For families needing a vehicle that truly does it all, look no further than the Toyota Sequoia Suv. Whether you’re planning a cross-country vacation with a boat in tow, carpooling the entire soccer team, or helping a student move into their college dorm with all the essentials, the Toyota Sequoia is engineered to handle life’s biggest demands with ease.
This full-size SUV boasts seating for up to eight passengers, a robust 381-horsepower V8 engine, and the option of full-time four-wheel drive, making it a powerhouse on wheels. Yet, the Sequoia is surprisingly comfortable and maneuverable for daily driving, thanks to its four-wheel independent suspension and a remarkably tight turning circle. From weekend adventures to weekday errands, the Toyota Sequoia seamlessly blends capability and convenience.
Available in SR5, Limited, and Platinum trims, the Toyota Sequoia offers a range of features to suit diverse needs and preferences. Enjoy the latest Toyota Entune® multimedia system and the option of a factory-installed Blu-Ray® rear-seat entertainment system to keep everyone connected and entertained on the go. In the Limited and Platinum grades, the Sequoia elevates the family hauler to a luxury experience, combining premium comfort with rugged performance.
Built on a Foundation of Strength and Refinement
The Toyota Sequoia’s exceptional capability and smooth ride quality begin with its exclusive body-on-frame platform. This robust construction provides a solid foundation for both impressive towing and off-road prowess, while also contributing to a quiet and comfortable cabin. The four-wheel independent suspension plays a crucial role in delivering a refined driving experience, effectively absorbing bumps on paved roads and providing excellent wheel articulation when venturing off the beaten path.
Alt text: Rugged body-on-frame construction of the Toyota Sequoia SUV, highlighting its durability and off-road capability.
Drivers can choose between 2WD and full-time 4WD configurations in the Sequoia lineup. The available Multi-Mode 4WD system enhances traction and control in challenging conditions, utilizing a two-speed transfer case with a lockable TORSEN® limited-slip center differential. This system intelligently distributes torque between the front and rear wheels, optimizing grip on various surfaces. Switching to low range for demanding terrain is effortless with a simple rotary knob, and the center differential can be locked at the push of a button for maximum traction when needed.
Powering every Toyota Sequoia is a potent i-FORCE 5.7-liter V8 engine, paired with a smooth and responsive six-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. This engine delivers an impressive 381 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 401 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,600 RPM, ensuring ample power for both everyday driving and demanding tasks like towing. Dual independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) and an Acoustic Control Induction System (ACIS) optimize engine performance across the rev range, providing strong torque at low speeds and sustained power at higher speeds. The ACIS system adjusts the intake tract length in two stages based on engine RPM and throttle input, further enhancing efficiency and responsiveness. Staying true to Toyota’s commitment to value, the Sequoia runs on regular-grade gasoline.
Towing Prowess: Ready for Your Biggest Adventures
The Toyota Sequoia is built to tow, and its powerful V8 engine is a key contributor to its impressive towing capability. With 90 percent of its peak torque available from just 2,200 rpm, the Sequoia offers confident and controlled towing performance. Meeting the stringent SAE J2807 towing standard, the Sequoia can tow up to 7,400 lbs., depending on the specific model grade and equipment.
Alt text: Toyota Sequoia SUV effortlessly towing a large boat, showcasing its powerful towing capacity for family adventures.
Toyota has integrated several features specifically designed to enhance the towing experience. The towing hitch is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s frame as a single robust unit, providing a strong and secure connection. The transmission’s driver-selectable Tow/Haul mode optimizes shift points to maintain power and control while towing heavy loads. Trailer Sway Control further enhances towing confidence by using the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system to counteract forces that can cause trailer sway, making towing safer and more manageable for drivers of all experience levels.
Handling and Ride: Surprisingly Agile and Comfortable
Despite its full-size dimensions, the Toyota Sequoia is engineered to handle with surprising agility and provide a comfortable ride. The high-strength chassis and four-wheel independent suspension system are again key components in achieving this balance. The suspension, featuring upper and lower A-arms and coil springs at each wheel, delivers both responsive handling and a smooth ride. A 38-foot turning circle is exceptionally tight for a vehicle in this class, making parking and maneuvering in tight spaces much easier.
Braking performance is equally impressive, with large 13.9-inch ventilated front disc brakes and 13.6-inch ventilated rear disc brakes, all utilizing four opposed pistons for confident stopping power.
The Sequoia Platinum grade elevates ride comfort to a new level with its load-leveling rear air suspension and Adaptive Variable Suspension. The Adaptive Variable Suspension system is an electronic damper control system that allows the driver to select between Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings, tailoring the ride to their preferences and driving conditions. The rear air spring suspension automatically adjusts to maintain optimal ride height and chassis balance when carrying heavy loads or towing, ensuring a consistent and comfortable ride experience.
The Sequoia SR5 rides on 18-inch aluminum wheels paired with 275/65 R18 tires, while the Limited and Platinum grades feature larger 20-inch aluminum wheels with 275/55 R20 tires. The Platinum grade wheels further enhance the luxury aesthetic with a distinctive diamond-cut finish.
Exterior and Interior Design: Functional and Refined
The Toyota Sequoia’s exterior design prioritizes both functionality and aerodynamics. Its sculpted body lines contribute to an impressive 0.36 coefficient of drag (Cd), comparable to some smaller crossover vehicles, improving fuel efficiency and reducing wind noise. Exterior features are carefully designed to minimize wind noise, creating a remarkably quiet cabin environment.
Visibility is also a key design consideration. Headlight washers are standard on all Sequoia models, ensuring clear visibility in messy conditions. Limited grade models feature power-retractable and auto-dimming side-view mirrors with integrated turn signal lamps. The Platinum grade mirrors add puddle lamps, position memory, and reverse-linked tilt functions for enhanced convenience.
Wide-opening rear doors facilitate easy passenger entry and exit, as well as child seat installation. Standard front and rear parking sonar sensors on Limited and Platinum models assist with parking maneuvers, alerting the driver to obstacles around the vehicle. A standard rear-view camera provides additional assistance when backing up, with the display integrated into the auto-dimming rearview mirror or the larger navigation screen on equipped models.
Alt text: Spacious and versatile interior of the Toyota Sequoia SUV, showcasing ample seating and cargo room for families.
Inside, the Toyota Sequoia offers a truly expansive and versatile cabin. Each of its eight seating positions provides ample room for adults, ensuring comfortable journeys for all passengers. Folding down the second and third-row seats creates a massive cargo area of up to 120.1 cubic feet, capable of accommodating items up to 11 feet long. The Sequoia is also incredibly practical, with an abundance of cup and bottle holders throughout the cabin.
Versatile seating configurations are a hallmark of the Sequoia. The 40:20:40 split second-row bench seat offers numerous configurations, complemented by a 5.9-inch seat-slide adjustment range. The middle row folds flat, and a one-touch easy-slide feature simplifies access to the third row. For a more luxurious seven-seat configuration, available second-row captain’s chairs provide individual comfort.
The third-row seat is designed for adult comfort and features a 60:40 split and reclining capability. It also folds flat easily, with an available power tilting and folding feature for added convenience. The rear liftgate includes a power sliding glass window that can be opened independently, and the spacious cargo area is equipped with practical grocery bag hooks. Interior color choices include Graphite and Sand Beige across all three grades, with an exclusive Red Rock interior option for the Platinum grade and a black interior for the SR5 Sport Appearance Package.
Toyota Safety: Peace of Mind for Every Journey
The Toyota Sequoia prioritizes safety and comes equipped with Toyota’s STAR Safety System™, a suite of advanced safety technologies including:
- Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist (BA)
- Traction Control (TRAC) (replaced by A-TRAC on 4WD models)
- Smart Stop Technology (SST)
All Sequoia models also feature a direct tire pressure monitoring system. The comprehensive airbag system includes dual-stage advanced front airbags, seat-mounted side airbags for the driver and front passenger, roll-sensing side curtain airbags for all three rows, and driver and front passenger knee airbags.
Entune® Multimedia: Stay Connected and Entertained
Keeping families connected and entertained is essential, and the Toyota Sequoia delivers with its Entune® multimedia systems. The SR5 grade features the Entune Audio Plus system, while the Limited offers Entune Premium Audio, and the Platinum grade comes standard with Entune Premium JBL® Audio with Navigation and App Suite.
Alt text: Toyota Sequoia’s Entune multimedia system, showcasing its user-friendly interface and connectivity features for navigation and entertainment.
Pairing a smartphone with Entune unlocks a world of in-vehicle connectivity, providing integrated access to navigation, music, and information services. The Entune App Suite offers access to popular mobile apps such as Bing™, iHeartRadio, Pandora®, Yelp, and more, along with real-time traffic, weather, fuel prices, sports, and stocks information. The standard Entune Audio Plus system in the SR5 grade includes an 8-speaker system with a 6.1-inch touch-screen display, CD player, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, auxiliary audio jack, USB port, Bluetooth® wireless technology, and more.
The Entune Premium Audio system in the Limited grade upgrades to a 14-speaker system with a 6-disc CD changer. The Platinum grade’s Entune Premium JBL Audio system adds voice-activated touch-screen navigation, integrated backup camera display, SiriusXM NavTraffic™, and all the features of the Limited grade system, providing the ultimate in infotainment and convenience.
Trim Levels and Options: Choose Your Perfect Sequoia
The Toyota Sequoia is available in three well-equipped trim levels: SR5, Limited, and Platinum, each offering a distinct level of features and luxury.
The base SR5 trim is exceptionally well-equipped, including features like a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, power windows and locks, keyless entry, cruise control, a power moonroof, towing package, 8-way power driver’s seat, fog lamps, roof rack, and running boards.
Stepping up to the Limited trim adds front and rear parking sonar, a power rear liftgate, power-folding third-row seat, 20-inch alloy wheels, heated front leather-trimmed seats, and more.
The top-of-the-line Platinum grade includes Dynamic Laser Cruise Control, a rear-seat Blu-Ray entertainment system, 12-way power driver’s seat, simulated wood trim, 20-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, rear load-leveling air suspension, power seat memory package, heated second-row seats, and a wood-trimmed steering wheel.
Optional packages allow further customization. The SR5 Sport Appearance Package adds sporty styling cues, while the SR5 Premium Package upgrades to leather-trimmed, heated front seats and additional convenience features. The Limited trim can be upgraded with the Entune Premium JBL Audio system and Blu-Ray Rear Seat Entertainment System.
Toyota Warranty and Toyota Care
The Toyota Sequoia is backed by Toyota’s comprehensive 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty. Powertrain components are covered for 60 months/60,000 miles, and corrosion protection is provided for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Furthermore, every Sequoia comes standard with Toyota Care, a complimentary plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance and 24-hour roadside assistance for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, adding even more value and peace of mind.
Conclusion:
The 2015 Toyota Sequoia SUV stands out as the ultimate family vehicle, offering a unique blend of robust capability, refined comfort, and advanced technology. From its powerful V8 engine and impressive towing capacity to its spacious and versatile interior and comprehensive safety features, the Sequoia is designed to handle every aspect of family life with confidence and ease. Whether you’re embarking on a grand adventure or simply navigating the daily routine, the Toyota Sequoia is ready to exceed your expectations.
