2021 Toyota Sequoia Review

　　

2021 Toyota Sequoia Review

byReese CountsVehicle Test Editor

　　Reese Counts has worked in the automotive industry since he started as an intern at zzdcar in 2015. He has written or edited thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Reese is a vehicle test editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to Autoblog. Reese has also been featured on Yahoo! Finance, Engadget and AOL reviewing cars and covering automotive technology, auto shows and more. Reese learned to drive in his father's C4 Chevrolet Corvette and now owns his grandfather's 1999 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG. A love for cars runs deep in his family.

　　The 2021 Toyota Sequoia is largely unchanged from the vehicle that debuted way back in 2008. It's a truck-based full-size SUV, an increasing rarity as automakers have rolled out smaller, more efficient car-based crossover SUVs. As such, the Sequoia shares more than a little with the Toyota Tundra pickup, including a powerful 5.7-liter V8. The stout frame and potent V8 give the Sequoia stronger tow ratings than any crossover, and the large footprint means there's decent passenger space. Toyota has released a steady stream of updates over the years, adding revamped tech, a suite of driver aids and several packages that make the Sequoia reasonably capable off-road.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$257/mo  for Sequoia SR5

　　Sequoia SR5

　　SR5 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $50,400 MSRPSR5 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $53,625 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $53,115 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $56,340 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $59,420 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $62,645 MSRPNightshade Special Edition 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $60,420 MSRPNightshade Special Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $63,645 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $64,525 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $66,450 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $69,675 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　Those updates have helped keep the Sequoia from feeling too stale. Still, it's hard to make a compelling case for it when you compare it to newer, much more modern rivals such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada. All of those ride on newer platforms, use more powerful and more fuel-efficient engines, and feature tech that didn't feel behind the pack the second it was introduced. While we like the Sequoia's generous cargo space and genuine off-road credentials, we highly recommend giving the competition a thorough look. It's more expensive, but the Toyota Land Cruiser is worth checking out too.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Below Average

　　6.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Sequoia drive? Think of the Sequoia as a Tundra pickup with three rows and an SUV roof. It's got the same kind of effortless power from its big V8 engine, and that makes it well suited to towing trailers, boats and other toys. It also makes for easy highway passing when it's not pulling a load. That's backed up by our track-measured 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds, which is only a few tenths behind the class leader. 

　　At about 6,000 pounds, and with light steering that doesn't have much road feel, the Sequoia isn't our first pick for winding roads. But it's surprisingly agile for its size, and the upgraded TRD Pro suspension should make hill climbs and descents a little more stable and add some confidence to braking maneuvers.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Sequoia? All-around comfort and surprising serenity are the Sequoia's main strengths. The seats don't offer much side-to-side support. They're basically just big chairs that provide solid long-haul support. The front seats, however, are limited in adjustments. We do like the Sequoia's plush ride quality. It absorbs impacts and shrugs off smaller bumps not unlike a luxury SUV.

　　Tire and wind noise is well suppressed, but you'll hear the engine straining when it's working hard. The height-adjustable suspension helps maintain comfort when you're hauling heavy loads. The air conditioning blows strong and cold in the back row, but it's oddly weak up front when all three zones are pumping.

　　

Interior

7.0/10

　　How’s the interior? The Sequoia feels spacious, but you expect that given its size. Getting into the Sequoia's first two rows requires a step up, but the running boards and grab handles help. The second-row seats tilt and slide, making for easy third-row entry, but getting out requires a limber, deliberate effort, especially for tall adults.

　　There is plenty of room for heads, arms, elbows and shoulders all around. The downside is that the driver and front passenger will need to stretch to reach the touchscreen and stereo controls. The third row is narrow but offers good adult legroom. It's fine for short trips, but you don't really want more than six adults in this SUV.

　　

Technology

6.5/10

　　How’s the tech? Next to rival systems, the Sequoia's infotainment is sadly outclassed. The updated 7-inch touchscreen media interface already looks dated, but at least the resolution and response are decent. Device connectivity has been improved by upping the USB port count to three, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available. But functionality was iffy, often freezing or disconnecting during our two weeks with it. Additionally there are four 12-volt ports situated about the cabin for charging devices.

　　Active safety tech, on the other hand, is fairly comprehensive and it's all standard from the base model on up. Every Sequoia has automatic emergency braking, blind-spot and cross-traffic monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. However, competitors do have things such as lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise that works down to a stop.

　　

Storage

8.0/10

　　How’s the storage? Utility is the Sequoia's game. Its cargo space, which is helped by two rows of fold-flat seats, is among the largest in the class and is arguably the key reason you buy a Sequoia. With 120.1 cubic feet of maximum space, it's only beat by the Chevrolet Suburban and the Ford Expedition Max.

　　With seats up, it's still impressive: 67 cubic feet with just the third row folded and 19 cubes of room for groceries with the third row up. A power liftgate enhances the ability to stuff the Sequoia full of gear. Slimmer plastic panels would increase capacity, but it's impressive as it is. The Sequoia offers so many nooks and cubbies that some personal items will disappear forever.

　　

Fuel Economy

5.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? Our 4WD Sequoia TRD Pro gets an EPA-estimated 14 mpg combined (13 city/17 highway). The best tank we saw was 17.9 mpg during a long road trip, averaging about 17.5 mpg of mainly highway miles. Our previously tested TRD Sport, which has the same engine, returned 14.4 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation loop and averaged 13.6 mpg over all of the miles we drove it. That's not particularly impressive, but it is worth noting that we more or less matched its EPA figure, which suggests that the estimate is not overstated. Still, its 4x4 rivals are rated higher. The combined rating of the Ford Expedition 4x4 is 19 mpg, the Chevrolet Tahoe's is 18 mpg and the Dodge Durango's is 17 mpg. Even the chunky Nissan Armada bests the Sequoia with a rating of 15 mpg combined.

　　

Value

6.5/10

　　Is the Sequoia a good value? While stout and capable, the Sequoia doesn't quite feel modern enough at this price. The interior feels dated, the updated tech is still below par, and its fuel economy ranks lowest in its class. The Sequoia's cabin materials are outclassed by its rivals too, and hard-touch plastic makes it feel more like a Tundra pickup and less like a more affordable Lexus.

　　Toyota's record for reliability and high resale value is definitely worth something, and the ownership perks such as free early maintenance are nice to have. If the Sequoia's aging interior design and its excessive thirst for gasoline don't turn you away, then the underlying value proposition gets a bit stronger.

　　

Wildcard

6.0/10

　　We can't recommend the Sequoia as a first choice; competitors are simply that much newer, nicer and better. But the Sequoia has a few things going for it: primarily massive interior room, a powerful and reliable engine-and-transmission package, oddly satisfying handling, and bulletproof Toyota construction. But compared to the more elegant Expedition, the stately Tahoe or rambunctious Durango, the Sequoia comes off a little boring and bland.

　　And while there's a bizarre, sadistic pleasure in trying to hustle the Sequoia through curves (excessive body roll means you'll reach its limits soon enough), it's more fun to simply point the Sequoia in a straight line and punch the pedal. It's also a great road-tripper.

　　

Which Sequoia does zzdcar recommend?

The TRD Sport and TRD Pro trims are capable machines if you plan to do any off-roading. But for most people, we suggest going with the base SR5 trim with the available Premium package, which adds features including heated front seats and navigation.

　　

2021 Toyota Sequoia models

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia is available in six trim levels: SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Nightshade Special Edition, TRD Pro and Platinum. Each is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 (381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the SR5, TRD Sport, Limited and Nightshade models. Four-wheel drive is available on those trims and standard on the Sequoia TRD Pro and Platinum. All Sequoias come with three rows of seating.

　　SR5

　　The base SR5 comes fairly well equipped. Standard features include:

　　18-inch wheels LED headlights and foglights Sunroof Three-zone automatic climate control Power-adjustable driver's seat Keyless entry with push-button start 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system Apple CarPlay and Android AutoThe Sequoia also includes several standard safety features and driver aids.

　　Toyota Safety Sense P Pre-collision system (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Dynamic radar cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Toyota and the car in front) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane) Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing) Front and rear parking sensorsIf you're looking at a Sequoia SR5, we suggest opting for the Premium package. It adds:

　　Leather upholstery Heated front seats Power-folding third row Upgraded audio system with navigationTRD Sport

　　The Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport doesn't add any features. Instead it focuses on appearance and improved performance with:

　　20-inch TRD Sport wheels Black exterior trim, roof rack and badges Sport-tuned Bilstein dampers Stiffer anti-roll bars Second-row captain's chairs Optional Premium packageTRD Pro

　　The TRD Pro builds off the TRD Sport with even more off-road goodies and features. Those include:

　　Rigid Industries LED foglights Skid plates Fox shocks 18-inch BBS wheels Toyota logo grille Black aluminum running boards Power liftgate JBL audio systemLimited

　　The midgrade Limited model ditches the off-road parts found on the TRD twins in favor of more creature comforts including:

　　20-inch wheels Chrome exterior trim Second-row bench seat (captain's chairs are available) Heated front seats NavigationNightshade Special Edition

　　The new Nightshade Edition mostly focuses on the Sequoia's looks. Consider it a sort of factory blackout package. Changes include:

　　Black 20-inch wheels Dark chrome and black exterior trim Second-row captain's chairsPlatinum

　　The top-of-the-line Platinum trim includes everything that's available on the SR5 and Limited models plus:

　　Adaptive suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers Heated and ventilated front seats Automatic high beams Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors Rear-seat entertainment system with a Blu-ray player JBL audio system

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2021 Sequoia Highlights

Trim: SR5TRD SportLimitedNightshade Special EditionTRD PROPlatinumSR5

　　

Base MSRP	$50,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	15 MPG
Cost to Drive	$257/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles