Used 2021 Toyota Sequoia

The 2021 Sequoia is Toyota’s big, brawny 3-row family SUV. Unlike the Highlander that uses a more comfortable and plusher-riding sedan-like chassis, the Sequoia has a rugged and truck-like body-on-frame design. This means it’s better suited to towing heavier loads and off-roading. The flip side is that the Sequoia has more cumbersome driving manners, and while its standard V8 engine has plenty of power, its fuel-economy ratings are low.

The Sequoia has a solid reputation for reliability and resale value, and it appeals to adventurous families with seating for up to eight and a good set of standard safety features. But there’s no denying the Sequoia is old. Its design and features are overdue for a revamp, and that is now even more apparent with the arrival of all-new versions of the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. Those better-selling competitors boast the latest technology, bold looks, better towing capacity, a choice of engines including a diesel, and also start around the Sequoia’s $50,000 base price.

Let’s face it, with a 205-inch-long body that weighs in at nearly three tons, the 2021 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, it can also feel cumbersome. It’s a far cry from a Toyota Highlander, and if you only need a 3-row SUV to haul the kids about, you’ll have a much more pleasant experience in the Highlander and save a lot of money, too. However, if you want something akin to a “Land Cruiser light” that can tow up to 7,400 pounds and venture off-road, the Sequoia and its 381-horsepower V8 are up to the task.

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 EPA figures of 13-mpg city and 17-mpg highway, the Sequoia has amongst the worst fuel economy in this segment.

On the road, the 2021 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. The setup is clearly showing its age with a touchscreen that is only 7 inches in size and other aesthetics that simply feel dated.

As the longest, widest, and tallest full-size SUV Toyota builds, the 2021 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.

The TRD Pro trim introduced last year emboldens the Sequoia with black BBS wheels, additional protective skidplating, and a black roof rack. The new Sequoia Nightshade that’s based on Limited trims has darkened chrome badges, body molds, and other aesthetics.

TRD PRO
While Toyota’s 2021 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 its limits. TRD Pro endows the Sequoia 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 2021 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 3-row 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 and 4-way front-passenger seats, tri-zone climate control, LED headlights, moonroof, front and rear parking sensors, and 18-inch wheels. The infotainment system is a smallish 7-inch touchscreen 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.

All new Sequoia models come with Toyota Care, which covers two years/25,000 miles of complimentary maintenance.

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, a navigation system, 2nd- and 3rd-row sunshades, JBL premium audio system, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

At the top, the Sequoia Platinum brings perforated leather interior, ventilated front seats, air suspension, 2nd-row heated seats, and a 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 rating of 13-mpg city and 17-mpg highway. The older 6-speed automatic transmission doesn’t help this Toyota’s cause (the new, more efficient Tahoe uses a 10-speed, for example).

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