If there ever were an award for aptly named models, the Toyota Sequoia would be a strong contender.
By just about any measure, this full-size SUV is as impressive as the towering redwoods that are its namesake. Dimensions are the most obvious comparison, with the big Toyota measuring more than 208 inches bumpertobumper.
While that 17-plus feet of Sequoia translates to a roomy interior, it also means you’ll be dealing with maneuvering this beast through the tight confines of everyday traffic. Parking can also be a bit challenging until you get a feel for it.
Eventually, when those challenges fade away, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by several features of the Sequoia. With the turbocharged 3.4-liter V6 powertrain paired with an electric motor cranking out a total of 437 horsepower (hp), it’s unlikely you’ll find this gasoline-electric hybrid wanting in the muscle department.
Perhaps the best surprise of all, though, is its EPA fuel economy rating of 21 miles per gallon (mpg) city and 24 mpg highway—numbers so good that you might assume they were typos.
Also impressive is the eight-passenger cabin (which is reduced to seven with the second-row captain’s chairs like those inside the top-of-the-line Capstone model I tested) trimmed out with high-quality leather upholstery and wood accents. Other appealing features include bright LED headlights, power-deploying running boards and a 14-inch center infotainment touchscreen that makes it easy to find what you’re looking for with a quick glance.
The interior is plenty spacious, with the only notable demerit being the rather limited cargo room—just 12 cubic feet—with the third-row seat occupied. If you regularly travel with folks who don’t know the meaning of packing light, consider adding a rooftop storage container.
Figure in a 9,520-pound tow rating, enough to handle a good-size boat or camping trailer, and you’ll find you can take it with you, after all.
Bottom Line: When it comes to capacity, they don’t make ’em much bigger.
EPA Fuel Economy
- 21 City/24 Highway
Pricing
- Base Price: $58,365
- As Tested: $80,481
