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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  2007 SR5 4x4 Sequoia - 2007 Toyota Sequoia
  By Noleterp01 - March 4 - 12:40 am

  We were in the market this year for a larger SUV expecting our second child, and looked at everything on the market to be fair. It came down to the Expedition and the Sequoia. The Sequoia is by far the best full size SUV you can get for the money. We were also able to get ours at an exceptional value, considering Toyota is cleaning the lots this time of year. Perfect for a two baby/child family. Decent on gas, and the ride is as smooth as most cars. We couldnt be happier and are officially a Toyota family. We bought a black SR5 with appearance package, tan interior, sunroof, towing package. It is a sharp SUV and we are looking forward to taking it on our first road trip soon.

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  Best SUV (Period) - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
  By Harry.t - February 27 - 2:00 am

  I had 3 new Toyota 4Runners since 1988 and the 2004 Sequoia is truly one of the best trucks in the world. I do quite a bit of 4wheeling, and this truck is better than any other truck I have driven, I dont like the new look of the 4Runner so I am glad the Sequoia took its place.

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  Very Comfortable SUV - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By FlaCapn - February 23 - 7:53 am

  Having test driven the competition, the Sequoia was an easy choice. The Sequoia has nice lines, is a joy to drive, even the third row seats are comfortable. Ive had mine for two years now and would get one again if I had the need. I still smile when I get in this thing and drive it, Toyota did a great job.

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  HAPPY TRAILS - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
  By JERI - February 22 - 10:00 am

  BASIC 4WD BUT IT WORKS GREAT ( SNOW, MUD,SAND,RAIN)COMFORT OUTSTANDING,FUN TO DRIVE ON LONG TRIPS PARKS REAL EASY ALSO ROOM FOR EIGHT ADULTS NOT JUST KIDS

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  Great on every aspect - 2006 Toyota Sequoia
  By patricksound - February 20 - 10:36 pm

  Excellent, extremely strong and very comfortable. The luxury fixtures make it a truck to want.

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  Nice Car - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By run 22 - February 7 - 2:00 am

  its a very comfortable and powerful car. I think it has a killer engine. Its very fun-to-drive car.

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  Great Family Car - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By Robin - February 3 - 12:53 am

  I have a 2003 Sequoia Limited with around 74,000 miles. I am the sole owner and have used this to haul children, dogs, trailers and boats up in the mtns. It was been a fantastic car for our family and I think the best "Large" SUV out there in terms of capacity. Even with the 3rd seat, you still have plenty of storage as opposed to many others (Expedition, Land Cruiser, Explorer, etc). The exterior styling still looks fresh after 5 years (I prefer it over the new ones) and I always feel very safe in my Sequoia. The only downside is the side storage compartment (needs a better closing mechanism) & of course fuel economy but unfortunately that is standard with large & small SUVs. :(

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  MY WIFES BEAST - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By RICK - January 27 - 10:00 am

  THE SEQUOIA IS AN AMAZING VEHICLE. MY WIFE LIKES IT SO MUCH THAT WE FIGHT OVER WHO IS GOING TO DRIVE IT. SHE LIKES THE EXCEPTIOAL PERFORMANCE ESPECIALLY QUICK ACCELERATION. SHE FELLS VERY SAFE DRIVING IN ANY KIND OF WEATHER WITH THE VEHICLE SKID CONTROL. SHE REFERS TO THE SEQUOIA AS "THE BEAST"

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  love my sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By dshane - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY SEQUOIA. IT IS VERY ROOMY AND RIDES GREAT. THE KIDS LOVE IT. A GREAT VACATION VEHICLE.

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  The Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
  By M. Moe - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in Maine, but I live in NY. I drove it straight home in a snow storm. I really love this car.I drove a Toyota 4-runner for 13 years & loved it. That vehicle was just not wide inside though for a piece of sheet rock to fit in the back or for 3 people to sit in the back set comfortable. So when I saw the sequioa, I knew that was the car. I think its bigger than the land cruser inside & it has more leg room in the 3rd seat than any other 4WD vehicles with 3 seats. Im even getting better milage in this car than I was in that 13 year old 4-runner & the gas tank is about twice the size which is great on trips.