2018 Toyota Sequoia Review

Name: 2018 Toyota Sequoia Review
Brand: Toyota
Price: 33511 USD

Toyota Sequoia Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byCalvin Kim^{Vehicle Test Engineer
Calvin Kim is an automotive journalist at Edmunds.}

Pros

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

Cons

Even among V8-powered SUVs, fuel economy is poor
Audio and front central cupholders are hard to reach
Touchscreen is small by modern standards

What’s new

For 2018, Toyota has added a new TRD Sport trim. All Sequoias now have LED headlights and additional standard safety features, including forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. A restyled grille and gauge cluster round out the changes for 2018.

Vehicle overview

The 2018 Toyota Sequoia is worth a look if your transportation needs require a heavy-duty three-row SUV. It offers seating for up to eight people, legitimate off-road and towing capabilities, and substantial cargo room. The Sequoia is capable of doing just about anything.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2018 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4dr SUV (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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$296/mo

$254/mo

Avg. Large SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

But the current-generation Sequoia has been around for 10 years without a redesign. That's a long time in the automotive industry, and it's mostly apparent in the Sequoia's dated interior design, lack of refinement and subpar fuel economy. It's a tough sell when 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.

Still, as traditional SUVs go, the Sequoia 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

6.6 / 10

Need a big vehicle that can tow? The 2018 Toyota Sequoia answers the call. This three-row traditional SUV has a stout V8 and plenty of towing capability. If you're looking for the latest in design and efficiency, though, newer and more advanced competitors offer more of what you need.

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 2017 Toyota Sequoia Platinum (5.7L V8 | 6-speed automatic | 4WD).

Scorecard

Overall	6.6 / 10
Driving	7.0
Comfort	7.5
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.5
Technology	5.5

Driving

7.0

Think of the Sequoia as a Tundra pickup with three rows and an SUV roof. At almost 6,100 pounds, it's not at home on winding roads. But its wonderful bursts of V8 power are well-suited to towing trailers and boats.

Acceleration

7.5

The strong 5.7-liter V8 never feels strained, even when summoned to pass slow traffic at highway speeds. In our testing, the Sequoia dashed from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds. That's nearly 1 second slower than a 4WD Nissan Armada but still stacks up well with other competitors.

Braking

6.0

Pedal feel is soft and comfortable, but it firms up nicely during panic braking. ABS panic-brake stops are noisy and jittery as the steering wheel darts from side to side while the SUV comes to rest. Emergency stopping distances are average for a big SUV.

Steering

6.0

Typical big-boat steering feel, as in not much at all. Not much feedback from the road and a loose wheel feel due to too much assistance and a lot of vague, sloppy play. Just place faith that your tires are pointed where you want to go.

Handling

7.0

You can't expect much given the Sequoia's size, but it surprises with a decent amount of handling precision. The margins are slim, of course. Too tight a corner (most of them) and too much speed (almost any) will make the tires beg and squeal. Still, a perverse pleasure in trying to drive one fast.

Drivability

7.0

With light steering and a smooth-shifting automatic transmission, the Sequoia is very easy to drive. The light gas pedal feel doesn't match the immense power generated underhood. It feels large but doesn't "drive" large. Surprisingly good agility, like a sumo wrestler who excels at football drills.

Off-road

8.0

It's capable in true off-road conditions thanks to 10 inches of ground clearance, large approach angle and low-range transfer case. The driver can lock the center differential from the seat for improved traction on loose surfaces. But its large size will keep it off tight trails.

Comfort

7.5

All-around comfort and surprising serenity are the Sequoia's main strengths. Levels of tire and wind noise are well-suppressed, and the adjustable suspension helps maintain comfort when hauling heavy loads. The seats offer good long-haul comfort. The cabin is about as roomy as you could wish.

Seat comfort

7.0

The first- and second-row seats are wide with no lateral support, but sitting for several hours brought no complaints. Lack of front seat adjustments is disappointing. Third-row seats are flatter and more shapeless, but that's expected given that they need to be folded down for cargo carrying.

Ride comfort

7.5

Plush ride absorbs impacts and shrugs off smaller bumps, but plenty of bob and weave when driving over larger potholes or when whipping around a parking lot. Soft, but driver isn't totally isolated from the road. Negligible differences between Comfort, Normal and Sport adjustable suspension modes.

Noise & vibration

7.0

It's very quiet at idle. Some wind noise at highway speeds as air rushes over the stubby, upright front end. The engine sounds strained when you really get on it. It does the job, but other V8s (Chevrolet, GMC) sound better doing it.

Climate control

7.5

Blows seriously strong and seriously hot or cold. Four large knobs and integrated buttons control climate functions. The second row gets temp, fan and mode controls. Front seats have three-stage heating and cooling, but airflow and cooling are weak even on highest setting. Two-stage heating for second-row seats.

Interior

7.0

The Sequoia feels spacious, but you expect that given its size. Could probably be even roomier — needlessly bulky panels and trim intrude into cabin space. The third row is narrow but offers good legroom. Driver and front passenger will need to stretch to reach touchscreen and stereo controls.

Ease of use

7.0

The cupholders and stereo controls require a long arm to reach. The dashboard and center stack feature a patchwork of buttons and knobs, some with cryptic labels like "Sonar." Most are easy to decipher. Front passengers will often need to sit upright and lean to make adjustments.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

Getting into the Sequoia's first two rows requires a step up, but running boards and grab handles help. The second-row seats tilt and slide, making for easy third-row entry, but getting out requires a limber, deliberate effort, especially for tall adults who'll need to crouch to clear the roof.

Driving position

6.5

The driver's seat offers surprisingly little downward adjustment, and taller drivers may sit higher than they like. The power tilt-and-telescoping steering column is nice, but this SUV also needs power pedal adjustment to bring those pedals closer to the feet of shorter drivers.

Roominess

8.0

Plenty of room for heads, arms, elbows and shoulders all around. The captain's chairs make the second row as roomy as the front. The third row is a bit narrow for three adults, although there's enough legroom. It's fine for short trips, but you don't really want more than six adults in this SUV.

Visibility

7.0

Big windshield aids driver's view, but the big, bulbous hood makes it hard to discern space around the front end. Thick front pillars, large mirrors hamper view through turns. Side visibility is good for safe lane changes, and large rear window helps for backing up. Rearview camera is a necessity.

Quality

7.0

The Sequoia's cabin materials are outclassed by its rivals. We don't doubt the durability, but the oversized knobs, pulls and handles and hard-touch plastic make it feel more like a Tundra pickup and less like a more affordable Lexus. Toyota's indifference to keeping the Sequoia fresh is obvious.

Utility

7.5

Utility is in the Sequoia's wheelhouse. Cargo space is among the largest in its class, helped by two rows of fold-flat seats. A power liftgate enhances the ability to stuff the Sequoia full of gear. Slimmer plastic panels would increase capacity, but it's still impressive.

Small-item storage

8.0

The Sequoia offers so many nooks and cubbies that some personal items will disappear forever. There are door pockets, door panel channels, coin trays, slide-out bins, deep center consoles and dual gloveboxes. There are at least two cupholders for each occupant, although most are comically small.

Cargo space

8.0

Arguably the key reason you buy a Sequoia. With 120.1 cubic feet of maximum space, it's only beat by the longer Chevrolet Suburban and Ford Expedition Max. With the seats up, it offers an impressive 67 cubes with just the third row folded and 19 cubes of room for groceries with the third row up.

Child safety seat accommodation

7.5

LATCH anchors are hidden behind a Velcro-backed flap at the base of the seat cushion and seatback. Easily accessible and nicely hidden from view, they are close enough to the surface to avoid or minimize abrasion between the car seat and upholstery.

Towing

6.0

A 4WD Sequoia Platinum like our test vehicle can tow up to 7,000 pounds. It's plenty, though a couple rivals boast even higher capability. A Tow/Haul mode optimizes shifts while towing.

Hauling

7.5

The Sequoia 4WD Platinum's payload capacity is 1,300 pounds, which is a couple hundred pounds less than some rival SUVs can handle. With six big adults in the car, you're almost at the limit. A load-leveling suspension helps handle weight.

Technology

5.5

The Sequoia's tech is woefully deficient compared to what rivals offer. The touchscreen media interface is small and dated, especially in an SUV of this price. Makes minimal concessions to today's driver and passenger needs and offers only bare minimum of driver assistance features. Disappointing.

Audio & navigation

5.0

The 6.1-inch touchscreen is tiny, dated and not high-resolution, despite Toyota's claims. Inexplicable given rival interfaces and those in recent Toyotas. Nav software does the job, but graphics are also outdated. Good power and clarity from JBL audio system, but bass seems exaggerated for effect.

Smartphone integration

5.5

Just the basics: Bluetooth, one USB port and one auxiliary audio jack. No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Bluetooth pairing is easy and offers browsing of device's audio library. Single-screen rear DVD entertainment system is more robust and may make passengers forget about their iPads for a while.

Driver aids

6.0

The 2018 Sequoia has a comprehensive set of features this year, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, auto emergency braking and lane departure warning.

Voice control

5.0

Native voice controls are limited to navigation functions and audio control. Worked well for navigating to specific addresses, not so well for recognizing points of interest or accessing audio files from device library. iPhone users can access Siri functions by holding down the talk button.

2018 Toyota Sequoia models

The 2018 Toyota Sequoia comes in four trims: SR5, TRD Sport (late availability), Limited and Platinum. They all come with a 5.7-liter V8 (381 hp, 401 lb-ft) and a six-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and four-wheel drive is optional. There are significant price jumps between trims, but there are option packages for the SR5 and Limited that help bridge the gaps. The SR5 and Limited models seat eight passengers, while the second-row captain's chairs on Platinum reduce seating to seven.

The base SR5 model comes stocked with a healthy number of standard features. Highlights include 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a sunroof, a power rear window, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power-adjustable driver seat, a 40/20/40-split second-row bench seat (with sliding and reclining functionality), a 60/40-split reclining and fold-flat third-row bench, second- and third-row retractable sunshades, a rearview camera, Bluetooth, a USB port, a 6.1-inch touchscreen, and an eight-speaker audio system with a CD player and satellite and HD radio.

Standard safety features for the SR5 include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and traffic-adapting cruise control.

An optional SR5 Premium package bundles an auto-dimming rearview mirror, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, heated front seats, a power liftgate, a power reclining and folding third-row seat, and an integrated navigation system.

Complete information on the TRD Sport was not available as publication, but Toyota has said it will come with a sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch wheels and special exterior styling details.

Compared to the SR5, stepping up to the Limited model gets you 20-inch wheels, power-folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, upgraded gauges and everything from the SR5's Premium package.

A seven-passenger option swaps the second-row bench for two captain's chairs. A 14-speaker premium JBL sound system (bundled with driver memory settings) is optional, as is a rear-seat entertainment system with a Blu-ray player.

The top-of-the-line Platinum trim level comes standard with all of the above features, plus an adaptive air suspension (with a load-leveling rear), ventilated front seats, heated second-row captain's chairs (reducing seating capacity to seven), a second-row center console and a power-adjustable steering wheel

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#7 out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota Sequoia from 2008-2022.}

$605/yr

vs. $614/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.46x/yr

vs. 1.59x/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

15.5%

vs. 16.7%
for Average Fullsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2018 Toyota Sequoia.

5 (55%)

4 (23%)

3 (13%)

2 (6%)

1 (3%)

4.2

31 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Passes every test

Hack, 02/09/2016

2016 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)

Took my 2016 Sequoia on its first of many long fishing trips. We went 6,000 miles pulling our boat (Nitro ZV18) on a dual axle trailer. From Washington State thru Montana, S.Dakota to Illinois. Then down to the southern tip of Missouri and back to Washington State by way of Wyoming, Utah, and north thru Oregon to the Columbia river. The Sequoia passed every test as you would expected …

Sequoia success

Waleska Maxwell, 04/23/2016

2016 Toyota Sequoia Platinum FFV 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)

I owned my previous Sequoia for 10yrs with 150,000 miles on it and didn't really need another but I wanted the new technology with Bluetooth and all the new whistles so I traded it in. This new 2016 is outstanding. There is more room inside, the ride is smooth and the availability of apps and Bluetooth capability is cool. I used the Edmunds price tool and I wouldn't purchase another …

Great Overall Hauler

Doug, 09/14/2016

2016 Toyota Sequoia SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)

We've used this Sequoia for almost everything. We hauled a large vacation trailer thru Canada (8,000 miles) and it worked flawlessly and has plenty of power to go anywhere. Lots of room for people and storage. It appears to be designed for easy driving. The turning radius is great. Maintenance has been minimal, except for the brakes, which are problematic. The rotors heat up and …

Best SUV for the Money

Ron, 03/20/2016

2016 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl 6A)

I shopped around and finally decided on the 2016 Platinum. I looked at the GMC but although it was a nice SUV they make it hard to buy. You literally have to choose every little feature. Some are confusing and not clear as to what they are or mean. Where with the Platinum, there were only a few options available, the rest were included. It has so many wonderful creature comforts. Side …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Toyota Sequoia, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sequoia since its last redesign.

See all 31 reviews of the Toyota Sequoia

Write a vehicle review

2018 Sequoia Highlights

Trim:

SR5

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$48,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	15 MPG
Cost to Drive	$296/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the Sequoia models:

Blind-Spot Monitor: Detects if a vehicle is in the Sequoia's blind spots. If the turn signal is activated, an alert will sound.
Front and Rear Parking Assist Sonar: Helps you park the Sequoia by sounding an alert if an object is detected close to the front or rear bumper.
Trailer Sway Control: Detects when a trailer begins to sway and will apply braking pressure and reduce engine torque to bring it back in line.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover18.5%

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