Used 2018 Toyota Sequoia

Toyota’s 2018 Sequoia is a massive SUV renowned for its dependability and family-friendly hauling abilities. Although not as modern or roomy as the Chevy Suburban or Ford Expedition Max, the Sequoia still has much to offer, with 3-row seating and a new suite of standard driver-assist features including pre-collision warning and automatic braking. And, while the Sequoia’s 7,400-pound tow rating does fall short of its competitors, we think it will work for most family hauling needs. The powerful 5.7-liter V8 is another proven component, offering plenty of muscle to move this big SUV around. Those looking to venture off-road will appreciate the Sequoia’s Multi-mode 4-wheel-drive system that allows this rugged body-on-frame SUV to go places many of its competitors can’t.

While driving this big SUV is never going to compare to a lighter crossover SUV like the Toyota Highlander, the 2018 Sequoia proves remarkably easy to control. Despite its vast bulk, the Sequoia takes corners with confidence, and its independent rear suspension helps keep lean to a minimum while making off-road adventures all the more doable. This same setup, however, does return a rather firm ride, one that is livable so long as the paved road below remains smooth. Things improve vastly with the Platinum trim’s air-spring suspension, but you’ll pay a premium to get it. The Sequoia’s steering is fairly precise, although it tends to feel a bit heavy at lower speeds, and its interior is well isolated from obnoxious levels of wind and tire noise. Standard rearview monitor, blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert are welcome assistants when attempting to maneuver the Sequoia’s massive proportions.

The 2018 Toyota Sequoia SUV is a true 8-seater, with a 3rd-row seat that really will accommodate adults and is easily reached, thanks to big rear doors and sliding 2nd-row seats. The 3-passenger 2nd-row bench seat allows individual sections to slide fore-and-aft and also fold flat. Noteworthy options include captain’s chairs for the second row and a power-folding feature for the third row. Basically, the Sequoia’s interior will swap around into any configuration needed. The design is somewhat bland and a couple notches below sinfully luxurious but, as would be expected of a Toyota, the assembly detail is without fault.

In all its majestic glory the Sequoia for 2018 is the longest, widest and tallest full-size SUV Toyota builds and, with its long wheelbase, it appears even longer. But that long wheelbase pays dividends — it enhances interior room, improves ride quality, contributes to directional stability and, with the resultant short overhangs, gives extra clearance when approaching steep angles. The Sequoia’s appearance is fairly innocuous and can’t be accused of standing out in a crowd, but with its new grille and front bumper, it’s certainly not unattractive.

PROVEN RUGGED DURABILITY
Full-size SUVs don’t come cheap, so it’s nice to know your hefty investment will hold its value for the duration of your loan. An excellent record of reliability and longevity also goes a long way to sealing the deal.

TOYOTA SAFETY SENSE-P (TSS-P)
While some manufacturers still require pricey packages or model upgrades to get these features, Toyota makes its TSS-P standard on every Sequoia. The system includes collision warning with pedestrian detection and emergency automatic braking, auto high beams, adaptive cruise control and lane-departure alert with sway warning.

There are four trim levels for Toyota’s 2018 Sequoia SUV: SR5, TRD Sport, Limited and Platinum. Standard equipment on the SR5 includes integrated fog lights, power tilt/slide moonroof, rearview camera, roof rack, 3-zone automatic climate control, Optitron instruments, leather-trimmed tilt/telescoping steering wheel with Bluetooth hands-free telephone controls, 8-way driver’s and 4-way front-passenger’s seats, 18-inch alloy wheels, all the expected power and convenience features, and Entune Audio Plus. The Limited adds a power liftgate, 20-inch wheels, leather seating and Entune Premium Audio. The Platinum adds perforated leather seating, Dynamic laser cruise control, Adaptive Variable Suspension, air suspension, and Entune Premium JBL Audio.

All four of the Sequoia’s trim levels — SR5, TRD Sport, Limited and Platinum — are available with either rear-wheel drive (RWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD). Options for the SR5 include a Sport Package, with 20-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, and a Premium Package, with leather-trimmed seating, power-reclining fold-flat 3rd-row seat, heated front seats, and the Entune Premium Audio with Navigation and App Suite. Optional on the Limited is a rear-seat Blu-ray entertainment system with 9-inch display and 7-passenger seating with 2nd-row captain’s chairs. The only option for the Platinum is the Blizzard Pearl exterior color.

One of the best features offered in Toyota’s full-size Sequoia is its strong and quiet 5.7-liter V8 engine, with 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. It’s unobtrusively reassuring and is equal to any task the Sequoia may be asked to accomplish. It’s matched to a 6-speed automatic transmission that includes a low first gear for getting a heavy load moving and two overdrive gears that help enhance fuel economy and reduce noise at highway speeds. Taken together, the engine and transmission contribute to the Sequoia’s towing capacity of 7,400 pounds.

5.7-liter V8
381 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm
401 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17 mpg (RWD), 13/17 mpg (4WD), 9/13 mpg (E85, 4WD)