2021 Toyota Sequoia

Overview

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia hasn't been fully redesigned in ages, a fact made especially obvious by the slew of new rivals in this segment. With three rows of seats and a suite of standard driver-assistance technology, the Sequoia is relevant only to families who want a large SUV with Toyota's reputation for reliability. Inside, there's an impressive amount of space for all passengers, but the material quality and overall refinement are disappointing. Every model has a strong V-8 powertrain that can be paired with four-wheel drive, but fuel efficiency is poor, and the SUV's 7000-pound towing capacity is less than what competitors can pull. While the 2021 Sequoia lineup includes the TRD Pro—one of the better off-road options in this class—the SUV's design and driving manners have otherwise exceeded their expiration dates.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#7 in Best Full-Size SUVs for 2021

1

Chevrolet Tahoe

STARTING AT: $51,195

SHOP Tahoe

2

GMC Yukon / Yukon XL

STARTING AT: $52,595

SHOP Yukon / Yukon XL

3

Chevrolet Suburban

STARTING AT: $53,895

SHOP Suburban

4

Nissan Armada

STARTING AT: $50,595

SHOP Armada

5

Ford Expedition / Expedition Max

STARTING AT: $52,290

SHOP Expedition / Expedition Max

7

Toyota Sequoia

STARTING AT: $51,895

SHOP Sequoia

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What's New for 2021?

For 2021, the sole change to the Sequoia lineup is the addition of the new Nightshade model. Essentially an appearance package, it features black 20-inch wheels and darkened chrome on the grille, door handles, side trim, and badging. The Nightshade Sequoia also has black leather upholstery and is available in Wind Chill Pearl, Magnetic Gray, and Midnight Black.

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Pricing and Which One to Buy

Compared with most of its classmates, the Sequoia has one of the highest starting prices. While its fanciest trim level comes in under $70,000, that kind of money could also get you a top-of-the-line Chevy Tahoe or GMC Yukon. We'd maximize the Sequoia's value by sticking with the well-equipped base SR5 model. It comes loaded with standard driver assists, many of which cost extra on the competition. The SR5 seats eight with a standard second-row bench seat; seven-seat Sequoias are available with captain's chairs. Adding four-wheel drive costs $3255 on the SR5, but it provides four-season security for those who need it. The Premium package is the only significant option on this model, but we don't think its content is worth the hefty price. Too bad it's the only way to get an SR5 with a leather interior, a premium audio system, and heated front seats.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Sequoia is available only with a 381-hp V-8 engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and either rear- or four-wheel drive. The Sequoia we tested was reasonably quick around town, with a responsive gas pedal and a smooth-shifting transmission. It also had plenty of power for highway merging or passing. Although the Sequoia is built on a pickup-truck chassis, it still features a rear suspension with a modern design. While it adequately isolated us from the harshest bumps, too many shakes and rattles entered the cabin when we traveled over rough surfaces. None of its rivals are particularly fun to drive, either, but they tend to handle better and feel more composed. The Toyota's light steering was easy to control in tight spaces and while cruising on the highway, but the nonexistent feedback further diminished its handling. The Sequoia's brake pedal was easy to modulate and firmed up after initial inputs. The TRD Pro model has legitimate off-road equipment that includes a lifted suspension, beefy shock absorbers, and exclusive wheels with meaty tires. While it can tow up to 7400 pounds, several competitors can pull another 1000 pounds or more.

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Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The Sequoia is a heavy drinker—of gasoline, that is. While many of its full-size classmates also have an insatiable thirst for fossil fuels, the Toyota has the worst EPA estimates and real-world fuel economy of its class at 13 mpg city and 17 mpg highway. The Sequoia we tested earned 16 mpg on our highway fuel-economy test route, 1 mpg shy of its government rating. That number is at least 2 mpg worse than that of every other rival we evaluated.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The cheap-looking plastics and gaudy controls continue to date the Sequoia's cabin. The big knobs and conspicuous buttons are undeniably functional, though. Still, this SUV notably lacks modern features—such as a heated steering wheel, a head-up display, and massaging front seats—that are available on most rivals. People who want a durable interior devoid of superfluous options will appreciate the Sequoia. Most everyone else will not. Thankfully, passenger space is plentiful, with comfortable legroom in all three rows. And the third row will hold adult-size people well enough. The Sequoia fits a healthy amount of carry-on luggage behind the third row and with rear seats stowed. This is noteworthy because the Toyota doesn't have an extended version for increased cargo capacity like the Ford Expedition does. It also has enough interior cubby storage to moonlight as a traveling yard sale.

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Infotainment and Connectivity

The Sequoia lineup has a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Toyota finally brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability to the table and makes both smartphone-friendly features standard. The Sequoia also has a Wi-Fi hotspot, which requires a subscription after the initial trial period. A rear-seat entertainment system is also available, as is an upgraded JBL audio system.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

This generation of Sequoia has not been crash-tested. However, Toyota stuffs every model with a bunch of standard safety and driver-assistance technologies. While its competitors offer most of the same equipment, these features are largely optional. This may help justify the Toyota's questionable sticker price, but only for those who want driver assists in the first place. Key safety features include:

• Standard automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Toyota provides two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, which is uncommon in this segment. The protection period in other categories is less impressive but still competitive.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles

Specifications

Specifications

2020 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro

VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon

BASE PRICE
$65,430

ENGINE TYPE
DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement
346 in³, 5663 cm³
Power
381 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque
401 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

TRANSMISSION
6-speed automatic

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 122.0 in
Length: 205.1 in
Width: 79.9 in
Height: 77.0 in
Passenger volume: 154 ft³
Cargo volume: 19 ft³
Curb weight (C/D est): 6100 lb

PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 6.6 sec
100 mph: 18.1 sec
¼-mile: 15.2 sec
Top speed: 115 mph

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 14/13/17 mpg

More Features and Specs