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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Toyota Sequoia

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Toyota Sequoia

Overview

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2011 Toyota Sequoia Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 5.8

The 2011 Toyota Sequoia was designed with long road trips in mind. Substantial width and length provide ample rear passenger room, and adults can ride comfortably in the third-row seats. This full-size sport utility vehicle can be quickly reconfigured into a flat-floored cargo hauler that will swallow lengthy items, and a strengthened frame with trailer hitch receiver allows it to tow trailers up to 10,000 pounds. A refined front suspension teamed with an independent rear suspension and improved shock absorber valving help produce a smooth highway ride. The optional 5.7-liter V8 makes 381 horsepower, which is 71 more than the standard V8. In size, the Sequoia slots between the Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban, which, along with the Ford Expedition, are its prime competitors.

You'll Like This Car If...

Those who regularly carry up to eight people, haul a lot of gear and tow heavy trailers will find that the 2011 Toyota Sequoia can do all that with ease and comfort.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Sequoia's slab-sided flanks and aggressive front styling make an odd combination that may not appeal to some. Also, this is a large, heavy vehicle that is a challenge to maneuver in tight situations and does not deliver great fuel economy.

What's New for 2011

For 2011, the Sequoia receives some minor interior upgrades, such as an off switch for the daytime running lights. The Sequoia's trailer hitch connector is now the same as on the full-size Tundra pickup.

Driving the Sequoia

Driving Impressions The 2011 Toyota Sequoia is at its best when hauling a lot of people and cargo over long distances. When equipped with the air-spring rear suspension, its ride comfort rivals...

some luxury sedans, and increased sound-deadening material helps keep cabin noise to a minimum. Still, the Sequoia is a big, heavy vehicle: It tops out at almost 6,000 pounds. The steering feel is precise and confidence-inspiring, but, when cornering harder, body roll will be noticeable and somewhat pronounced. Even with the available proximity warning system and back-up video camera, parking and tight maneuvering is challenging. While the Sequoia is more than adequately able to successfully tackle dirt logging trails, wet and slippery boat ramps and steep snow-covered driveways, it is not a serious off-roader.

Favorite Features

Plentiful Rear Passenger Room
The 2011 Toyota Sequoia provides expansive passenger room in the two rear rows thanks to its redesigned independent rear suspension, long wheelbase and wide track. Fore-and-aft sliding second-row seats allow maximization of rear legroom, and rear doors open wide for easy access.

Variable Steering Ratio
To ease maneuvering in tight situations, such as parking or off-roading, the Sequoia's steering ratio increases just before the steering wheel is turned to its limit, which helps to significantly reduce the turning circle.

2011 Toyota Sequoia Details

Interior

While the third-row seats in some SUVS are best reserved for children, the roomy 2011 Toyota Sequoia comfortably accommodates adults in all rows. The standard second-row bench seat is split into three segments that slide fore-and-aft independently. Captain's-chair-style second-row seats are available. The third row is split 60/40, both the second and third rows fold forward for hauling cargo and access to the third-row seats is made easier by rear doors that open wider. The instrument panel is simple and clean with easy-to-read gauges, and the steering column telescopes and tilts for driver comfort.

Exterior

The 2011 Toyota Sequoia is the longest, widest and tallest Sequoia to date. From the side, it looks bigger than it really is because the axles are pushed far apart, increasing the wheelbase and, therefore, expanding the passenger room. Another benefit of the longer wheelbase is enhanced off-road capability by virtue of short front and rear overhangs. The aggressively styled front end features large headlamps, and massive outside review mirrors prove invaluable when towing a trailer. Stylish 20-inch-diameter wheels are standard on the Limited and Platinum Editions.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

For 2011, the Toyota Sequoia's standard safety features include anti-lock brakes and electronic traction and stability control. Larger disc brakes all around and the brake-assist system help to minimize emergency stopping distances. It has eight airbags, including full-length side-curtain head protection and front knee protection. Eighteen-inch wheels are standard on the SR5. A powerful, three-zone climate control helps keep all passengers comfortable. Sliding, 40/20/40-split second row seats maximize rear passenger legroom, and rear bench seats fold forward to create a large, flat cargo area. The steering column has both tilt and fore-and-aft adjustments.

Optional Equipment

All three trim levels of the 2011 Toyota Sequoia are available with either rear- or four-wheel drive. The optional air-spring rear suspension not only automatically adjusts to changing cargo, passenger and trailer-tongue weight, but also contributes to a smoother ride when the vehicle is unloaded. The Limited trim offers only three stand alone options: navigation, seven-passenger seating (second-row captain's chairs) and a rear-seat entertainment system that includes a nine-inch LCD display and a 115-volt AC outlet. The sonar-based proximity warning system reduces strain when parking and backing out, and the satellite navigation system also includes a back-up video camera.

Under the Hood

Standard on the 2011 Toyota Sequoia is a 4.6-liter V8 good for 310 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque. The available 5.7-liter V8 produces 401 pound-feet of torque, which helps the Sequoia tow trailers up to 10,000-pounds. Both V8s are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, which employs a very low first gear for strong acceleration and two overdrive gears for better fuel economy. Unlike older truck-based four-wheel-drive systems, the Sequoia's can be employed on dry or wet paved roads, and can be operated in rear-wheel drive or low-range four-wheel drive.

4.6-liter V8
310 horsepower @ 5400 rpm
327 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/20 (2WD), 14/19 (4WD)

5.7-liter V8
381 horsepower @ 5600 rpm
401 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 14/18 (2WD), 13/18 (4WD) 9/12 (E85, 4WD)

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2011 Toyota Sequoia Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.3

Out of 10

Based on 112 Ratings for the 2008 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.6/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

9.6/10

Styling

9.4/10

I think my wife designed it

By Scout guy (WA) on Thursday, June 13, 2013

I want this car

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comfort, safety and its a toyota - Expensive!!!!!!"

Cons: "Lack of space in the back like a suburban"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Having a large family safety it of upmost concern, so when we needed to replace our '97 suburban we looked everywhere. My kids are tall and the back of the 'burb has 6 inches of space and space where size 16 shoes will not fit! Unlike anyone else the Sequoia has 6 head rests and 6 shoulder belts, how novel. It has a lot of space between the second doors and the door column so feet can pass by and without scratching nice shoes. The steering is tight and mirrors are large enough to comfortably tow a trailer. Finally, when I pull in to a parking slot its just feels natural because it is easy to figure out where all 4 corners of the car are. I will miss the space in the back for hauling, but it's worth getting a trailer. I'm 6'5 and can recline the 3rd row to fit pretty comfortably. Likewise I have a bad lower back and the front seats are about the only place I sit to get relief."

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I LOVE my Sequoia. Will never own another vehicle

By YAK (NE) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 116,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Comofort, room, window shades, many options"

Cons: "cargo room and price"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car has more options than I ever imagined. Window screens are awesome for those riding in the back seats. Overall room in this vehicle is awesome. Could use a little more cargo space. More storage compartments then I could ever use. Drives amazing. Very comfortable ride no matter what seat you chose to sit in. The quality of the vehilce is great as well as the design. I LOVE this car and will never own a different car."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Great Car!

By SUV Enthusiast (SC) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: Not Rated

Pros: "interior space, turning radius, Bluetooth quality"

Cons: "interior quality, size of fuel tank, body roll"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Have owned a 2012 Sequoia for one year now and cannot be happier. The car is very wide and has lots of room, accelerates quickly for a vehicle its size, and looks great driving through town. The backseats are much bigger than competitors (Tahoe/suburban, Armada, Expedition) and the whole family loves going for ride. One drawback is fuel economy (averaging about 14 MPG right now) which wouldnt be a big problem if the car had a bigger tank because when filled up it only has 250 miles. Only other drawback is interior quality, which seems like it should be higher for a loaded $65,000 SUV. Overall, love the car and plan to keep it for many years!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Best Suv out there

By Beast (CO) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I want this car

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car is great. has more than enough power and really short turning diameter. Been looking to buy one and take it to the sahara but a little out of my reach. If you want luxury in a off road package then this is your car."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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Excellent SUV

By linchang (OH) on Sunday, April 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 85,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "PLENTY OF SPACE, VERY RELIABLE VEHICLE"

Cons: "NONE"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought it used in 2009 with 13K, if you do maintenance as indicated you won't have any trouble with this vehicle. I also bought a Toyota Extended Warranty, good for 6 years from 1st date in service or 100,000 miles, which ever comes 1st, Toyota stands behind their warranty and verhicles. This is the 3rd Sequoia I've owned. BEST ONE YET!!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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I think I have a lemon :(

By Kerily (CA) on Thursday, April 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 5.0

overall rating 5 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 4/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "size, comfort, ease of handling"

Cons: "braking noise"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"We bought this car new in 2010. And it has been an awesome car for our family. It hauls the kids around, all their friends, their gear, etc. with ease. However, I have had nothing but problems with the brakes on this car since I got it. Not with them not working, they work just fine. With them squealing. Loudly. All the time. Yesterday, the kids at school pick up put their hands over their ears. We have machined the rotars, replaced the pads, replaced the rotars (at only 60K). The dealer has been very nice about it but they can't seem to fix it. I will probably be getting rid of the car because it drives me crazy :("

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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