2021 Toyota Sequoia Review

Name: 2021 Toyota Sequoia
Brand: Toyota
Price: 36662 USD

Price Estimate: $36,662 - $39,998

Toyota Sequoia Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

Like its namesake tree, the 2021 Toyota Sequoia is massive, stout, and may last 100 years or more. And with its dated interior design and rudimentary modern tech, today's model actually feels ancient when compared to more modern rivals. Even so, exceptional utility, V8 brawn and Toyota's stellar reputation for durability give the Sequoia timeless appeal. And with its upgraded suspension and tough exterior styling, the TRD Pro offers a bit more stability and a lot more attitude.

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Appraise My 2021 Toyota Sequoia

Toyota Sequoia model years

Toyota Sequoia for Sale

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 large SUVs, fuel economy is poor
Audio controls and front central cupholders are hard to reach
Recently updated infotainment system already feels dated

What's new

Nightshade package debuts with blacked-out exterior trim
Part of the second Sequoia generation introduced in 2008

Overview

Written by automotive expert Reese Counts

12/16/2020

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia is largely unchanged from the vehicle that debuted way back in 2008. It's a truck-based full-size SUV, an increasing rarity as automakers have rolled out smaller, more efficient car-based crossover SUVs. As such, the Sequoia shares more than a little with the Toyota Tundra pickup, including a powerful 5.7-liter V8. The stout frame and potent V8 give the Sequoia stronger tow ratings than any crossover, and the large footprint means there's decent passenger space. Toyota has released a steady stream of updates over the years, adding revamped tech, a suite of driver aids and several packages that make the Sequoia reasonably capable off-road.

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2021 Toyota Sequoia
TRD PRO 4dr SUV
$48,900
- 101,022 miles
- No accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 7 Seats, 13 City / 17 Hwy MPG
- Hanover Toyota (61 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Hanover, PA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
14 Combined MPG (13 City/17 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TDEY5B1XMS183489
Stock: 58171A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 12-27-2025
Price Drop
2021 Toyota Sequoia
Limited 4dr SUV
$44,499
- 77,135 miles
- 3 accidents, 1 owner, personal use only
- 8 Seats, 13 City / 17 Hwy MPG
- Colonial Nissan (153 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Feasterville Trevose, PA
Check out all these great options 12 Speakers, 3rd row seats: split-bench, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, 4.30 Axle Ratio, ABS brakes, Air Conditioning, Alloy w...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
14 Combined MPG (13 City/17 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 5TDFY5B16MS181338
Stock: 78392A
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 10-10-2025

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Those updates have helped keep the Sequoia from feeling too stale. Still, it's hard to make a compelling case for it when you compare it to newer, much more modern rivals such as the Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC Yukon, Ford Expedition and Nissan Armada. All of those ride on newer platforms, use more powerful and more fuel-efficient engines, and feature tech that didn't feel behind the pack the second it was introduced. While we like the Sequoia's generous cargo space and genuine off-road credentials, we highly recommend giving the competition a thorough look. It's more expensive, but the Toyota Land Cruiser is worth checking out too.

Edmunds Expert Rating

edmunds TESTED

by the Edmunds Experts

Below Average

6.9

out of 10

We drove the 2021 Toyota Sequoia on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.

Performance

7/10

How does the Sequoia drive? Think of the Sequoia as a Tundra pickup with three rows and an SUV roof. It's got the same kind of effortless power from its big V8 engine, and that makes it well suited to towing trailers, boats and other toys. It also makes for easy highway passing when it's not pulling a load. That's backed up by our track-measured 0-60 mph time of 7.4 seconds, which is only a few tenths behind the class leader.

At about 6,000 pounds, and with light steering that doesn't have much road feel, the Sequoia isn't our first pick for winding roads. But it's surprisingly agile for its size, and the upgraded TRD Pro suspension should make hill climbs and descents a little more stable and add some confidence to braking maneuvers.

Comfort

7.5/10

How comfortable is the Sequoia? All-around comfort and surprising serenity are the Sequoia's main strengths. The seats don't offer much side-to-side support. They're basically just big chairs that provide solid long-haul support. The front seats, however, are limited in adjustments. We do like the Sequoia's plush ride quality. It absorbs impacts and shrugs off smaller bumps not unlike a luxury SUV.

Tire and wind noise is well suppressed, but you'll hear the engine straining when it's working hard. The height-adjustable suspension helps maintain comfort when you're hauling heavy loads. The air conditioning blows strong and cold in the back row, but it's oddly weak up front when all three zones are pumping.

Interior

7/10

How’s the interior? The Sequoia feels spacious, but you expect that given its size. Getting into the Sequoia's first two rows requires a step up, but the 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.

There is plenty of room for heads, arms, elbows and shoulders all around. The downside is that the driver and front passenger will need to stretch to reach the touchscreen and stereo controls. The third row is narrow but offers good adult legroom. It's fine for short trips, but you don't really want more than six adults in this SUV.

Technology

6.5/10

How’s the tech? Next to rival systems, the Sequoia's infotainment is sadly outclassed. The updated 7-inch touchscreen media interface already looks dated, but at least the resolution and response are decent. Device connectivity has been improved by upping the USB port count to three, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now available. But functionality was iffy, often freezing or disconnecting during our two weeks with it. Additionally there are four 12-volt ports situated about the cabin for charging devices.

Active safety tech, on the other hand, is fairly comprehensive and it's all standard from the base model on up. Every Sequoia has automatic emergency braking, blind-spot and cross-traffic monitoring, front and rear parking sensors, lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control. However, competitors do have things such as lane keeping assist and adaptive cruise that works down to a stop.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? Utility is the Sequoia's game. Its cargo space, which is helped by two rows of fold-flat seats, is among the largest in the class and is arguably the key reason you buy a Sequoia. With 120.1 cubic feet of maximum space, it's only beat by the Chevrolet Suburban and the Ford Expedition Max.

With seats up, it's still impressive: 67 cubic feet with just the third row folded and 19 cubes of room for groceries with the third row up. A power liftgate enhances the ability to stuff the Sequoia full of gear. Slimmer plastic panels would increase capacity, but it's impressive as it is. The Sequoia offers so many nooks and cubbies that some personal items will disappear forever.

Fuel Economy

5.5/10

How’s the fuel economy? Our 4WD Sequoia TRD Pro gets an EPA-estimated 14 mpg combined (13 city/17 highway). The best tank we saw was 17.9 mpg during a long road trip, averaging about 17.5 mpg of mainly highway miles. Our previously tested TRD Sport, which has the same engine, returned 14.4 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation loop and averaged 13.6 mpg over all of the miles we drove it. That's not particularly impressive, but it is worth noting that we more or less matched its EPA figure, which suggests that the estimate is not overstated. Still, its 4x4 rivals are rated higher. The combined rating of the Ford Expedition 4x4 is 19 mpg, the Chevrolet Tahoe's is 18 mpg and the Dodge Durango's is 17 mpg. Even the chunky Nissan Armada bests the Sequoia with a rating of 15 mpg combined.

Value

6.5/10

Is the Sequoia a good value? While stout and capable, the Sequoia doesn't quite feel modern enough at this price. The interior feels dated, the updated tech is still below par, and its fuel economy ranks lowest in its class. The Sequoia's cabin materials are outclassed by its rivals too, and hard-touch plastic makes it feel more like a Tundra pickup and less like a more affordable Lexus.

Toyota's record for reliability and high resale value is definitely worth something, and the ownership perks such as free early maintenance are nice to have. If the Sequoia's aging interior design and its excessive thirst for gasoline don't turn you away, then the underlying value proposition gets a bit stronger.

Wildcard

6/10

We can't recommend the Sequoia as a first choice; competitors are simply that much newer, nicer and better. But the Sequoia has a few things going for it: primarily massive interior room, a powerful and reliable engine-and-transmission package, oddly satisfying handling, and bulletproof Toyota construction. But compared to the more elegant Expedition, the stately Tahoe or rambunctious Durango, the Sequoia comes off a little boring and bland.

And while there's a bizarre, sadistic pleasure in trying to hustle the Sequoia through curves (excessive body roll means you'll reach its limits soon enough), it's more fun to simply point the Sequoia in a straight line and punch the pedal. It's also a great road-tripper.

2021 Toyota Sequoia trim level differences

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia is available in six trim levels: SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Nightshade Special Edition, TRD Pro and Platinum. Each is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 (381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque) paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the SR5, TRD Sport, Limited and Nightshade models. Four-wheel drive is available on those trims and standard on the Sequoia TRD Pro and Platinum. All Sequoias come with three rows of seating. Compare the 2021 Toyota Sequoia trim levels in-depth.

Which Sequoia trim does Edmunds recommend?

The TRD Sport and TRD Pro trims are capable machines if you plan to do any off-roading. But for most people, we suggest going with the base SR5 trim with the available Premium package, which adds features including heated front seats and navigation.

Cost to Drive

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$233/mo

$211/mo

Avg. Large SUV

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Reliability

The 2021 Toyota Sequoia has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 2 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #7 out of 16 among Fullsize SUVs. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above 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

$605/yr

vs. $614/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV

Frequency

1.46x/yr

vs. 1.59x/yr
for Average Fullsize SUV

Severity

15.5%

vs. 16.7%
for Average Fullsize SUV

Recalls

2 recalls found

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Recall Number:: 21V920000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 21TB10 / 2
Number of vehicles affected:: 22462
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
Defect Consequence:: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.

Recall Number:: 21E103000
Manufacturer Recall Number:: 21TH01
Number of vehicles affected:: 151
Defect Description:: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
Defect Consequence:: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.

Warranty

3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty

Basic Warranty: 3 years / 36,000 miles
Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
Rust Warranty: 5 years / unlimited miles
Roadside assistance Warranty: 3 years / unlimited miles
Free maintenance Warranty: 2 years / 25,000 miles

Toyota Sequoia Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.2

37 reviews

5(57%)

4(21%)

3(11%)

2(3%)

1(8%)

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2021 Sequoia Highlights

Trim:

SR5

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$50,400
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	15 MPG
Cost to Drive	$233/month
Seating	8 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	18.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

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Safety

Our experts like the Sequoia models:

Blind-Spot Monitor: Detects if a vehicle is in a blind spot. If the turn signal is activated, an alert will sound.
Pre-Collision System: Warns the driver about an imminent front collision and can automatically apply the brakes if the driver doesn't act in time.
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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2021 Toyota Sequoia Review

Price & Payment

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

For sale near Ashburn, VA

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

2021 Toyota Sequoia trim level differences

Which Sequoia trim does Edmunds recommend?

Cost to Drive

Reliability

Reliability Rating by RepairPal

Recalls

Warranty

Toyota Sequoia Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

2021 Sequoia Highlights

Safety

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