What are some facts about the Toyota Sequoia?
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV that has been a popular choice for families and adventurers alike since its introduction in 2000. With its spacious interior, powerful engine, and impressive towing capacity, the Sequoia has established itself as a reliable and capable vehicle in the SUV market.
Powerful Engine and Towing Capacity
The Toyota Sequoia is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides ample power for towing and hauling, with a maximum towing capacity of 7,400 pounds.
Spacious and Versatile Interior
The Sequoia can seat up to eight passengers, making it a popular choice for large families. The second-row seats can slide and recline, and the third-row seats can fold flat to provide additional cargo space. The Sequoia also offers a variety of storage options, including a large center console and numerous cup holders.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Sequoia is available with four-wheel drive, which provides enhanced traction and control on rough terrain. The Sequoia's high ground clearance and sturdy suspension make it a capable off-road vehicle, allowing it to tackle challenging trails and unpaved roads.
Safety Features
The Toyota Sequoia comes equipped with a range of safety features, including:
- Blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane departure warning with lane keep assist
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
These features help to enhance the Sequoia's safety and provide added peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
Overall, the Toyota Sequoia is a versatile and capable SUV that offers a compelling combination of power, space, and off-road performance. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly vehicle or a rugged adventure companion, the Sequoia is worth considering.
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.
What is the Toyota Sequoia known for?
The Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV manufactured by Toyota mainly for the North American market since 2000 for the 2001 model year, being derived from the Tundra pickup truck. It is the second largest SUV ever produced under the Toyota brand, after the Japan-exclusive, military-focused Mega Cruiser.
What are the pros and cons of a Toyota Sequoia?
The Toyota Sequoia's pros include a powerful standard hybrid engine, high towing capacity, and extensive standard tech and safety features. However, cons include poor third-row and cargo space due to the battery pack, a firm and noisy ride, and lower value compared to competitors.
You can watch this video for a detailed review of the 2025 Toyota Sequoia: 1mGold PonyYouTube · Sep 13, 2025
Pros
- Powerful and efficient hybrid engine: The standard V6 hybrid powertrain offers strong acceleration, high horsepower, and good fuel economy for a large SUV (approximately 191919 city / 222222 highway MPG).
- High towing capacity: The Sequoia has a high max towing capacity, making it a capable option for hauling.
- Standard tech and safety: It comes well-equipped with an impressive list of standard technology and driver-assist features.
- Durability and reliability: Toyota is known for its reliable vehicles, and the Sequoia is expected to have a long lifespan with proper maintenance.
Cons
- Limited interior space: The third row is cramped, and overall cargo space is mediocre due to the battery pack for the hybrid system being located under the rear floor. This also prevents the third-row seats from folding completely flat.
- Uncomfortable ride quality: The solid rear axle suspension, while good for towing, results in a bumpier ride around town. It also has more cabin noise than many rivals.
- Poor value: Some reviewers feel the Sequoia's quality and engineering don't always justify its high price tag compared to competitors.
- Awkward seating position: The rear seats can feel cramped with a high cushion that forces your knees up, making for a less-than-ideal seating position.
This video highlights the pros and cons of the Toyota Sequoia's interior and performance: 1mBen HardyYouTube · Aug 8, 2025
How fast does a Toyota Sequoia go?
The top speed of a Toyota Sequoia varies by model year, but newer models are electronically limited to around 107 mph. Older generations, like the first-gen, were limited to approximately 96–99 mph, though some drivers have reported reaching slightly higher speeds.
You can watch this video to see the 2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro accelerating to 60 mph: 1mACCELER8 ShortsYouTube · Feb 17, 2024
- Newer Models (e.g., 2024–2025): Electronically limited to approximately 107 mph.
- First Generation (e.g., 2003–2007): Electronically limited to around 96–99 mph, though some users have reported reaching 103-105 mph in real-world conditions.
- Other Older Models: Older models may have different limitations. One older review for a 2012 model cited a top speed of 125 mph, though this was not a recent test.
This video shows a test drive of the 2003 Toyota Sequoia SR5, including its acceleration to 60 mph: 1mDM Car ReviewsYouTube · Oct 16, 2023
