Toyota Sequoia Review

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.

There have been two generations of the Toyota Sequoia. Both provide V8 power, two- or four-wheel drive and a roomy interior. The latest model, which debuted for 2008, boasts enough room in all three rows to make large families and carpoolers happy, as well as arguably enough in the way of creature comforts to justify its rather hefty price when nicely optioned. Throw in attractive styling inside and out and 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 available in three trim levels: SR5, Limited or Platinum. Even base SR5 models are well equipped, with alloy wheels, a 40/20/40 second-row bench seat, triple-zone automatic climate control, a CD stereo with iPod connectivity, Bluetooth and full power accessories. The Limited adds leather upholstery, power front seats and an upgraded JBL sound system.

The ritzy Sequoia Platinum rolls on 20-inch wheels while adding load-leveling rear air springs, adaptive shock absorbers, a power liftgate, second-row captain's chairs (dropping capacity to seven) and a navigation system with an integrated back-up camera, among numerous other niceties. Most of these features are available as options if they don't come standard on a given trim level. Towing preparation and a rear entertainment system are optional for all models.

The base engine in the SR5 model is a 4.6-liter V8 with 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque. This smooth and adequately powerful engine puts its power to the pavement via a six-speed automatic transmission. Optional on the SR5 and standard on all other Sequoias is a 5.7-liter V8 mated to a six-speed automatic; this engine pumps out 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. All Sequoia trims are available in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.

Having officially graduated from "almost full-size" to "wow, that's big" status, the current 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's a substantial 120 cubic feet of cargo room.

In our reviews of the current Toyota Sequoia, we've been impressed with its massive power (in versions powered by the 5.7-liter V8), surprising maneuverability and overall refinement. 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, which debuted for 2008 with a base 4.7-liter V8 and five-speed automatic that were essentially carried over from the previous-generation Sequoia. Model-year 2010 saw the arrival of the more powerful 4.6-liter base V8 as well as front-seat knee airbags and standard Bluetooth and iPod integration.

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.