2018 Toyota Sequoia Review
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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 DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2018 Toyota Sequoia Platinum 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 $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$284/mo
Sequoia Platinum
vs
$273/mo
Avg. Large SUV
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 / 10Need 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
7.0Think 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.
Comfort
7.5All-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.
Interior
7.0The 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.
Utility
7.5Utility 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.
Technology
5.5The 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.
Which Sequoia does Edmunds recommend?
We like the value presented by the SR5 with Premium Package. Thanks to standard safety and driver assist functions this year, its features list is comparable to (or even better than) those of other base-level SUVs. Getting the Premium package is key since it adds desirable features such as leather upholstery, heated front seats and a power rear liftgate.
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.
