Is the Toyota Sequoia V6 or V8?

The current Toyota Sequoia uses a V6 hybrid powertrain, not a V8.

Over its latest generation, Toyota shifted the Sequoia away from traditional V8 power toward a modern turbocharged V6 with hybrid assistance. This article explains what that means for performance, what engines have existed in the Sequoia's history, and how buyers should weigh their options.

Current powertrain: V6 hybrid in the latest Sequoia

The present-generation Sequoia relies on Toyota's i-FORCE MAX hybrid system, pairing a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with electric motors and a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Key specifications and capabilities include:

• Engine: 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 (i-FORCE MAX) paired with electric motors


• Total system horsepower: about 437 hp


• Torque: about 583 lb-ft


• Transmission: 10-speed automatic


• Drivetrain: 4WD is standard on higher trims and available on others; 2WD is also offered on some configurations


• Towing capacity: up to roughly 9,000–9,600 pounds depending on configuration


• Current status: No V8 option in the modern Sequoia lineup

These figures can vary by trim and equipment, but the overall picture is a strong V6 hybrid setup that aims to deliver robust performance and towing capability with better efficiency than a traditional V8.

Performance and drive characteristics

The i-FORCE MAX system delivers strong low-end torque for confident acceleration and towing, with seamless electric boost for smoother everyday driving. The 10-speed automatic helps keep the engine in its sweet spot across a wide range of speeds, contributing to both overtaking performance and highway stability.

Historical engine options: V8 legacy in earlier Sequoias

Before the 2023 redesign, Sequoias commonly offered a traditional large displacement V8 option. The most common V8 in older Sequoias was a 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8, carried over from Toyota's larger trucks and SUVs.

Key details of the V8 era include:

• Engine: 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8


• Power output: approximately 381 hp


• Torque: approximately 401 lb-ft


• Transmission: 6-speed automatic


• Drivetrain: 4WD was widely available across trims


• Fuel economy: generally lower than the current hybrid setup

With the shift to the i-FORCE MAX V6 hybrid in the newer Sequoia, Toyota aimed to balance strong capability with improved efficiency and modern technology while maintaining the SUV’s rugged, family-friendly character.

V8 era specifics

In the V8 era, the Sequoia's 5.7-liter V8 produced about 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, typically paired with a 6-speed automatic and available 4WD. Fuel economy was notably less favorable compared with the newer hybrid configuration.

What this means for buyers and performance considerations

For buyers, the engine choice signals how the Sequoia delivers power, efficiency, and overall ownership cost. The V6 hybrid provides strong low-end torque for towing and off-road traction, smoother daily driving, and better city fuel economy than the older V8. Some buyers who valued the traditional V8’s character or exhaust note might miss that option, but the hybrid setup is designed to deliver comparable towing and off-road capability with added efficiency.

When evaluating a Sequoia today, consider how you’ll use the SUV: towing needs, terrain, and daily driving will be influenced by the hybrid system’s performance profile, while the body-on-frame durability and available TRD off-road configurations remain core selling points.

Summary

The current Toyota Sequoia uses a V6 hybrid powertrain (i-FORCE MAX 3.5L twin-turbo V6 with electric motors), not a V8. The previous generation offered a 5.7-liter V8, but Toyota shifted to the hybrid V6 to boost efficiency while preserving capability. For most buyers today, the Sequoia’s V6 hybrid combines strong towing performance with modern technology and improved fuel economy compared with the older V8-era Sequoias.

When did Sequoia change to V6?

2023
The Sequoia dropped its V8 engine and became available as a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle for the first time. 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.

Is the Toyota Sequoia a V6 or V8?

The Toyota Sequoia has only offered a V6 hybrid engine since the 2023 model year, with no V8 options available in recent generations. This V6 hybrid system is a twin-turbocharged 3.4-liter engine paired with an electric motor, producing 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. 
V6 hybrid engine (2023-present)

• Power: 437 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque 
• Efficiency: While not a V8, the hybrid system offers a more seamless and powerful experience, especially at low speeds, with an estimated 19 mpg city / 22 mpg highway for the 2WD model. 
• Performance: It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6 seconds and handles towing well. 
• Technology: The electric motor provides immediate torque, reducing lag and requiring fewer downshifts. 

V8 engine (pre-2023) 

• Power: The previous generation's V8 was powerful, but the new V6 hybrid delivers more horsepower. 
• Performance: The V8 was known for its smooth, reliable performance. 
• Efficiency: The V8's fuel economy was not significantly better than the new hybrid's fuel economy. 

You can watch this video to learn about the 2025 Toyota Sequoia's performance and features: 1mBrian MakseYouTube · Aug 23, 2025
Which one should you choose?

• If you are looking at models from 2023 or newer, your only option is the V6 hybrid. 
• If you prefer the older V8, you will need to look for a model from 2022 or older. 

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

Is the Toyota Sequoia a 6 cylinder?

The standard i-FORCE MAX 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6 hybrid engine in the Toyota Sequoia gets 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a 10-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission with intelligence, you can enjoy smooth driving and comfortable handling on all your commutes and adventures.