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Despite its age the 2021 Toyota Sequoia continues to be one of the most comfortable and capable three-row SUVs on sale. Read our complete review here.
2021 Toyota Sequoia – toyota.com | Shop 2021 Toyota Sequoia on Carsforsale.com
What’s New for the 2021 Toyota Sequoia?
For 2021, the new Toyota Sequoia gets a Nightshade package which adds black badging and trim to the exterior of the SUV.
The Breakdown
Off-road capable
Spacious interior
Safety tech is standard
Dated interior
Poor fuel economy
Clumsy handling
It’s time for a third generation
2021 Sequoia Specs
- 381 horsepower from base engine
- 401 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 6 available trims
- 18.9 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 120.1 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- 7,000-lb towing capacity
- Standrad adaptive cruise control
- Two years of included maintenance
2021 Toyota Sequoia Powertrain
When this version of the Sequoia arrived in 2008, 381 horsepower was pretty impressive and guess what, it’s still pretty stout. 401 lb-ft of torque is no joke either and this big burly SUV will never leave you feeling underpowered. At the same time, it’s only fair to point out that the rest of the powertrain feels pretty old. The six-speed transmission is about three cogs short of modern and so it’s no surprise that this thing doesn’t get great fuel economy. In addition, the ride itself is pretty pleasant but throw the Sequoia into a bend and the body roll is significant.
We didn’t get a chance to drive the Platinum with its adaptive shocks but have to believe that even those can’t totally modernize this old-school platform around harder corners. Still, around town and on the highway, this large SUV does a nice job of remaining comfortable. The steering and pedal feedback is above average and easy to modulate with almost no learning curve.
Towing & Payload
Toyota also trails rivals with a maximum towing capacity of just 7,000-pounds with the Sequoia.
2021 Toyota Sequoia Fuel Economy & MPG
On its best days, the Toyota Sequoia is going to get 17 mpg on the highway and 13 in the city. That applies to both the rear-wheel-drive and 4WD models. That’s well below its competitors.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
The inside of this SUV is a mixed bag. First of all, it’s properly spacious and easy to get comfortable in. The front seats are highly adjustable and offer a great position for driving too. We really like the amount of storage found throughout the cabin too. If maximum cargo area or legroom is important to you, the Sequoia can check those boxes easily. Adults can even sit in the third row without issue.
The downside is that everything inside feels just as old as this platform is. The infotainment system was recently updated but already feels behind the times. The dash, the switchgear, and materials all make this Toyota’s $51,000 price tag feel really expensive. Then there’s the complete lack of features that all of this vehicle’s rivals already provide. That includes available second-row heated seats, in-car intercom systems, or more power outlets.
Entertainment & Technology
The tech that is featured in the Sequoia is ok. We appreciate Toyota finally including Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the car but it’s hampered by a small 7-inch infotainment system which is just too small for the vehicle. We couldn’t find a way to add wireless device charging to the vehicle, and there’s no 360-degree camera either. Then there’s the rear-seat entertainment system which is, no joke, a Blueray player. If you weren’t sure how old some of the kit in the Sequoia was before, now you know.
Safety Features
The Sequoia hasn’t been tested by either the IIHS or the NHTSA but Toyota has buoyed the vehicle by including a bevy of advanced driver safety features like adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and lane-departure warning.
2021 Toyota Sequoia Trims & Pricing
SR5 – $51,895
Every Sequoia starts out with a 381 horsepower, 401 lb-ft torque V8 and power to the rear wheels. Four-wheel drive is optional on all but the TRD Pro and the Platinum which both get four-wheel drive standard. The SR5 is equipped with 18-inch wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights and fog lights, a sunroof, and a 7-inch infotainment system featuring both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Standard safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and parking sensors. A Premium package is available that includes heated seats, leather upholstery, an upgraded sound system, and a power-folding third row.
TRD Sport – $54,610
Buyers who go for the TRD Sport get everything from the SR5 including the Premium package and then add atop that with second-row captain’s chairs, 10-inch wheels, black trim, a roof rack, sport-tuned Bilstein shocks, and stiffer anti-roll bars.
Limited – $60,915
The Limited trim is a no-frills luxury option with a second-row bench, leather upholstery, heated front seats, integrated navigation, and chrome exterior trim.
Nightshade – $61,915
New for 2021, the Nightshade package is all black and gets captain’s chairs in the second row as well dark chrome and black exterior trim paired with black 20-inch wheels.
TRD Pro – $66,020
This is the serious off-road Sequoia and it gets 18-inch BBS wheels, skid plates, Rigid Industries LED fog lights, a power liftgate, aluminum running boards, and a premium JBL audio system.
Platinum – $67,945
No Sequoia is as nice as the Platinum with its heated and ventilated front seats, adaptive suspension, automatic high beams, and rear-seat entertainment system.
Warranties
The average warranty package around the automotive world is the same one Toyota offers on the Sequoia. It includes a bumper to bumper Limited warranty for the first three years or 36,000-miles. It also covers the powertrain for up to five years or 60,000-miles. What makes Toyota special is that it offers two years or 25,000-miles of complimentary maintenance on the Sequoia.
What we think
2021 Toyota Sequoia – toyota.com | Shop 2021 Toyota Sequoia on Carsforsale.com
We really love that the Sequoia can actually take six adults way into the wilderness without getting stuck. For long road trips, it’s even more capable but if you or your passengers want modern tech, modern handling, or modern fuel efficiency, the Sequoia might not be the SUV for you.
