UK US
Full-size SUV · USA · 2001-present

Toyota Sequoia

Toyota's full-size SUV. Three generations. 1st-2nd gens 4.7L/5.7L V8. 3rd gen (2023+) i-FORCE MAX hybrid V6 only (437 hp, body-on-frame).

Verdict
B
Years
2001-present
Generations
3
Segment
Full-size SUV

The Sequoia is Toyota's full-size three-row body-on-frame SUV — Tundra-derived, manufactured at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas (San Antonio) since 2022. Three generations across the run. 1st gen XK30/XK40 (2001-2007): launched 2000 as 2001 model year, derived from 1st-gen Tundra. 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8 (240 hp / 315 lb-ft, 282 hp 2005+ with VVT-i), 4-speed automatic. RWD or 4WD with low-range. Built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana. 8-passenger seating. 2nd gen XK60 (2008-2022) — completely redesigned, longer wheelbase, fully boxed frame (70% more bend resistance), independent rear suspension (departing from solid-axle 1st gen). 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8 (273-276 hp, 2008-2009) and the optional 5.7L 3UR-FE V8 (381 hp / 401 lb-ft) — became standard from 2010. 6-speed automatic. RWD or 4WD with low-range. Long 14-year production run. TRD Pro added 2020. 3rd gen XK80 (2023-present) — all-new on body-on-frame GA-F platform shared with current Tundra / Land Cruiser / Lexus LX. i-FORCE MAX hybrid V35A-FTS 3.4L twin-turbo V6 with 48-hp electric motor between engine and transmission — 437 hp / 583 lb-ft combined (the V8 was discontinued). 10-speed automatic. RWD or part-time 4WD with low-range. Solid rear axle returns (vs 2nd gen IRS). Towing: 9,000 lb (22% improvement over 2nd gen). Trims: SR5, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, Capstone (luxury flagship), 1794 (Texas heritage trim). Power-folding third row standard. Optional adaptive dampers + load-leveling rear air suspension. Up to 14-inch infotainment + 10-inch head-up display. With the Land Cruiser's discontinuation in the US for 2022 (returning later as smaller LC250), the Sequoia became Toyota's North American flagship SUV. Currently competing against Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Nissan Armada.

Generations

Click any generation for the deep dive

2001-2007

1st Gen XK30/XK40 (2001-2007)

Tundra-derived. 4.7L 2UZ-FE V8 (240-282 hp). 4-speed auto. RWD or 4WD with low-range. Solid axles.

→
2008-2022

2nd Gen XK60 (2008-2022)

Bigger, fully boxed frame, IRS. 4.7L V8 then 5.7L 3UR V8 (381 hp). 6-speed auto. 14-year run. TRD Pro 2020+.

→
2023-present

3rd Gen XK80 (2023-present)

All-new GA-F platform. i-FORCE MAX hybrid V6 (437 hp) — V8 dropped. 10-speed auto. 9,000 lb towing. Capstone luxury flagship.

→

Known issues by generation

Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.

2001-2007 · 1st Gen XK30/XK40 (2001-2007)
  • Frame rust (Toyota recall — frame replacement program)
  • VVT-i timing belt service (~90k miles, pre-2005)
  • Lower ball joint failures (well-documented recall)
  • EVAP canister failures
  • AC compressor / heater core
  • Power-window regulator failures
2008-2022 · 2nd Gen XK60 (2008-2022)
  • Frame rust (still affected by Toyota's recall)
  • VVT-i timing chain wear (5.7L 3UR)
  • Air-suspension component aging (where fitted)
  • Power liftgate motor failures
  • Center console latch wear
  • Backup camera failures (mid-cycle cars)
2023-present · 3rd Gen XK80 (2023-present)
  • Backup camera recall (2023-2025 — fixed under recall)
  • Air-suspension valve learning early-cars
  • i-FORCE MAX 12V battery drain when idle
  • Toyota Multimedia infotainment occasional freezes
  • Power-fold 3rd row motor (early cars)

Rivals

Chevrolet Tahoe · Ford Expedition · Nissan Armada · GMC Yukon