Used 2020 Toyota Sequoia

While it may not be the newest or most powerful full-size SUV one can buy, the 2020 Toyota Sequoia is still a very capable 8-passenger brute with a sterling reputation for reliability and strong resale. Toyota equips the Sequoia with a roster of standard safety features including the latest driver assists, and it offers a number of trims and features to fit every budget. Like the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Tahoe, the Sequoia is an old-fashioned body-on-frame SUV. It’s designed to handle the kind of heavy towing and big payloads that would be too much for car-based SUVs like the Toyota Highlander.

The Sequoia’s powerful V8 engine isn’t easy on fuel, however, and its mammoth body isn’t easy to maneuver in tight parking lots. The Sequoia also lags behind the competition in the areas of towing, horsepower and fuel economy, with the newer Ford Expedition taking top honors in all these areas.

Let’s face it, with a 205-inch-long body that weighs in at nearly three tons, the 2020 Toyota Sequoia isn’t going to ride or handle like a midsize-crossover SUV. It’s a big vehicle that can be a handful in tight confines, and while ultimately secure, at times it can also feel cumbersome. However, get the Sequoia on the wide-open road and its 381-horsepower V8 lets this big rig run free. There’s good power for passing and pulling, with a max tow rating of 7,400 pounds.

The downside of course is fuel economy, which is never going to be great on any full-size SUV, but is particularly poor in the Sequoia. With an EPA estimated 13-mpg city and 17-mpg highway, the Sequoia’s fuel economy is among the worst in this segment.

On the road, the 2020 Sequoia rides smoothly and its suspension is equally adept at soaking up potholes and road imperfections as it is with rutted dirt paths and washboard back roads. TRD models have a stiffer suspension that isn’t as compliant. The best-riding Sequoia is also the most expensive, that being the top-end Platinum model with an air suspension designed to adapt to various road conditions. We found the Sequoia’s steering setup offers good feedback and on-center feel, but can feel somewhat heavy at lower speeds. Standard rearview monitor, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are welcome assistants when attempting to maneuver the Sequoia’s massive proportions.

The Toyota Sequoia SUV is a true 8-seater, with a 3rd-row seat that will accommodate adults and is easily reached, thanks to big rear doors and sliding 2nd-row seats. The 3-passenger 2nd-row bench seat allows individual sections to slide fore-and-aft. and also fold flat. Alternatively, you can elect to have 2nd-row captain’s chairs, which reduce total seat count to seven but are a treat for those in the middle row.

Up front are two big and roomy seats for driver and passenger, separated by a big center console. The upright dash is truck-like and starting to show its age. Dials are massive, and above them is a center screen for infotainment, but the Sequoia lacks some of the latest tech that’s readily available in its Ford and GM rivals.

As the longest, widest and tallest full-size SUV Toyota builds, the 2020 Sequoia bests even the dimensions of the $85,000-plus Land Cruiser. That long wheelbase pays dividends by enhancing interior room, improving ride quality, contributing to directional stability and, with the resultant short overhangs, granting extra clearance when approaching steep angles. The Sequoia’s appearance is fairly innocuous and can’t be accused of standing out in a crowd, but with its massive grille and front bumper, it’s certainly not unattractive.

If you want to draw a bit more attention to yourself, look to the new TRD Pro trim with its bold color choices, black BBS wheels and additional protective skid-plating.

TRD PRO
While Toyota’s 2020 Sequoia isn’t intended for the most brutal off-road situations (the Land Cruiser covers that territory), the TRD Pro trim takes the Sequoia platform to it limits, with a more off-road-capable suspension, standard multi-mode 4-wheel drive (4WD), an upgraded wheel-and-tire package and some very cool exterior effects.

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE-P (TSS-P)
While some competitors are still offering these necessary safety features as options, the 2020 Toyota Sequoia makes them part of the standard TSS-P package. Onboard every Sequoia is collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

The Toyota Sequoia SUV comes in five trims: SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, TRD Pro and Platinum. In its least expensive SR5 form, the Sequoia includes 8-way driver’s and 4-way front-passenger’s seats, tri-zone climate control, bright LED headlights, moonroof, front and rear parking sensors, and 18-inch wheels. The infotainment system is a smallish 6.1-inch touch-screen unit with AM/FM/HD Radio/CD player with USB port and Bluetooth connectivity. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa compatibility are also standard.

Safety features on the Sequoia include blind-spot monitoring and the Toyota Safety Sense system that bundles forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

The TRD Sport model adds sport-tuned Bilstein shocks, 20-inch wheels, unique interior and exterior aesthetics, and the ability to configure the Sequoia for 7-passenger seating.

The TRD Pro takes it a step further with Fox-tuned shocks, skidplates and more exterior add-ons.

Stepping up to the Sequoia Limited brings more of the features you’ll want, such as a power tailgate, heated and leather-covered front seats, navigation system, 2nd- and 3rd-row sunshades, JBL premium audio system, and auto-dimming rearview mirror.

At the top, the Sequoia Platinum brings perforated leather interior, ventilated front seats, air suspension, 2nd-row heated seats and rear-seat entertainment system with Blu-ray player, 9-inch screen and wireless headphones.

All models can be equipped with 4-wheel drive (4WD) instead of the standard 2-(rear)-wheel drive (2WD). The 4WD system is robust, featuring a 2-speed transfer case and low-range gearing for tackling tough trails.

Toyota offers only one engine choice in the Sequoia, and it’s a good one: a Lexus-derived 5.7-liter V8. Although not the most powerful engine in this segment, the Sequoia’s 381-horsepower V8 is a proven entity with a good track record. Unfortunately, fuel economy is not this big V8’s best attribute, with a dismal EPA estimated 13-mpg city rating and not much better 17-mpg highway rating. Blame an antiquated 6-speed automatic for the poor mileage.

On the plus side, the engine can move the Sequoia along at a good clip and provides enough power to tow up to 7,400 pounds. While admirable, the Sequoia’s tow rating is nowhere near the Ford Expedition’s 9,300-pound figure. The TRD Pro comes standard with 4WD, while all other trims are powered by their rear wheels and offer the option of 4WD.

5.7-liter V8
381 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
401 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17 mpg