2017 Toyota Sequoia

The Sequoia provides a reasonable lineup of technology amenities- Carfax

The Toyota Sequoia is sold in the U.S. in the form of three trims- SR5, Limited, and Platinum. The SR5 trim starts at $45,560 while the top-spec Platinum trim is priced at $65,315. A destination fee of $1,295 will be added to the price tag. The Sequoia offers a long list of features segregated into its trims nicely. 

For a base trim, the SR5 trim offers a lot of standard features such as 8-way power driver cloth seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 6.1-inch touchscreen display paired with an 8-speaker sound system, 18-inch wheels, and many more. There are a few optional packages available that can increase the features list for some extra bucks. 

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Although the base SR5 trim offers more features for its price, we still recommend buying the Limited trim as it is eligible for the optional Safety and Convenience package that adds blind-spot monitoring and lane change assist for $1,005. This trim adds heated front leather seats and a power tailgate. 

At 15 mpg combined, the Sequoia is well off the mark of more modern rivals- The Car Connection

People who want to save money from fuel costs should steer away from it as the Toyota Sequoia is the least fuel-efficient in its class. According to the EPA, the Sequoia returns 13 MPG in the city, 17 MPG on a highway, and 15 MPG combined. Adding the optional 4WD reduces the combined fuel economy by about 1 MPG, but the city and highway estimates remain the same, which is impressive.

The Sequoia can run on both regular gas and flex-fuel, the latter offered in only 4WD models. A fuel tank capacity of 26.4 gallons is fitted in the Sequoia. Thanks to this large tank, it can deliver 396 miles of combined range, both in RWD and 4WD models. Even the flex-fuel models also offer the same combined range. These MPG figures and range are really less but considering the power it makes, it justifies. 

The efficiency of the Chevrolet Tahoe is somewhat better than the rest of the bunch due to its light curb weight. The large fuel tank of the Ford Expedition helps it to return better fuel estimates and driving range than the Nissan Armada. With just 15 MPG combined, the Sequoia stands behind its rivals.

The 2017 Toyota Sequoia fails to impress with its boring cabin design- Cars.USNews

2017 Toyota Sequoia Seating and Comfort

The Toyota Sequoia is an 8-seater SUV but opting for the second-row captain chairs decreases the seating capacity to seven. Cloth upholstery is standard on the SR5 trim but higher models get leather-trimmed seats. The front seats are comfortable but the seat bottoms are a bit firm. They are also power-adjustable while the Limited and Platinum also get power-adjustable lumbar support with heated functions. The top-end Platinum trim gets a power-adjustable steering wheel which helps to get a comfortable driving position.

Even the rear seats are comfortable and soft. Getting into the third row is very easy and with the captain chairs equipped, it is easier as they slide and recline a very good amount. The head and legroom in the first two rows can accommodate tall passengers and even the third row is adult-friendly. However, the material quality is very disappointing. The dashboard and most interior surfaces are composed of hard plastics. The overall interior layout is bit outdated too. 

The Ford Expedition offers the most space in the third row and is the best SUV for tall passengers. The Chevrolet Tahoe offers a great deal of space in the first two rows while its third row is quite disappointing. The Nissan Armada offers slightly more headroom in the third row but its legroom is still not suitable for seating adults. 

2017 Toyota Sequoia Infotainment System

Every Sequoia has an outdated 6.1-inch high-resolution touchscreen that functions on the Entune infotainment system. Sadly, smartphone integration is still not offered in the Sequoia. While its rivals have removed the single-disc CD player, the Sequoia still provides this feature. A navigation system is also included from the Limited trim onwards. The touchscreen is responsive but sometimes it can be irritating while using the small virtual buttons.

Sound duties are handles by 8 speakers standard on the SR5 and Limited trims. A 14-speaker JBL premium audio system is standard on the Platinum trim but can be availed on lower models for $745. This system can be set to have a customizable home screen. A blu-ray rear-seat entertainment system is standard on the Platinum trim and available on the other two trims for $1,900. The screen measures 9 inches wide and has high resolution. 

2017 Toyota Sequoia Interior Features

The main cabin highlights of the Sequoia are:

• Power tilt & telescopic multi-function leather steering wheel 
• Cloth & leather upholstery
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Dual illuminating vanity mirrors
• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Power front seats with heated function
• Remote trunk release
• 115V rear power outlet
• 6.1-inch touchscreen display
• 14-speaker JBL premium audio system
• SiriusXM
• Voice recognition audio system

2017 Toyota Sequoia Cargo Space

The Toyota Sequoia is one of the most practical SUVs in its segment. You get 18.9 cu-ft. behind the third row, 66.6 cu-ft. behind the second row and a maximum cargo capacity of 120.1 cu-ft., with the second-row folded. The third-row seats are power folded in the Limited and Platinum models. All the seats fold flat which is really good for storing long items. 

With so much space available, this SUV is a perfect choice if you are planning a road trip. It can easily store more than 10 large roller bags. A power tailgate is offered only on the Limited and Platinum models. If you'll lift up the load floor, you'll find additional storage space. And if you need more space to carry long items, there is a roof rack standard on every Sequoia. 

With 120.1 cu-ft. of cargo space, the Sequoia stays at the top of the table. Only the Ford Expedition's cargo capacity is the closest to the Sequoia with 108.3 cu-ft., which is not that bad for a large SUV. The Nissan Armada offers only 95.1 cu-ft. of maximum cargo space while the Chevrolet Tahoe is a bad choice for those who favor practicality as only 94.7 cu-ft. with seat area is available.

Big and brawny, the Sequoia's rounded-off body could be nothing other than a truck-based SUV- The Car Connection

2017 Toyota Sequoia Dimension and Weight

The Toyota Sequoia is the oldest vehicle in its class and that can be proved by its exterior styling. Upfrnt, the grille is mettalic with chrome surround. There is no LED lighting provided anywhere on the vehicle. You get projector-beam headlights with fog lamps on the lower fascia. The base SR5 model sits on 18-inch wheels while the Limited and Platinum trims settle for 20-inch alloy wheels. With an extraordinary high ground clearance of 9.9 inches, the Sequoia can be a perfect SUV for off-road ventures. The gap between the wheels and the arches is also more. 

The SR5 and Limited models ride on the double-wishbone front suspension and an independent wishbone rear suspension while the Platinum trim gains an adaptive variable suspension and a rear air suspension. The double-wishbone suspension is provided for improving ride comfort where the air suspension reduces the harshness in ride quality. Unlike most of its competitors, the Sequoia does not have an extended wheelbase version. The rear of the Sequoia is masculine as well. There is a chrome strip engraved on the Limited and Platinum models. 

The Chevrolet Tahoe has the shortest wheelbase in this class and hence, its rear-seat space is cramped. At 208.9 inches, the Nissan Armada is the longest vehicle here. But, parking this vehicle at tight parking spots can be a challenging task. The Ford Expedition's overall width measures 78.8 inches which is the least among its rivals. This affects the shoulder room in the interior. 

2017 Toyota Sequoia Exterior Features

Some of the exterior features of the Sequoia are: 

• Halogen headlights with cleaners
• DRLs
• Front fog lights
• Exterior entry lights
• Door courtesy lights
• Power-folding, auto-dimming exterior mirrors with integrated turn signals
• Taillights
• Chrome door handles
• Metallic grille with chrome surround
• Chrome mirrors
• Rear roofline spoiler
• Body-colored running boards
• Black window trim
• 18 & 20-inch alloy wheels

The upscale Platinum trim touts adaptive cruise control and a blind-spot monitoring system- Autotrader

The Toyota Sequoia was only crash-tested by NHTSA and that too was just the rollover crash test while IIHS neglected to test its crashworthiness. In the rollover crash test, the Sequoia secured four out of five stars. Due to the absence of the safety ratings, we cannot comment on the safety of the Sequoia. 

Not just the safety ratings, even the latest safety technologies are missing in the Sequoia. Compared to its rivals, the Sequoia is a lot behind in this field. What's good is that eight airbags are provided that can prevent the risk of severe injuries during a collision. Below is a list of safety features available in the Sequoia. 

• Rearview Camera
• Front & Rear Parking Sensors
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• Adaptive Cruise Control

2017 Toyota Sequoia vs 2017 Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada is the cheapest offering in this segment. It makes slightly more power than the Sequoia but due to its light curb weight, it manages to accelerate quicker. The Armada overtakes the Sequoia by offering class-leading fuel efficiency and towing capacity. However, its cabin offers significantly less third-row space and overall cargo capacity. The Armada was also not crash-tested but it offers a long list of driver-assist features. 

2017 Toyota Sequoia vs 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe

Starting at $47,215, the Chevrolet Tahoe has a high initial price in its class. Sadly, it makes the least power, and therefore, its performance stats are slowest among its class rivals. However, its tow ratings and fuel ratings are better than the Sequoia. On the inside, the Tahoe offers the least legroom in the third row while its overall cargo volume is the worst in this segment. Along with good NHTSA ratings, the Tahoe also packs decent safety techs. 

2017 Toyota Sequoia vs 2017 Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition is around $1,565 costlier than the Sequoia. With 16 horsepower less than the Sequia, the Expedition's acceleration is slightly slower. But this engine is known for its towing capacity while its large fuel tank contributes to better fuel economy. The Expedition offers the best passenger space in the third row but it cannot beat the Sequoia in terms of cargo capacity. With regards to safety, the Expedition earned decent ratings but the safety tech offered is very few.

The Toyota Sequoia is a large SUV known for its practicality and grunty V8 engine. Due to its old body, dated looks, and lack of the latest driver aids, it is not among the top players in its class. But, compared to its rivals, the Sequoia is expected to hold its value better over time thanks to its strong reliability. Therefore, if you are looking for an SUV with decent passenger space for your family and a punchier performance from the V8, look for the Toyota Sequoia.