Do Sequoia seats lay flat?
Yes. In the current Toyota Sequoia, the third-row seats fold flat into the floor to create a level cargo area, and the second-row seats' ability to lay flat depends on trim and configuration.
This article explains how the Sequoia's seating folds work, what "flat" means in practice, and how to maximize cargo space across recent generations and trims. It covers which rows fold, how to operate the mechanisms, and practical notes for loading long or tall items.
Seat folding capability across generations
Key points on how the three seating rows fold and whether they lay flat.
- Third row: The rear-most row folds down into the floor, producing a flat or near-flat load surface in most trims. Depending on the model year and trim, you may need to adjust headrests or fold cushions to achieve a fully level floor.
- Second row: Depending on trim, the Sequoia offers either captain’s chairs or a 3-passenger bench. The second-row seats can fold or tumble to increase cargo space, but the floor may not be perfectly flat along the center with certain configurations or if headrests are left in place.
Overall, the Sequoia aims to deliver a flat cargo floor when both rows are folded, with minor variations by trim and year.
Steps to fold seats for maximum cargo space
Step-by-step guidance to achieve the broadest, level cargo surface.
- Prepare the interior: remove loose items, stow or lower headrests as required by the folding mechanism, and ensure seats are ready to fold.
- Fold the second-row seats: If your Sequoia has captain’s chairs, fold the seatbacks forward and move the seats to the front as needed; if you have a bench, fold the 40/20/40 sections according to your trim’s layout (manual or power-fold, depending on the model).
- Fold the third-row seats: Release the third-row seatbacks and fold them down into the floor, then push the cushions flat to create a continuous floor surface.
- Check the cargo floor: Verify that all folded sections sit flush and that there are no protruding cushions before loading long items.
With both rows folded, you’ll typically get the widest flat area, though wheel arches and certain seat hardware may create small variations in the surface.
Trim and generation notes
Model-year and trim differences can affect how seats fold and how flat the floor becomes. In the current generation introduced for 2023 and continuing through 2024–2025, Toyota provides a flat-folding third row across trims, with second-row options (captain’s chairs or bench) influencing the exact flatness and cargo configuration. If you’re looking at a used Sequoia, verify the specific fold mechanism and the presence of any power-fold features in your chosen trim.
Summary
The Toyota Sequoia is designed to offer a flat cargo floor primarily through folding the third-row seats into the floor. The second-row configuration—captain’s chairs or a bench—affects how flat the overall floor is and how much cargo you can accommodate. For best results, fold both rows as described and check the floor for flushness before loading bulky items. Always consult your model year’s owner’s manual for exact folding steps and any trim-specific nuances.
