Used Toyota Sequoia Quick Facts
- We say go for a 2018 or newer Sequoia, as it has better driver-assist systems, like adaptive cruise control.
- Just about any Toyota Sequoia is a sound investment and possesses excellent long-term resale value.
- The Sequoia can seat up to eight people; the latest comes standard with a turbocharged hybrid engine.
Big families with a significant need for space will like getting into a used Toyota Sequoia. Toyota’s full-size SUV has an excellent history of reliability and strong resale going back more than two decades. Seating up to eight passengers, the Sequoia is ideal for active families and their gear. The Sequoia’s body-on-frame design gives it the strength to confidently tackle off-road trails and tow heavy loads. The first two Sequoia generations derive power from a stout V8 engine, but in its current form, Toyota has moved to a hybrid setup featuring a twin-turbocharged V6. And, while Sequoia’s horsepower and towing figures lag behind those of rivals like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe for most of its existence, they’re still impressive enough to meet most needs.
Read on to learn about what years are best to buy used when considering a Toyota Sequoia.
- What Is the Best Model-Year Used Toyota Sequoia?
- The Toyota Sequoia by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
- Should You Buy a Used Toyota Sequoia?
- Is the Toyota Sequoia SUV Reliable?
- Used Toyota Sequoia Model Years to Avoid
- What Is the Maximum Number of People a Sequoia Can Hold?
- How Much Can a Toyota Sequoia Tow?
- What Kind of Gas Mileage Does the Sequoia Get?
What Is the Best Model-Year Used Toyota Sequoia?
Except for a few years bridging the first and second generations, just about any Toyota Sequoia is a sound investment. Which year and model you choose boils down to two simple questions: what features are you looking for, and how much are you willing to spend? The third-generation Sequoia wins high praise for its advanced electronics and hybrid engine, which produces more horsepower than the old V8 and allows a tow rating of 9,520 pounds versus the previous generation’s 7,400 pounds. On the flip side, the newest Sequoia isn’t as roomy inside, posting smaller measurements for cargo space, rear seat legroom, and shoulder room. Those looking for V8 power and a more reasonable price should go with the second-generation Sequoia. While we like most years for this generation (it spans 14 years), we say go for a 2018 or newer Sequoia as it has better driver-assist systems, such as forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control.
Although the third-generation Sequoia uses the same engine as the Toyota Tundra, it isn’t involved in the recall for possible defects. This makes it a great choice as a used SUV, although its relative newness means pricing will likely be high.
One area of concern involves the 2004-2010 Sequoia SUVs, which are prone to rust issues affecting the vehicle’s frame and suspension parts. If you’re looking at a model covering these years, have the underside thoroughly inspected by a qualified mechanic. If the frame looks good, you may want to take preventative measures and have it undercoated every few years, particularly if you live in an area that uses road salt in the winter. Other issues to watch include leaking seals around the cam tower on the 5.7-liter V8, excessive oil consumption, and poor fuel economy.
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The Toyota Sequoia by Generation: Which Should You Buy?
Third Generation: 2023-Current
The third-generation Toyota Sequoia varies greatly from the second. It offers less interior space, cargo room, and ground clearance but rides on a more modern platform. Replacing the previous generation’s V8 is a hybrid powertrain with a turbocharged V6 engine and electric motor. This setup generates 437 horsepower and allows for a 9,520-pound tow rating. The cabin has a more modern feel, with clever features like a third-row seat that can slide fore and aft. Some high-tech upgrades new to the Sequoia include a digital rearview mirror, a multi-camera surround-view monitor, a digital instrument cluster, a panoramic moonroof, and ventilated front seats.
The third-generation Sequoia also has more driver-assist systems, such as lane-tracing assist, Crawl Control, and a blind-spot monitor that can cover a trailer while towing. Missing from the favorite features list is the old model’s retractable rear window, which has been replaced with a flip-up glass panel.
The third-generation Sequoia comes in five trims: the basic SR5, the luxury-oriented Limited, Platinum, Capstone, and the off-road-ready TRD Pro.
Model-Year Changes:
2025: New to the Sequoia lineup is the 1794 Edition. Also, massaging front seats are newly available.
2024: The Platinum trim gains a new TRD Off-Road Package, while the Limited offers a Nightshade Package.
See 2023-to-current Toyota Sequoia SUVs for sale near you.
Second Generation: 2008-2022
The second-generation Sequoia has a longer wheelbase and more interior room than the first-generation Sequoia. It also has an independent rear suspension. The Sequoia derives power from a 4.7-liter V8, which switched to a 4.6-liter V8 in 2010. A 5.7-liter V8 good for 381 hp is optional in the early years and becomes standard after 2013. Max towing for this generation tops out at 7,400 pounds.
The second-generation Sequoia is known for its durability and reliability. It’s also known for holding onto its value. Over its 14-year run, the Sequoia has undergone numerous changes, adding more luxury features and, after 2018, advanced driver-assist systems. Some of the Sequoia’s more unique items include sliding second-row seats, a power-retractable rear window, and an available air-spring rear suspension. Other goodies include a JBL audio system, onboard navigation, heated seats, power-folding third-row seats, and several upgrade packages.
Model-Year Changes:
2022: All trims are eligible for premium paint.
2021: The Nightshade Edition joins the lineup.
2020: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now standard, while a new TRD Pro trim is added.
2019: No significant changes.
2018: Standard Toyota Safety Sense-P adds automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and auto high beams. It also includes a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert. A new TRD Sport trim is added.
2017: No significant changes.
2016: A blind-spot monitor and 2-position driver’s seat memory join the Limited trim’s optional equipment list.
2015: No significant changes.
2014: Toyota’s Entune audio system comes aboard, allowing smartphone integration via the head unit.
2013: The 5.7-liter V8 becomes the standard engine.
2012: Trailer Sway Control becomes standard.
2011: No significant changes.
2010: The SR5 gets a new 310-horsepower 4.6-liter V8. Other changes include revised styling and standard front knee airbags.
2009: No significant changes
See 2008-2022 Toyota Sequoia SUVs for sale near you.
First Generation: 2001-2007
The Sequoia’s reputation for reliability and durability starts here. However, some first-generation Sequoia models do suffer from frame rust issues. Given the first-gen’s age at this time, you’ll likely find additional issues related to normal wear and tear. Even a well-maintained Sequoia this old may have problems with ball joints, cracked exhaust manifolds, and the rear hatch locking mechanism.
Although smaller than the second and third generations, the first-gen Sequoia can still seat up to eight people. The standard engine is a 240-hp 4.7-liter V8, which gains a substantial bump in horsepower in 2005, making later models the ones to want. A first-gen Sequoia can tow up to 6,500 pounds. Although it has no advanced driver assist features, the Sequoia does include vehicle stability control and optional side curtain airbag coverage.
Model-Year Changes:
2007: New standard features include front passenger side airbags and 2-row side curtain airbags.
2006: No significant changes.
2005: The Sequoia gets a slight refresh and an improved 4.7-liter V8, pumping out 282 hp.
2004: The Sequoia gains more features, like a rear AC unit.
2003: The Sequoia offers a rear-seat DVD player and load-leveling rear air suspension.
2002: No significant changes.
See 2001-2007 Toyota Sequoia SUVs for sale near you.
Should You Buy a Used Toyota Sequoia?
If you’re shopping for a used full-size SUV, the Sequoia is hard to fault. The second generation offers the most variation, not to mention the sheer number produced should make it easy to find one that fits your budget.
Is the Toyota Sequoia SUV Reliable?
The Sequoia is a very reliable SUV, but it does have a few known issues, which we’ve mentioned above. A well-maintained Toyota Sequoia should be a safe bet, with many owners reporting theirs getting well over 200,000 or even 300,000 miles before requiring engine or transmission work.
Used Toyota Sequoia Model Years to Avoid
The first-generation Sequoia is probably the riskiest due to its age and rust issues. The same might be said for the early second-gen Toyota Sequoia, too. Keep in mind that although the Sequoia is known to be a high-mileage champ, components like the water pump, radiator, brakes, air conditioning, center differential, and suspension bits will likely need replacement at some point, which can result in thousands of dollars in repair bills.
What Is the Maximum Number of People a Sequoia Can Hold?
The Sequoia can seat up to eight people, although some higher-end trims with their second-row captain’s chair seating can only fit seven.
How Much Can a Toyota Sequoia Tow?
When properly equipped, the third-generation Sequoia can tow up to 9,520 pounds, the second-generation version up to 7,400 pounds, and the first-generation a mere 6,400 pounds.
What Kind of Gas Mileage Does the Sequoia Get?
The third-generation Sequoia is the most fuel-efficient, earning a 22 mpg combined fuel economy rating when equipped with rear-wheel drive (RWD). The 4-wheel drive (4WD) models get a slightly lower 20 mpg. The second-gen is the most fuel-thirsty, with a 15-mpg combined rating (14 mpg with 4-wheel drive). Early versions with the smaller V8 only get one mpg better fuel economy. The first-gen Sequoia is in the same ballpark, earning between 14 and 15 mpg combined, depending on the model year.
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