We drive the 2020 Toyota Sequoia
2020 Toyota Sequoia |
The current Toyota Sequoia has been with us for over 10 years. The Sequoia has been one of our favorites with its roomy interior and powerful engine. It remains one of the few full size V8 SUVs that you can buy and if you need something big then the Sequoia could be the one for you. We tried one and wanted to see if we still like the current version.
If you want room, the Sequoia is for you. Choose from SR5, TRD Sport, Limited and Platinum and TRD Pro in two-wheel or four-wheel drive. Sequoia offers lots of room at every grade.
The Sequoia interior is a quiet, comfortable space for the family to spend time on the road. The overall design and exterior features have been shaped to minimize wind noise, which helps keep the cabin serene. This is an excellent family road trip vehicle. Wide-opening rear doors ease passenger ingress/egress and child seat installation.
Seats fold flat |
When folding the second- and third-row seats flat, the Sequoia can swallow up to 120.1 cubic feet of whatever needs carrying – even objects up to 11 feet long. Extra-large cup/bottle holders outnumber passengers two to one which is something that the kids will appreciate.
The versatile 40/20/40 split second-row bench-type seat allows a variety of combinations, augmented by a seat-slide adjustment range of 5.9 inches.
The middle row folds flat and there’s a one-touch easy-slide feature to make it easy for passengers to enter the third row. In place of the standard center bench-style seat, second-row captain seats are available for a 7-seat cabin which is a poor decision in our opinion.
The third-row seat, which is fully hospitable for adult humans, is split 60/40 and can even recline. The third row also easily folds flat, a task made even more convenient by the power tilting and folding feature.
[adinserter name="GOOGLE AD"]The rear liftgate features a power rear window that features auto up/down, jam protection and defogger, and opens up a huge cargo area. The independent rear suspension plays a large part in allowing for the third row’s roominess, which offers adult-size legroom. Second-row legroom is full-size sedan-like at 40.9 inches.
Sequoia’s power comes from its dual-overhead cam 5.7-liter, which produces 381 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 rpm. The V8 is paired with a 6-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission and only requires 87 octane fuel. That is a good thing because you will need a lot of fuel since the Sequoia is rated at 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway (18 mpg with 2WD).
If you want to tow, you will appreciate the big V8 and the 6000 pound curb weight. You need big to tow big and the Sequoia can tow up to 7400 pounds. The Sequoia’s standard tow hitch is integrated into the frame as a single unit for added strength and durability. Tow/Haul mode modifies shift points for optimal towing performance, while standard Trailer Sway Control uses the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to help counteract handling forces that can lead to trailer sway.
It's big |
A standard rearview camera helps when parking or positioning a trailer. The backup camera is displayed on the 6.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen display.
The Sequoia is a great vehicle and there is nothing wrong with it but it is starting to look old. The competition offers more power and better efficiency. As an example, the Ford Expedition gives you more power, four more gears in the transmission, gets better fuel economy and can tow up to 9300 pounds.
What’s cool about the Sequoia could be its charm and classic Toyota reliability. The old school engine and transmission are proven with millions on the road and the bugs have been worked out. Repair costs are also much lower than the new high-tech machines.
The Sequoia is an expensive machine with prices starting out at just around $50,000. Go with the higher trim levels and you can hit $65,000 for one.
At those prices, you are better off buying a Highlander which is a lot cheaper but the Highlander can’t do many of the things that the Sequoia does and that is what makes the Sequoia so special.
Technical Specifications
INTERIOR | |
Front head room | 35 " |
Rear head room | 35 " |
Front shoulder room | 66 " |
Rear shoulder room | 66 " |
Front hip room | 63 " |
Rear hip room | 60 " |
Front leg room | 42.5 " |
Rear leg room | 40.9 " |
Luggage capacity | 18.9 Cu.Ft. |
Maximum cargo capacity | 120.1 Cu.Ft. |
Standard seating | 7 |
EXTERIOR | |
Length | 205.1 " |
Body width | 79.9 " |
Body height | 77.0 " |
Wheelbase | 122.0 " |
Ground clearance | 9.6 " |
Curb | 6,000 Lbs. |
Gross weight | 7,300 Lbs. |
FUEL | |
Fuel tank capacity | 26.4 Gal. |
EPA mileage estimates | 13 City / 17 Hwy |
PERFORMANCE | |
Base engine size | 5.7 Liters |
Base engine type | V-8 |
Horsepower | 381 Hp |
Horsepower rpm | 5,600 |
Torque | 401 Lb-Ft. |
Torque rpm | 3,600 |
Payload | 1,300 Lbs. |
Maximum towing capacity | 7,000 Lbs. |
Drive type | Four-Wheel |
Turning radius | 19.0 '' |
WARRANTY | |
Warranty – Basic (mths/miles) | 36/36,000 |
Warrranty – Powertrain (mths/miles) | 60/60,000 |
Warranty – Corrosion perforation (mths/miles) | 60/Unlimited |
Warranty – Roadside assistance (mths/miles) | 24/25,000 |
Warranty – Maintenance (mths/miles) | 24/25,000 |
MECHANICAL | |
Engine | 5.7L V-8 |
Engine – valvetrain | DOHC |
Recommended fuel | Regular Unleaded |
Brakes | 4-Wheel Disc |
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) | 4-Wheel |
Brake assist | Std |
Drive type | Four-Wheel |
4WD shift | Electronic |
Exhaust | Stainless Steel |
Steering | Rack And Pinion |
Speed sensitive steering | Std |
Suspension tuning | Regular |
Ride control | Adaptive Variable Suspension System (AVS) |
Adaptive suspension | Std |
Height adjustable suspension | Automatic W/Driver Control |
Automatic level control | Rear |
Front suspension type | Double Wishbone |
Front anti-roll bar | Std |
Front shocks | Gas-Pressurized |
Front springs | Coil |
Rear suspension type | Double Wishbone |
Rear anti-roll bar | Std |
Rear shocks | Gas-Pressurized |
Rear springs | Air |
Electronic stability system | VSC |
Sequential shift control | Std |
Transmission | 6-Spd Auto W/OD |
Axle ratio | 4.30 |
Locking/limited slip differential | Std |
Remote vehicle starting system | Std |
Traction control | ABS And Driveline |
INTERIOR | |
Tachometer | Std |
Trip computer | Std |
Water temp gauge | Std |
Voltage gauge | Std |
Low fuel warning | Std |
Service interval warning | Std |
Lighting – glovebox | Std |
Lighting – map lights | Front And Rear |
Lighting – dome light | Fade |
Lighting – cargo light | Std |
Illuminated vanity mirrors | Driver And Passenger |
Rear window defogger | Std |
Rear view mirror | Auto-Dimming Day-Night |
Mirrors – visor vanity mirrors | Driver And Passenger |
Seatback storage pockets | 2 |
Tilt-Wheel adjustable steering column | Std |
Steering wheel material | Leather/Simulated Wood |
Air conditioning, front | Dual Zone Automatic |
Air filter | Std |
Air conditioning, rear | With Separate Controls |
Underseat ducts | Std |
Auxiliary visors | Dual |
Cargo concealed storage | Std |
Cargo net | Opt |
Cargo tie downs | Std |
Clock | In-Dash |
Cupholders | Front And Rear |
Gear shift knob trim | Leather/Simulated Wood |
Overhead console | Mini With Storage |
Floor console | Full |
Floor mats | Carpeted Front And Rear |
Instrumentation | Analog |
Oil pressure gauge | Std |
Airbags, frontal | Driver And Front Passenger |
Airbags, side impact | Seat Mounted, Driver And Passenger |
Airbags, side curtain | Curtain 1st, 2nd And 3rd Row |
Airbags, knee protection | Driver And Passenger |
Height adjustable safety belts | Front And Rear |
Seatbelt pre-tensioners | Front |
EXTERIOR | |
Exterior light control | Fully Automatic |
Antenna | Window Grid |
Body material | Fully Galvanized Steel |
Paint | Clearcoat Monotone |
Grille trim | Chrome |
Fog/driving lights | Front |
Door count | 4 Doors |
Rear cargo door | Power Liftgate |
Tinted windows | Deep |
Rear window type | Power |
Mirrors | Dual Power Remote W/Tilt Down |
Heated door mirrors | Std |
Mirrors, auto dimming | Driver And Passenger |
Sunroof | 1st Row Regular Express Open/Close Sliding And Tilting Glass |
Spoiler | Lip |
Roof rack | Std |
Rear step bumper | Std |
Tires | P275/55HR20.0 BSW M+S |
Wheels | 20" Machined W/Painted Accents Aluminum |
Spare tire and wheel | Full-Size Steel |
Windshield wipers – front | Variable Intermittent |
Rear window wipers | Fixed Interval |
Running boards | Std |
Mud flaps | Std |
Headlights | LED Low/High Beam |
Delay off headlamps | Std |
Headlight washer | Std |
Daytime running lights | Std |
CONVENIENCE | |
Exterior temperature display | Std |
Compass | Std |
Cruise control | Std |
Adaptive cruise control | Std |
12V DC power outlet | 4 |
Ashtray | Std |
Front windows | Power |
Rear windows | Power |
1-touch window up | Driver And Passenger |
1-touch window down | Driver And Passenger |
Programmable garage door opener | Std |
Remote trunk release | Power |
Retained accessory power | Std |
Occupancy sensor | Std |
In-Vehicle Assistance Service | Safety Connect With 1-Year Trial |
Door curb lights | 4 |
Illuminated entry | Std |
Parking assist | Std |
Remote keyless entry | Keyfob (All Doors) |
Keyless access system | Std |
Panic alarm | Std |
Door locks | Power With 2 Stage Unlock |
Content theft deterrent alarm system | Std |
Ignition disable | Std |
Lane departure warning | Lane Departure Alert (LDA) |
First aid kit | Opt |
Blind spot sensor | Std |
Low tire pressure warning | Std |
ENTERTAINMENT | |
Radio | SiriusXM AM/FM/HD/Satellite, Seek-Scan |
Auxiliary input jack | Std |
Steering wheel audio controls | Std |
Voice recognition | Std |
Speakers | 15 JBL |
Amplifier | 440W |
Speed sensitive Volume | Std |
Entertainment system | With Blu-Ray |
Navigation system | Dynamic Navigation With Up To 3-Year Trial With Voice Activation |
1st row LCD screen | 2 |
2nd row LCD screen | 1 |
Bluetooth Compatibility | Std |
COMFORT | |
Front seat type | Bucket |
Standard seating | 7 Passengers |
Front driver seat direction controls | 10-Way Power |
Front passenger seat direction controls | 4-Way Power |
Lumbar support | Driver |
Front armrests | Center Sliding |
Front head restraints | Adjustable |
Heated front seats | Driver And Front Passenger Heated-Cushion, Heated-Seatback |
Cooled front seats | Driver And Passenger |
Memory | Driver |
Rear seats | Bucket |
Rear armrest | Std |
Rear head restraints | 2 – Adjustable |
Heated rear seats | Std |
3rd row seats | 60-40 Split-Bench |
Seat trim | Leather |
3rd row fold into floor | Power |