2017 Toyota Sequoia Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byCameron Rogers
Manager, News
Cameron Rogers has worked in the automotive industry since 2013. He has tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Today, he leads the news team in developing cutting-edge news articles, opinion pieces and sneak peeks at upcoming vehicles. Favorite cars that he's driven during his tenure at Edmunds include the 991-era Porsche 911 Turbo S, Rolls-Royce Ghost and several generations of Honda Odyssey (really).
Pros
- Cargo area is one of the largest in this class
- For a big SUV, it rides pretty comfortably over bumps
- The flexible seating arrangement allows for up to eight passengers
- Respectable off-road capability for a big SUV
Cons
- Even among V8-powered SUVs, fuel economy is poor
- Audio and front central cupholders are hard to reach
- Touchscreen is small by 2017 standards
- Lacking some of the latest advanced driver aids
What’s new
The Toyota Sequoia is unchanged for 2017.
Vehicle overview
The 2017 Toyota Sequoia is worth a look if a traditional three-row SUV is in your future. Though it lacks some of the latest tech and safety features, its seating for eight, legitimate off-road and towing capabilities, and substantial cargo room make it a capable rig for doing just about anything.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 Toyota Sequoia Platinum FFV 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.23 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$273/mo
Sequoia Platinum FFV
vs
$243/mo
Avg. Large SUV
The current generation Sequoia has been around for nine years now without a redesign. That's a long time in the automotive industry, and it's mostly apparent in the Sequoia's dated infotainment system and lack of the latest driver safety aids such as lane departure warning and forward collision mitigation. And in general, know that other big crossover SUVs can provide similar amounts of interior room to the Sequoia but with superior fuel economy and a better combination of ride comfort and secure handling.
But as traditional SUVs go, the Sequoia still offers a more comfortable ride than many in its class, especially when equipped with the Platinum trim's air suspension. It's also pretty capable off-road thanks to its substantial ground clearance, though obviously this isn't a vehicle you'll want to try to squeeze down a tight, narrow trail. Overall, the Sequoia isn't our top pick for a big three-row SUV, but there are enough positives that it's worth considering.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
3.5 / 5The 2017 Toyota Sequoia is worth a look if a traditional three-row SUV is in your future. Though it lacks some of the latest tech and safety features, its seating for eight, legitimate off-road and towing capabilities, and substantial cargo room make it a capable rig for doing just about anything.
Trim tested
Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the 2013 Toyota Sequoia Platinum (5.7L V8; 4x4; 6-speed automatic).
NOTE: Since this test was conducted, the current Toyota Sequoia has received some revisions, including a sunroof and a rearview camera added to the standard equipment list in 2015 and upgrades to the infotainment system in 2016. But our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's Toyota Sequoia.
Scorecard
| Overall | 3.5 / 5 |
| Driving | 3.0 |
| Comfort | 4.5 |
| Interior | 3.0 |
| Utility | 4.5 |
Driving
3.0All-out performance is not the 2017 Sequoia's game, but how can you not love that potent V8? The braking power is uninspiring, as is the handling, but this truck-based SUV can truly tackle the rough and dirty stuff.
Comfort
4.5The 2017 Toyota Sequoia is an exceptionally comfortable and surprisingly quiet big SUV. The suspension is height-adjustable and has plenty of travel. Tire and wind noise is nearly nonexistent. The seats offer good all-day comfort without being overly squishy.
Interior
3.0The Sequoia has an abundance of room inside, with only the narrower third row not quite spacious enough for three adults. But because the Sequoia is so wide, front-row passengers will have a hard time reaching the center console cupholders and the stereo controls.
Utility
4.5The 2017 Sequoia's cargo area is one of the largest in its class, and both rows of seats fold flat so stuff doesn't slide around. (The Limited's second-row console doesn't fold, of course.) Small item storage is less impressive; despite plenty of cupholders, most won't hold large cups.
Which Sequoia does Edmunds recommend?
The base Sequoia SR5 is well-equipped as is, and the reasonably priced Premium package adds most of the extras, such as leather seating surfaces and navigation, we'd want in a large SUV. However, it might be easier to just go with the Limited, which gets those extras as standard, plus a power liftgate and the option for blind-spot monitoring. Upgrading to the Platinum is fairly expensive, so only consider it if you absolutely need the extra luxury features or if you tow frequently because it comes with a load-leveling air suspension.
2017 Toyota Sequoia models
The 2017 Toyota Sequoia (built upon the bones of the Tundra pickup) comes in three trims: SR5, Limited and Platinum, all of which are available in rear- or four-wheel drive. There are significant price jumps between trims, but there are option packages for the SR5 and Limited that help bridge the gaps. SR5 and Limited models seat eight passengers, while second-row captain's chairs on the SR5 with the Sport package and the Platinum reduce seating to seven.