2017 Toyota Sequoia Review

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 liftga...

For the most part the Sequoia is easy to drive, with light steering and a smooth-shifting automatic. But the gas pedal's responsiveness is more abrupt than we would like.

For a big three-ton SUV, the Sequoia is no slouch. The 5.7-liter V8 is willing, clocking a 0-60 mph sprint in 6.9 seconds. There's always power in reserve, and the six-speed automatic transmission is smooth.

The Sequoia is well-controlled during panic stops, with reasonably short distances, considering its weight. But the brake pedal felt long and soft in normal driving around town.

Steering responsiveness is better in the Sequoia than your average big SUV, but it's still not what we'd call tight or precise. It could use a bit more feel.

Even in its sportiest setting, the Sequoia felt soft and sloppy during aggressive maneuvers, though it's not so noticeable on a mountain road. There's quite a bit of body roll, too.

For the most part the Sequoia is easy to drive, with light steering and a smooth-shifting automatic. But the gas pedal's responsiveness is more abrupt than we would like.

The low-range transfer case makes the Sequoia capable in true off-road conditions, as does its substantial 10 inches of ground clearance. However, its large size will keep it off tight trails.

The 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.

What's the sign of a good seat? You don't think about its comfort while driving. The leather is slippery, though, and there's zero lateral support. The door armrests could be softer.

The ride is generally plush, especially with the three-mode suspension set to Comfort. Although soft, it's not so pillowy that you're completely isolated as a driver from the road.

The Sequoia is very quiet, especially considering this is a truck-based SUV. You can hear the V8 lumbering on the highway, but there's almost no tire noise. Even wind noise is reduced to just a whisper.

The 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.

The center stack is composed of a smattering of buttons and knobs, but most are easy to decipher. The cupholders are too far of a reach on the center console. The same goes for the stereo, which requires a stretch to press the virtual buttons accurately.

Getting into the Sequoia's front seats require a step up, but the grab handles on the front pillar help. The second-row seats are even easier. Third-row entry is fairly simple due to the second row's tilt-and-slide function.

There's plenty of headroom and elbow and shoulder room up front. Captain's chairs for the second row give mega-space all around. The three seats in the third row are not wide enough to comfortably seat adults, but they should be fine for short trips if needed.

The windshield is not actually all that tall for a big SUV. Large pillars behind the front seat occupants block the back and side view, especially on the driver side. The standard backup camera is greatly appreciated.

The quality and feel of cabin materials are outclassed by what you'll find in many of the Sequoia's newer rivals. The cabin is filled with hard-touch plastics, and it was disheartening that our tester's 4WD selector knob spun freely.

The 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.

There are plenty of storage bins throughout the cabin, even way back in the third row. The center console bin is large, and 16 cupholders are spread throughout the cabin.

Cargo space is impressive for the class. Behind the first row is 120.1 cubic feet of space, compared to the Chevrolet Tahoe's and Nissan Armada's roughly 95 cubic feet. Only the Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition EL are similarly sized.

The Sequoia has a max towing capacity of 7,000 pounds for the Platinum 4WD model and 7,200 pounds for the RWD Platinum version. You can tow up to 7,400 pounds in the less luxurious RWD SR5 model.