The Toyota Sequoia is named after one of the largest trees in the world. Thanks to this, it was the largest SUV that Toyota has produced for the North American market. This vehicle has been around since 2000, so it has undergone plenty of changes. These are some of the best years for a used Toyota Sequoia.
Key Takeaways:
- The Sequoia is one of the safest vehicles on the market, coming with frequent safety updates.
- If you want to tow the most, you need something from the most recent generation, and when paired with the Capstone, you can get something luxurious.
- If you want some off-road fun, look for a TRD. This comes with the equipment you need to make that happen. It's perfect for the adrenaline-seeking handyman.
First Generation (2000-2006)
When 1999 came around, Toyota had released the Tundra, and thanks to this, some people were speculating that there was something even better growing. At the turn of the century, the Sequoia had appeared.
During its first year on the market it was nominated for North American Truck of the Year. Initially coming in two trim levels, the SR5, and the Limited. Coming in both 2WD and 4WD configurations.
2005 saw the first changes for this generation, coming with a modified engine. Towing capacity in this year sat at 6,500 pounds for the 2WD variant and 6,200 lbs for the 4WD variant.
Second Generation (2007-2021)
While this generation was still based on the Tundra platform, it started to pull away a little. It comes with a fully boxed frame, a rear independent suspension, and a locking differential. This new suspension helps it feel less like a land boat, tightening up its turning radius to 19ft, and allows the rear seat to fold flat.
2008 saw a new trim join the lineup, the new Platinum trim tops interior of the 2008 Sequoia, features the same dash as the Tundra, but comes standard with power windows, dual sun visors, and a keyless entry.
Some optional features that Sequoia models may be equipped with are a 7-inch screen that comes with a backup camera, a rear DVD entertainment system, heated and ventilated seats for the first row, and heated seats for the second row.
The SR5 and limited trims can be found with eight passenger seating, while the Platinum trim can be found with seven passenger seating. Being that this generation comes with a 5.7L V8, you can tow up to 7,400 pounds.
Some safety features that this generation came with are traction control, brake assist, front side torso airbags, and side curtain airbags for all three rows. To make things even safer, 2010 saw knee airbags added as a standard feature.
When 2015 came around, the IIHS found that the 4WD Sequoia had the least life-threatening accidents in its class, with 0 fatalities per million registered vehicles.
2018 saw a refresh hit the line, coming with new standard LED headlights. Also adding the TRD trim to the family. The 2020 model seeing a new TRD Pro package that was designed to take off road, coming with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Fox shock absorbers.
Third Generation (2022 - Present)
This generation comes with an extra trim, now seeing a total of 5 for the lineup. The trims are the returning SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and the new Capstone luxury trim. Depending on the trim level that you get, you can tow up to 9,520 pounds. This makes this SUV capable of being the perfect handyman SUV for those who want a bit more fun in the form of the TRD or a bit more luxury in the form of the Capstone.
Being that the previous generation was so long, car reviewers were happy with this generation's new looks. Car and Driver had praised its “handsome new styling” while still being the same full-size SUV it has been for years.
No matter what year or trim you get, one thing remains certain, and that is that you will get a great vehicle. If you’re wanting a used Sequoia or something else, we can help. Come see us at a Jarrett Automotive location today for your next SUV!