 - 7:53 am

  Lift gate window motor went out right after warranty expired, 3 years old, Ive replaced all the interior door handles because they broke off ($100 a pop), constant brake problems, $500 avg price to fix every time the rotors have to be machined and brake pads changed, which is about once a year. Ive spent about $4000 in repairs due to poor build.