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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Great vehicle even after 3 years - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Lori - December 30 - 12:53 pmThe Sequoia has been a wonderful vehicle since date of purchase. I have had no problems with performance or reliability. The car fits 6 adults comfortably - even in the 3rd row seat! Plenty of cargo space with the movable 3rd row - the leather seats with heat in the driver and passenger seats are a nice touch.
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I bought two! - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By C Elliott - December 29 - 2:00 amLoved the vehicle so much that we purchased another Sequoia, a 2004 Limited Edition, this year.
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Great - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By whites - December 29 - 2:00 amIn 2003 I was driving a 2003 Pontiac Grand Am. Because I have 5 kids this car was just not big enough. When I went to the dealership to test drive this Sequia I fell in love with it instantly.It had everything that I was looking for. I am a sports car person and driving a vehicle like a van is just not me. This Sequia looked great on the outside.It was MY STYLE. It rides so quiet and smooth and drives like a dream. The kids are very fond of the entertainment system for them and it comes in handy on those long road trips we take. Ive had my Sequia since August of 2003 and have not found anything that I do not like about it.
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wonderderful suv - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By debbihope - December 27 - 10:00 amgreat suv just the best
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Best SUV - 2002 Toyota Sequoia
By Chiefd54 - December 27 - 10:00 amBeing a previous owner of a Ford Exporer, I was looking for a vehicle which had several features that I felt were missing from the Ford. The Sequoia has them and more! A spacious interior, comfortable and extremly quiet ride, and relability! This vehicle is a pleaure to drive and own. One test drive was all it took to convince me that this is a quality vehicle.
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AEWSOME - 2004 Toyota Sequoia
By FF757 - December 24 - 10:00 amGreat Truck I love it
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All good for 40,000 but one thing - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By hampton - December 22 - 10:00 amGREAT SUV
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LOVE this truck - 2005 Toyota Sequoia
By cat1996 - December 8 - 3:20 amAfter having a Tahoe for years this is SO much better! Looks better too. Love the console between the middle seats to keep kids separated and pretty much love everything about this SUV. Took it on a 1400 mile trip last month with 2 kids and husband and have NO complaints at all. Lots of room for packing and comfortable ride. DVD definitely a plus on a 9 hour drive. Kids were able to plug the Gamecube in and play with the AV inputs and electrical outlet - you cant beat that feature!
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Nice Upgrade - 2008 Toyota Sequoia
By Bob - December 7 - 10:36 pmTraded in a 2005 Sequoia for a this. Bigger seats, wider vehicle and improved gas mileage with the 5.7. Drives great, lots of toys, liked the 2005, but this is definately an upgrade.
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Sequoia - 2003 Toyota Sequoia
By Marcia - December 4 - 10:00 amI like the vehicle and have had no problems with it. Sharper looking than some of the other Large SUVs on the market.
