Until recently, the Toyota Sequoia was one of those vehicles that had fallen into obscurity. It's worth noting that its last complete overhaul was back in 2007, a time when some Toyota products were still equipped with cassette players. In short, it was time for the manufacturer to introduce a new generation of the model, and that's exactly what happened in 2023. Unsurprisingly, the latest version quickly captivated the public, boosting sales of the model by over 300% in 2023, which is huge, especially in a market where most vehicles are losing popularity.
There aren't any major updates for 2025, apart from a few mechanical improvements, new features for some trims, and a new color called "Mud Bath" reserved for the TRD Pro version. The Japanese manufacturer also decided to offer massaging front seats as a standard feature on the Platinum and Capstone versions, which makes sense at such a price, in my opinion.
Range and Pricing
As you might have guessed, the Toyota Sequoia is far from being budget-friendly. In fact, I would say it's one of the most expensive mainstream models currently available on the market. Its starting price is $85,916.50, including transportation and preparation fees, which is quite steep, let's be honest. Fortunately, the base SR5 TRD Off-Road version comes pretty well-equipped. Next is the Limited version, starting at $88,736.50. You'll need to shell out $100,974 to access the TRD Pro version. The Platinum version starts at $100,261, and the Capstone version is by far the most expensive, with a starting price of $103,573.50.
Category and Competition
There are certainly fewer candidates in the large SUV segment, but the competition remains fierce nonetheless. To stand out, vehicles in this category must offer the capabilities of a truck, a minivan, and an SUV all at once. Additionally, they must be modern and packed with technology. Fortunately, Toyota seems to have found the right formula with this new generation, and the numbers speak for themselves.
Rivals: Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, GMC Yukon, Jeep Wagoneer, Nissan Armada
Design and Technology
At the moment, it's safe to say that everything Toyota touches turns to gold. Well, you get the idea—it's a saying, but it perfectly describes the concept of the new Sequoia, which has everything to please from an aesthetic standpoint. It's a model that's both imposing and serious, featuring sharply defined lines and a muscular silhouette. In fact, it looks like a life-sized toy, which, in my opinion, makes it all the more appealing.
As for the interior, it's very spacious and packed with a wide array of technologies. The driving position is very comfortable, and I particularly like the large center console. The Sequoia's dashboard strongly resembles that of a truck, which is something I personally appreciate.
Performance
The Japanese manufacturer's large SUV offers only one mechanical option, and that's just fine. It's a 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 engine combined with an electric motor, delivering a total of 427 horsepower and 583 lb-ft of torque. This setup allows the model to offer a towing capacity of over 9,000 pounds. The engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and 4x4 is standard, making the Sequoia even more attractive to adventure enthusiasts. As for fuel consumption, you can expect around 12.6 L/100 km in the city and 10.5 L/100 km on the highway, which is quite reasonable for such a large vehicle.
Weak Points
A more affordable version would be welcome in the model's lineup. It's a large vehicle that can be challenging to maneuver in off-road driving situations.
Strong Points
The 2025 Toyota Sequoia comes well-equipped as standard and is very enjoyable to drive. The TRD versions are particularly interesting. I have nothing but praise for this new engine.
Signature Feature
The Toyota Sequoia is undoubtedly one of the most versatile vehicles in the Japanese manufacturer's lineup.
Final Word
After years of slow sales, the Toyota Sequoia is finally posting satisfying numbers. Moreover, I am convinced that the model's popularity will continue to rise. The Sequoia is a vehicle with few faults, which is why I highly recommend it.
Jean-Sébastien Poudrier