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 Toyota Tundra pickup truck. It is the second largest SUV ever produced under the Toyota brand, after the Japan-exclusive, military-focused Mega Cruiser.
Previously manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana in Princeton, Indiana between 2000 and 2021, and then in Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas in San Antonio since 2022, the Sequoia is the first vehicle from a Japanese marque in the popular mainstream full-sized SUV class in North America, and initial planning done by first-generation Sequoia chief engineer Kaoru Hosokawa
Up until the 2021 model year, the Sequoia was slotted between the mid-size 4Runner and the premium Land Cruiser in the North American Toyota SUV lineup. With the discontinuation of North American sales of the Land Cruiser from the 2022 model year onward, the Sequoia became the flagship SUV in Toyota's North America lineup.
, the Sequoia is sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. It is offered in left-hand drive only.
The Sequoia is named after the Giant Sequoia, a species of tall redwood trees native to California.
First generation (XK30/XK40; 2000)
Development of a full-size SUV alongside a T100 replacement began in the mid-1990s, with a design freeze in 1997 (styled by Toshihiko Shirasawa) and design patent filing of the production design on April 4, 1998, at the Japan Patent Office (JPO) under #1054583. After the introduction of the
Toyota Tundra in 1999, speculation started that Toyota intended to compete in the full-size SUV market with a Tundra-based SUV called the Highlander. However, the Highlander name was used on a mid-size Camry-based crossover and the Tundra-based SUV was introduced on January 11, 2000, at the North American International Auto Show as the
Toyota Sequoia, with full production starting in September 2000 for the 2001 model year.
The engine, dashboard, sheetmetal, and chassis are shared with the Tundra, with the exception of rear and a more sophisticated multi-link live axle rear suspension. A notable feature is the power rear window, which is also featured on the Toyota 4Runner and Double Cab version of the Toyota Tundra since its introduction in 2003 for the 2004 model year.
The Sequoia came in two trim levels: SR5 and Limited. It was sold in both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions. From 2001 to 2004, four-wheel-drive was activated by a button on the dashboard and then operated by a separate shifter in the center console, with the center differential automatically locking when low range is engaged.
Certain years of the first generation Sequoia were subject to a large warranty replacement campaign that addressed premature frame corrosion, caused by a combination of factors including poor manufacturing methods, inadequate anti-rust coatings, and the frame's fully boxed design.
File:2002 Toyota Sequoia Limited, rear 2.7.23.jpg|Sequoia Limited, rear, pre-facelift
Facelift
For the 2005 model year, the Sequoia received a minor facelift. Additionally, its 2UZ-FE engine was modified to be equipped with
VVT-i. The Sequoia also received a new 5-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 4-speed. Four wheel drive models got a Torsen center differential, replacing its previously open differential, that splits power in full-time mode 40% front and 60% rear under normal driving, and can send up to 53% to the front and 71% to the rear during slip. The grille and headlights were redesigned and the amber lamps were removed from the taillights.Interior updates included a redesigned gauge cluster featuring LED backlighting, standard equiment steering wheel controls, optional touch screen-operated stereo and navigation system, and optional rear air suspension with raising and lowering adjustment. Additionally, second row captain's chairs with a removable center console and a rear DVD entertainment system were offered for the 2005 model year.
In 2005, the SR5 trim ditched the 3-spoke wheel design for a more traditional 5-spoke wheel design, while the Limited trim carried over the split 5-spoke wheel design from pre-facelift models. Additionally, the option for 24K gold-plated badges was no longer offered.
Towing capacity for the 2005 model year:
File:Toyota Sequoia V8 Limited 2007.jpg|2005β2007 Sequoia Limited, facelift
File:2006 Toyota Sequoia Limited (facelift), rear 3.11.23.jpg|Sequoia Limited, rear, facelift
Second generation (XK60; 2007)
Toyota unveiled the 2008 Sequoia at the November 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show, with sales beginning that following December. Like the original Sequoia, the new model is based on the new
Toyota Tundra. However major differences with the Tundra include a fully boxed frame, a rear independent suspension featuring
with coil springs for improved ride comfort and room, and a locking center differential on 4-wheel drive models. The new suspension helps give the Sequoia a tighter turning radius of and allows for a fold-flat rear seat.
Toyota stated the new frame is 70 percent more resistant to bending flex with torsional rigidity up 30 percent.
However, the new model weighs more than the previous Sequoia. The
drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.35.
Improvements include an optional ULEV-II compliant 381 horsepower 5.7 L 3UR-FE V8, mated to a 6-speed automatic.
The 2008 Sequoia came in three trim lines: the SR5 and Limited, and new Platinum. The base engine is the previous ULEV compliant 4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8 featured from the previous generation. The 4.7 L is standard on the SR5. Some of the earlier 2008 and 2009 SR5 models do come with the 5.7 L as an option when purchasing, while the Limited and Platinum models come standard with a 5.7 L V8 engine. Four-wheel drive is available on all models.
The interior of the 2008 Sequoia features the same dash as the new Tundra. Standard features include a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power windows and doors, dual sun visors, and a keyless entry. Options include DVD based navigation with backup camera and 7" screen, a rear DVD entertainment system, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, and heated seats with ventilated coolers in the front row and warmers in the second row, available in Platinum trim. The Limited trim includes audio, climate, and hands-free Bluetooth mobile phone system controls, an improved JBL audio system, electroluminescent Optitron gauges, and an electrochromic auto-dimming rear-view mirror and side view mirrors with a HomeLink transceiver. The Platinum model includes a standard DVD navigation with a backup camera, a rear air suspension which can lower for easy loading, and Dynamic Laser Cruise Control.
Seating arrangements are for seven or eight passengers, eight for SR5 and Limited models and seven for Platinum models. Power folding 60/40 split third row seats are available on the Platinum. The Sequoia has a maximum towing capacity of with the 5.7 L V8 in 2WD SR5 form or in the 4WD SR5 trim. For complete trailer & weight capacities, see Toyota's website.
Exterior differences include door handle colors (color-keyed for the SR5; chrome for the Limited and Platinum), diamond-cut aluminum alloy wheels for the Platinum trim, and varying power-heated remote-controlled side mirrors.
Engines
|
| @ 3400 rpm |
| @ 3400 rpm |
| @ 3600 rpm |
Safety
Standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Control,
traction control,
anti-lock brakes brake assist, electronic brakeforce distribution, front side torso airbags and roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows. For the 2010 model,
were added as standard feature for front driver and passenger safety.
+ NHTSA crash test ratings (2008): |
| Frontal Driver: | |
| Frontal Passenger: | |
| Side Driver: | not tested |
| Side Rear Passenger: | not tested |
| Vehicle rollover: | 18.5% |
Note: The Sequoia has not been retested for 2010β2016.
In 2015, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found the Sequoia 4WD to have the lowest overall driver death rate in its class with 0 deaths per million registered vehicle years.
Model year changes
-
The 2009 model year adds E85 flex fuel capability for the 5.7 L V8 sold in certain states.
-
For the 2010 model year the 4.7 L V8 is replaced by an all-new 4.6 L 1UR-FE engine paired to a six-speed automatic transmission. The SR5 and Platinum trims become mono-spec and the Limited grade offers three stand alone options (navigation system, rear-seat entertainment and seven-passenger seating). Front driver and passenger knee airbags were added as a standard feature. Platinum models get wood trim on the steering wheel and shift gear, and Bluetooth and audio controls are standard on the SR5 trim. The Timberland Mica exterior color gets replaced with the new Camry's Spruce Mica. All audio systems have USB connectivity with iPod integration, and the rear-view mirror on the Limited trim has a built-in rear-view camera.
-
For the 2012 model year, Toyota's Entune System was added as a standard on SR5, while an upgraded version featuring navigation became an optional feature on Limited and standard on the Platinum trim. Blind Spot Monitoring was optional on the 2012 Platinum model.
-
For the 2014 model year, a Blu-ray DVD player became an optional feature on Limited and standard in Platinum.
-
No major changes were made for the 2015, 2016 and 2017 model years.
-
On February 9, 2017, Toyota unveiled a refreshed Sequoia for the 2018 model year, featuring new standard LED headlights, daytime running lights and foglights, and three new exterior colors: Midnight Black Metallic, Shoreline Blue Pearl and Toasted Walnut Pearl. Each trim level also gets its own specific grille design. It also added a TRD level trim to its returning SR5, Limited, and Platinum trims, an upgraded instrumentation panel, automatic emergency braking and the Toyota Safety Sense feature.
-
The 2020 model year Sequoia was updated with a new TRD Pro package designed for off-road capabilities, featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Toyota Safety Sense-P, aluminum-bodied internal bypass Fox shock absorbers, and a more enhanced grille in line with the TRD Pro branding.
-
The 2021 Sequoia received a Nightshade Edition, putting it in line with the entire Toyota lineup in North America. This feature, which was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show on February 6, 2020, went on sale in the third quarter of 2020, but was limited to at 2,500 units.
Accolades
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In a 2008 Motor Trend comparison between several full-size SUVs, the Sequoia took first place.
-
The Sequoia is the top vehicle in the US that is most likely to last 200,000 miles according to a 2019 study from iSeeCars.
File:Toyota Sequoia SR5 rear.jpg|Sequoia SR5, rear, pre-facelift
File:Toyota Sequoia in the Philippines (cropped).jpg|Sequoia, facelift
File:2020 Toyota Sequoia au SIAM 2020.jpg|Sequoia TRD Pro
Third generation (XK80; 2022)
The third-generation Sequoia was unveiled on January 25, 2022, for the 2023 model year.
Production began on September 21, 2022,
and sales began in October 2022. The production was moved to the San Antonio plant, built alongside the XK70 series Tundra due to the Indiana facility preparing to build two upcoming 8-seat passenger SUVs, the Toyota Grand Highlander and
Lexus TX.
It is built on the body-on-frame GA-F platform.
The third-generation Sequoia is available in five trim levels, four of which are carried over from the previous generation: SR5, Limited, Platinum, and TRD Pro, as well as the flagship Capstone luxury-oriented trim. Towing capacity is rated at , depending on the trim level. Depending on trims, the Sequoia is available with either a seven or eight passenger seating, with either a split bench or dual captain's chairs in the second row.
File:2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone, front NYIAS 2022.jpg|Sequoia Capstone front view
File:2023 Toyota Sequoia Capstone, rear NYIAS 2022.jpg|Sequoia Capstone rear view
File:TOYOTA SEQUOIA (XK80) China (3).jpg|Sequoia TRD Pro
File:2024 Toyota Sequoia interior.jpg|Interior
Model year changes
2024
Source:
-
A new "Terra" color became available only for the TRD Pro trim.
-
The Limited trim became available with the Nightshade package.
-
The Platinum trim became available with the TRD Off-Road package.
2025
Source:
-
A new "Mudbath" color was available only for the TRD Pro trim.
-
A towing technology package was introduced as a standard feature on Platinum, 1794 Edition, TRD Pro, and Capstone and as an option on SR5 and Limited. This package includes a Trailer Backup Guide to assist in backing up with a trailer attached and Straight Path Assist to avoid the trailer from veering off direction while backing up. Also available is a wireless trailer camera system that can be attached to the back of a trailer and stream live footage to the digital rear view mirror.
-
Massaging seats were added as a standard feature on the Platinum, 1794 Edition, and Capstone trims. The massagers can be controlled via the center touchscreen.
-
The Western-oriented "1794 Edition" trim was added to the Sequoia lineup between the Platinum and Capstone trims. It is a tribute to the land the factory was built on, which was originally home to a ranch established in the year 1794. Standard features include American walnut interior trim with an open-pore finish, Saddle Tan leather seat trim, heated and ventilated front seats and second-row captain chairs, a panoramic sunroof, a towing technology package, and 20-inch alloy wheels.
Sales
|
|
| 2000 | 9,925 | n/a |
| 2001 | 68,574 | n/a |
| 2002 | 70,187 | n/a |
| 2003 | 67,067 | n/a |
| 2004 | 58,114 | 562 |
| 2005 | 45,904 | 477 |
| 2006 | 34,315 | 377 |
| 2007 | 23,273 | 195 |
| 2008 | 30,693 | 842 |
| 2009 | 16,387 | 800 |
| 2010 | 13,848 | 912 |
| 2011 | 13,022 | 733 |
| 2012 | 13,151 | 744 |
| 2013 | 13,811 | 744 |
| 2014 | 11,806 | 713 |
| 2015 | 12,583 | 633 |
| 2016 | 12,771 | 697 |
| 2017 | 12,156 | 755 |
| 2018 | 11,121 | 684 |
| 2019 | 10,289 | 543 |
| 2020 | 7,364 | 384 |
| 2021 | 8,070 | 418 |
| 2022 | 5,314 | |
| 2023 | 22,182 | |
| 2024 | 26,097 | |
| 2025 | 26,186 | |
Recall history
First generation (2001β2007)
Early 2003 Sequoias were recalled to reprogram the Vehicle Stability Control system due to the possibility of poor acceleration at certain low speeds.
The 2002β2007 Sequoia model years had a defect in the front suspension lower Ball joint. The lower ball joints may experience excessive wear due to inadequate hardness of the ball joint housing, which may result in catastrophic separation of the lower ball joint.
Recently, the Sequoia, along with the Tacoma and Tundra, have another recall due to the frame prematurely rusting. If there is a 10 mm perforation found on the frame, the vehicle frame will be replaced, if the service is done within 12 years of vehicle purchase or 1 year after recall became official. For those vehicles without 10 mm perforation and located in a cold weather state, Toyota will perform an undercoating service to prevent future rust from forming.
2002β2007 Sequoias were subject to the Takata Airbag recall. Affected owners can have their vehicle's airbags replaced for free by a Toyota dealership.
Second generation (2008β2022)
The 2008β2010 Sequoias were part of one of the 2009-2010 Toyota recalls that required the installation of a small shim to relieve unwanted friction and restore fluidity to the accelerator pedal.
Third generation (2023βpresent)
On October 1, 2025, Toyota issued a recall for certain 2023β2025 Sequoia models with faulty
Backup camera. A software error may cause the center multimedia display to show a half-green, full-green, or full-black image (instead of the rearview camera feed) when the vehicle is placed in reverse. To correct the error, Toyota dealers will update the multimedia display software at no cost to the owner.
External links
