When it comes to combining rugged capability with a fuel-saving powertrain, the Toyota Sequoia is hard to beat. Let's see why today's Sequoia, which happens to be the largest SUV in the Toyota lineup, is a great alternative to the Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition and Jeep Wagoneer.
As it has been since day-one, today's third-generation Sequoia is a full-size, three-row SUV that uses the same body-on-frame architecture and platform as the Tundra pickup. And like the Tundra, the Sequoia looks tough. Named after some of the tallest trees in the world, the Sequoia is built in San Antonio, Texas.
On the outside, the Sequoia features a huge front grille that paves the way to a bulky, but sculptured body. There are lots of interesting angles and curves, and my favorite are the strong creases on the fenders. The Sequoia is attractive and has a bold presence. When it comes to size, the Sequoia rides on a 122.0-inch wheelbase, which happens to be the same as the previous Sequoia, but today's version is three inches longer overall.
Inside, the Sequoia's interior features three rows of seats as standard equipment. A second-row bench setup with eight-passenger capacity is standard, with optional second-row captain's chairs reducing the number of seats to seven. With a wide range of trim levels available, the interior trimmings range from cloth to leather upholstery and varying levels of wood and chrome trim as you move up the price ladder.
The cabin looks durable and rugged with rock-hard plastics used quite a bit. While it doesn't have an expensive or luxurious look to it, the inside of the Sequoia is very functional and purposeful. The base model (SR5) uses a standard 8-inch touchscreen while all other trim levels get a 14-inch horizontal touchscreen.
There is only one engine available in the Sequoia, but it's a stout one - the iForce MAX Hybrid is a turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 hybrid that makes 437 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque and comes backed by a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on all trims except the TRD Pro, which is four-wheel drive only. All others offer four-wheel-drive as an option. The Sequoia with four-wheel drive is rated at 19 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
Out since 2023 as a 2024 model, this is the second year for the current generation Sequoia. For 2025, the Sequioa is offered in a 1794 trim level. Named after the establishment year of the Texas ranch where the Sequoia (and the Tundra) are built, the 1794 trim package includes unique 20-inch wheels, distinctive wood trim, special leather interior and 1794 badging inside and out.
There are five other trim levels available for the Sequoia. The base SR5 is nicely done with 18-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, three-zone climate control, moonroof and digital instrumentation. Step up to the Limited and wheels become 20-inchers, interior goes from cloth to leather-like, and there is a heated steering wheel. The Platinum gets real leather, power adjustable steering wheel, heated and cooled second row seats, a panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting. For the serious off-roader, the TRD Pro fits the Sequoia with special 18-inch off-road wheels, and a ton of off-road goodies like electronic locking rear differential, Fox front coilovers, front skid plate and a front stabilizer bar. For the luxury minded, there is the top-of-the-line Capstone model. It gets 22-inch wheels, premium leather upholstery with wood trim, a heads-up display and better sound insulation. The new 1794 trim fits in between the TRD Pro and Capstone.
The tester arrived as a 1794 four-wheel-drive with a Wind Chill Pearl (white) exterior and brown interior. It has an MSRP of $86,055.
Sequoia occupants are treated to a very comfortable cabin. The front seats are wide and with many power adjustments including lumbar support and heated and cooled features. For those in the second row, the chairs are as comfortable as the front ones, offering the ability to recline and are also heated and cooled. The 2nd row seats flip for easy access to the 3rd row, which has a power recline feature. The 3rd row is best left for small adults or children.
The iForce MAX Hybrid powertrain, which is optional on the Tundra has plenty of power, thanks to the hybrid electric thrust. Plant your foot at any speed, and the transmission wastes no time kicking down a gear or two and propelling the Sequoia forward. And those that like the rumble of a V8 will be pleasantly surprised that the sounds emitted by the exhaust is so throaty you'd be hard-pressed to identify it as anything but a V8. Tests show that the Sequoia can hit 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, making it one of the quickest and most responsive large SUVs on the market.
On the road, the Sequoia drives and rides just like it looks. It's a big tough SUV and it rides like one - meaning you are going to feel bumps and road imperfections inside. Its solid rear-axle suspension design is great for things like towing and off-road driving, but it makes for a bumpier ride around town, especially for rear passengers. This isn't some car-based SUV, and it doesn't try to be one.
Pricing for the Sequioa starts at $64,370 for the SR5, while the Capstone starts at $85,860.
As good as the Sequoia is, it plays in a tough class, led by the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition. Whether the Sequoia is better than those, it's hard to say, but there is no doubt Toyota die-hards will find plenty to enjoy in the 2025 Toyota Sequoia.