Is a Toyota Sequoia a V-6 or V8?
The latest Toyota Sequoia uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid (i-FORCE MAX), not a V-8.
This shift reflects Toyota's broader move toward more efficient powertrains in large SUVs, while still delivering strong towing and off-road capability. The sections below outline the current engine setup, the historical V8-era options, and what this means for buyers today.
Current powertrain: V6 hybrid, not a V-8
The newest Sequoia, redesigned for 2023, is built around a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 paired with an electric motor system known as i-FORCE MAX. The combined output is roughly 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque, and it is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available and strengthens capability for towing and off-road use.
The following notes summarize the key attributes of the Sequoia's present engine and drivetrain:
- Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with hybrid assist (i-FORCE MAX)
- Output: about 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: available four-wheel drive with multiple drive modes
In practice, this means strong, responsive performance with improved efficiency compared with traditional V8 competitors, while maintaining substantial towing capability.
Historical perspective: V8 power in earlier Sequoias
Before the current generation, Sequoias were powered by traditional V8 engines. In the late 2000s through the 2010s, many Sequoia models used a 5.7-liter V8 (i-FORCE V8) paired with an automatic transmission, delivering robust power and a familiar V8 driving character.
The following notes summarize the Sequoia’s V8-era engines and how they compare with today’s setup:
- Engine: V8 powertrains, most notably a 5.7-liter V8 in later-model Sequoias
- Transmission: typically a conventional automatic transmission (often 5- or 6-speed, depending on year)
- Character: strong off-the-line torque and traditional V8 sound and feel
For buyers exploring used Sequoias from before the redesign, the V8 models offer proven towing capability and a classic SUV powertrain, but may come with higher maintenance costs and lower fuel efficiency than the newer hybrid setup.
Implications for buyers
Deciding between generations of Sequoia comes down to priorities like efficiency, power delivery, and ownership costs. The current generation emphasizes hybrid efficiency and strong torque from a V6, while older models showcase the reliability and towing feel of a V8 engine.
- If you want modern efficiency with strong pulling power, the current Sequoia’s i-FORCE MAX V6 hybrid is the right pick.
- If you value a traditional V8 experience and are shopping used, older Sequoias with the V8 powertrain are still capable but may cost more to operate over time.
- Consider maintenance and parts: newer hybrid systems require different service, while older V8s may have higher routine maintenance in aging vehicles.
Overall, the Sequoia lineup reflects Toyota’s shift toward electrified, efficient powertrains without sacrificing the capability large SUV buyers expect.
Summary
The Toyota Sequoia has moved from V8 power in its earlier generations to a high-torque V6 hybrid in its latest iteration. This change brings improved efficiency and modern technology, while still delivering strong performance for towing and off-road use. For buyers, the choice between generations hinges on preference for traditional V8 driving experience versus the efficiency and advanced systems offered by the current i-FORCE MAX V6 hybrid.
What engine does a Toyota Sequoia have?
The Toyota Sequoia has a single-engine option: a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 hybrid engine called the i-FORCE MAX, which produces 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This hybrid system pairs the V6 with an electric motor and is connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
- Engine type: Twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 hybrid (i-FORCE MAX)
- Horsepower: 437 hp
- Torque: 583 lb-ft
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Which Toyota models have a V6 engine?
The Toyota Sequoia and Tundra are the primary Toyota models that currently offer a V6 engine in the United States, both using a twin-turbocharged 3.4L V6. The Sequoia uses a hybrid version called the i-FORCE MAX, while the Tundra has both a standard i-FORCE V6 and the hybrid i-FORCE MAX option available. Toyota is phasing out V6 engines in many other models, such as the Camry, Tacoma, and 4Runner, in favor of 4-cylinder engines.
This video explains the features of the V6 engine in the Toyota Tundra: 1mToyota WorldYouTube · Jun 16, 2025
- Toyota Sequoia: Features a 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine (i-FORCE MAX).
- Toyota Tundra: Available with a standard 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (i-FORCE) or the hybrid i-FORCE MAX version.
This video shows the features of the V6 engine in the Toyota Tundra: 57sThe Car Care NutYouTube · Mar 29, 2025
- Other models: Many older models, such as the Camry and 4Runner, previously had V6 options but have since replaced them with four-cylinder or hybrid powertrains.
When did Sequoia go to V6?
2023
2023 - Present (3rd Generation)
The only powertrain announced for 2023 was a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 gas engine and an electric motor with a total system output of 437 horsepower — 56 more horsepower than the old 5.7-liter V8.
When did Toyota stop putting V8 in Sequoia?
The last year for the Toyota Sequoia with a V8 engine was 2022. Starting with the 2023 model year, the Sequoia was redesigned and now features a 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain. The 5.7L V8 engine that powered the 2022 model was the final iteration of Toyota's V8 engine for the Sequoia, producing 381 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque.
You can watch this video to learn more about the Toyota Sequoia V8 engine: 53sBen HardyYouTube · Jan 12, 2025
- Last model year: 2022
- Engine: 5.7L V8 (i-FORCE)
- Horsepower: 381 hp
- Torque: 400 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Next generation: The 2023 model introduced a new twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain.
This video provides an overview of the second-generation Toyota Sequoia: 57sThe Car Guy OnlineYouTube · Apr 12, 2025
