2022 Toyota Sequoia

　　

2022 Toyota Sequoia Review

byDan FrioReviews Editor

　　Dan spent many years covering the go-fast, look-good, get-loud corners of the automotive universe. First, he served as editor of enthusiast magazines AutoSound and Honda Tuning, then as executive editor at SEMA News, the publishing arm of the trade group that produces the annual SEMA Show (yes, that show). As a contributor to zzdcar, he now likes to keep the volume low and the speed limit legal, providing expert car-shopping advice to drivers looking for the perfect match.

　　There's wisdom in adopting an "ain't broke, don't fix" philosophy. Ignoring the rule can inspire automakers to replace steering wheels with aircraft controls (true story), or develop other misfit engineering ideas cooked up in a mad, juice-box sugar rush. But Toyota takes the old maxim a bit far with the 2022 Toyota Sequoia, which hasn't had a substantial update in more than a decade. It still uses a thirsty V8 engine set atop a pickup truck frame shared with the Toyota Tundra. The hard plastic interior surfaces feel more suited to a commercial van than a $60,000 SUV. Even the 7-inch touchscreen shrinks when compared to the displays in its more recently updated rivals.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$258/mo  for Sequoia SR5

　　Sequoia SR5

　　SR5 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $50,500 MSRPSR5 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $53,725 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $53,215 MSRPTRD Sport 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $56,440 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $59,520 MSRPLimited 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $62,745 MSRPNightshade Special Edition 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $60,605 MSRPNightshade Special Edition 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $63,830 MSRPTRD PRO 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) (Most Popular) - $64,625 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $66,550 MSRPPlatinum 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) - $69,775 MSRP

　　vs

　　$229/mo

　　Avg. Large SUV

　　But for families seeking a big SUV infused with Toyota reliability, it's an easy choice. The cavernous three-row interior can accommodate up to eight passengers, and there's plenty of room for cargo behind the third row. Multiple power outlets accommodate gadget charging, and there are endless scattered cubbies to house those gadgets. The Sequoia's two off-road editions are highly capable on the trails, and the Sequoia can tow up to 7,400 pounds. While that's probably enough to satisfy most three-row SUV buyers, competitors such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Dodge Durango can pull more. The Sequoia may not be broke, but a little fixing wouldn't hurt. Read our Expert Rating below to see if Toyota's aging SUV is right for you.

　　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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below