Full-Size Body-on-Frame SUV

Toyota Sequoia

→ Consider

Solid choice with some caveats

#2 of 10in Full-Size Body-on-Frame SUV

435 sources · updated June 2026

Toyota built a reputation on the 2008-2022 Sequoia's unkillable 5.7L V8, owners routinely cruise past 300k miles on oil changes alone, and one just hit 500k before needing spark plugs. The 2023 redesign looks sharp and the 437-hp hybrid hauls hard, but the cargo area is a mess: the battery placement means the third row won't fold flat, leaving you with a stepped floor where the Tahoe gives you actual usable space. The twin-turbo V6 is unproven long-term, fuel economy still hovers around 16 mpg, and you're paying $75k+ for the privilege. If you need three-row towing muscle and don't mind dated tech, hunt down a clean second-gen and enjoy bulletproof engineering. If you want the new one, load it with your actual gear first, that weird tiered trunk might be a dealbreaker, and at this price the American competition suddenly looks reasonable.

The generation that matters

This product isn't one story — here's how each era is regarded.

1st generation (2001–2007)

2001–2007

Legendary

The 2UZ 5.7L V8 is called 'legendary' and praised for 300k+ mile longevity. Multiple posts cite examples running 500k–600k miles with minimal issues beyond maintenance. Regarded as a 'hidden sleeper gem' in Toyota's SUV lineup.

2nd generation (2008–2022)

2008–2022

Strong

Praised for reliability ('if it ain't broke don't fix it') and the proven 5.7L engine. Criticized for outdated styling ('looks like 2006') but owners report satisfaction and minimal depreciation. Regarded as one of the best vehicles owned by multiple users.

3rd generation (2023–present)

2023–present

Compromised

Hybrid-only powertrain praised for design but criticized for poor cargo/3rd-row packaging ('trunk space a joke', 'doesn't fold flat'), high pricing ($64k–$87k), and real-world fuel economy matching the old V8 (15–19 mpg). Concerns about V35A engine reliability persist.

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Common complaints6 issues

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−3rd generation cargo space severely compromised by hybrid battery placement, third row doesn't fold flat, creating unusable tiered storage

−Current generation priced $64k-$87k, significantly more expensive than previous models with questionable value proposition

−Twin-turbo V6 long-term reliability unproven compared to bulletproof 5.7L V8 in older models

−Real-world fuel economy disappointing at 15-18 mpg despite hybrid system, barely better than old V8

−Third row cramped and uncomfortable for adults in all generations

−Rear cargo window no longer rolls down in 3rd generation (feature removed)

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What owners praise8 strengths

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Legendary 5.7L V8 reliability in 2nd generation models (2008-2022) with multiple 200k+ mile reports

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Strong resale value retention across all generations

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Hybrid i-Force Max powertrain in current models delivers 437 hp and improved fuel economy over competitors

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Body-on-frame construction with solid rear axle excellent for towing (9,520 lbs) and off-road capability

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3rd generation styling widely praised as significant improvement over previous design

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TRD Pro and off-road trims offer genuine capability with available locking differentials

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Spacious first and second rows with comfortable seating for adults

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Standard 4WD and available air suspension on higher trims

📊 How this score was calculated — 6-dimension rubric

High confidence▼

435 sources analysed with long-term owner data present

435 sources analysed — strong data quality

Reliability & Durability(22%)9.0

18 positive vs 2 negative long-term reports

User Sentiment(22%)8.1

1,847 positive upvotes vs 423 negative upvotes

Complaint Severity(16%)7.3

Complaints: 12 cosmetic, 28 functional, 8 systematic, 0 safety

Consensus Strength(8%)4.4

Opinion is use-case dependent — product divides opinion by intended use

Value for Money(15%)2.6

8 'worth it', 17 'overpriced', 9 mention better-value alternatives

Owner Advocacy(17%)7.2

4 repurchased/gifted, 12 unprompted recommendations, 6 regrets

Scores are percentile ranks: 5.0 is the median product in existence. 8.5+ is reserved for genuinely exceptional products (top ~10%). The score reflects consensus quality, what owners say about the product. Risk is tracked separately and shown above the summary when present. Both are calculated deterministically, so the same signals always produce the same score.

How we score every product →

Specifications2026

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Pricing

Starting MSRP

$67,220

Range

$67,220 - $87,630

Capability

Fuel economy

20-22 MPG combined

Drivetrain