2021 Toyota Sequoia Review by Reese Counts

 

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia is largely unchanged from the vehicle that debuted way back in 2008. It's a truck-based full-size SUV, an increasing rarity as automakers have rolled out smaller, more efficient car-based crossover SUVs. As such, the Sequoia shares more than a little with the Toyota Tundra pickup, including a powerful 5.7-liter V8. The stout frame and potent V8 give the Sequoia stronger tow ratings than any crossover, and the large footprint means there's decent passenger space. Toyota has released a steady stream of updates over the years, adding revamped tech, a suite of driver aids and several packages that make the Sequoia reasonably capable off-road.

Those updates have helped keep the Sequoia from feeling too stale. Still, it's hard to make a compelling case for it when you compare it to newer, much more modern rivals such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada. All of those ride on newer platforms, use more powerful and more fuel-efficient engines, and feature tech that didn't feel behind the pack the second it was introduced. While we like the Sequoia's generous cargo space and genuine off-road credentials, we highly recommend giving the competition a thorough look. It's more expensive, but the Toyota Land Cruiser is worth checking out too.

Which Sequoia does Edmunds recommend?

The TRD Sport and TRD Pro trims are capable machines if you plan to do any off-roading. But for most people, we suggest going with the base SR5 trim with the available Premium package, which adds features including heated front seats and navigation.

Toyota Sequoia models

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia is available in six trim levels: SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Nightshade Special Edition, TRD Pro and Platinum. Each is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 (381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the SR5, TRD Sport, Limited and Nightshade models. Four-wheel drive is available on those trims and standard on the Sequoia TRD Pro and Platinum. All Sequoias come with three rows of seating.

SR5

The base SR5 comes fairly well equipped. Standard features include:

• 18-inch wheels
• LED headlights and fog lights
• Sunroof
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Apple Car Play and Android Auto                                                                                                

 The Sequoia also includes several standard safety features and driver aids.

• Toyota Safety Sense P
• Pre-collision system (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Dynamic radar cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Toyota and the car in front)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Front and rear parking sensors

If you're looking at a Sequoia SR5, we suggest opting for the Premium package. It adds:

• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Power-folding third row
• Upgraded audio system with navigation

TRD Sport

The Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport doesn't add any features. Instead it focuses on appearance and improved performance with:

• 20-inch TRD Sport wheels
• Black exterior trim, roof rack and badges
• Sport-tuned Bilstein dampers
• Stiffer anti-roll bars
• Second-row captain's chairs
• Optional Premium package

TRD Pro

The TRD Pro builds off the TRD Sport with even more off-road goodies and features. Those include:

• Rigid Industries LED fog lights
• Skid plates
• Fox shocks
• 18-inch BBS wheels
• Toyota logo grille
• Black aluminum running boards
• Power liftgate
• JBL audio system

Limited

The midgrade Limited model ditches the off-road parts found on the TRD twins in favor of more creature comforts including:

• 20-inch wheels
• Chrome exterior trim
• Second-row bench seat (captain's chairs are available)
• Heated front seats
• Navigation

Nightshade Special Edition

The new Nightshade Edition mostly focuses on the Sequoia's looks. Consider it a sort of factory blackout package. Changes include:

• Black 20-inch wheels
• Dark chrome and black exterior trim
• Second-row captain's chairs

Platinum

The top-of-the-line Platinum trim includes everything that's available on the SR5 and Limited models plus:

• Adaptive suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Automatic high beams
• Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Rear-seat entertainment system with a Blu-ray player
• JBL audio system

What’s new

• Nightshade package debuts with blacked-out exterior trim
• Part of the second Sequoia generation introduced in 2008

Pros & Cons

• Cargo area is one of the largest in this class
• For a big SUV, it rides pretty comfortably over bumps
• Flexible seating arrangement allows for up to eight passengers
• Respectable off-road capability for a big SUV
• Even among large SUVs, fuel economy is poor
• Audio controls and front central cupholders are hard to reach
• Recently updated infotainment system already feels dated