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When did Toyota stop putting V8 in Sequoia?

Toyota, the Japanese automaker known for its reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles, has made a significant change to its Sequoia full-size SUV by discontinuing the availability of a V8 engine. This shift in the Sequoia's powertrain options reflects the broader industry trend towards more efficient and environmentally-conscious engine choices.


The Sequoia's Powertrain Evolution


The Toyota Sequoia, first introduced in 2000, has long been offered with a powerful V8 engine option. However, in recent years, the automaker has been gradually phasing out V8 engines across its lineup in favor of more fuel-efficient turbocharged V6 and hybrid powertrains.


The decision to remove the V8 engine from the Sequoia is part of Toyota's broader strategy to improve the fuel economy and emissions of its vehicles, aligning with the industry's shift towards more sustainable transportation solutions.


Reasons Behind the Change


There are several key factors that have contributed to Toyota's decision to discontinue the V8 engine in the Sequoia:



  • Fuel Efficiency: Turbocharged V6 and hybrid engines offer significantly better fuel efficiency compared to traditional V8 engines, which is a crucial consideration for many consumers in today's market.

  • Emissions Regulations: Stricter emissions standards, both in the United States and globally, have put pressure on automakers to reduce the environmental impact of their vehicles. The move away from V8 engines is part of Toyota's efforts to meet these regulations.

  • Consumer Preferences: As consumer demand for more fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly vehicles continues to grow, automakers like Toyota are responding by adjusting their product offerings to better align with market trends.


By discontinuing the V8 engine in the Sequoia, Toyota is positioning the SUV to be more competitive in the current automotive landscape, where fuel efficiency and emissions are increasingly important factors for buyers.


The Future of the Sequoia


With the removal of the V8 engine, the 2023 Toyota Sequoia will be available with a turbocharged V6 engine or a hybrid powertrain, both of which are expected to offer improved fuel economy and reduced emissions compared to the previous V8 option.


While some loyal Sequoia customers may be disappointed by the loss of the V8 engine, the move towards more efficient and environmentally-friendly powertrains is a necessary step for Toyota and the broader automotive industry as they work to meet evolving consumer demands and regulatory requirements.

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.



When did Toyota stop making the V8 Sequoia?


It looks like the last V8 engines made by Toyota were used in the 2022 Toyota Sequoia - a large SUV - with the 5.7L, 381HP engine. The Sequoia is discontinued. In Japan, the 5.0L V8 used in the Lexus LS 600h soldiers on in the Toyota Century limousine, replacing the previous V12, but as a hybrid for more power.



What is the last year Toyota put a V8 in the Sequoia?


The Sequoia and its V8 engine stayed the same between 2008 and 2022 because Toyota didn't see a need to since the V8 engine worked so well. Eventually, in 2022, Toyota did end up moving on from the V8 Sequoia and came up with a whole new system for the 2023 Sequoia model.



When was the last year Toyota put a V8 in the tundra?


The last Toyota Tundra with a V8 engine was the 2021 model year. This was the final year for the 5.7-liter V8 before Toyota introduced a new generation for 2022 that uses a twin-turbo V6 engine. The 2021 Tundras are highly sought after by many buyers, particularly those who prefer V8 power.
 
You can watch this video to see a 2021 Toyota Tundra V8 with modifications: 1mTundraDude34YouTube · Jun 27, 2025

  • Final model year: 2021 was the last time a V8 engine was offered in the Tundra. 
  • Reason for discontinuation: The V8 was discontinued to make way for a new generation with a twin-turbo V6 engine, aligning with trends toward fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. 
  • Market value: The 2021 V8 models are considered very popular and often have high resale values due to their engine preference among buyers. 


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.