Toyota Sequoia

There's wisdom in adopting an "ain't broke, don't fix" philosophy. Ignoring the rule can inspire automakers to replace steering wheels with aircraft controls (true story), or develop other misfit engineering ideas cooked up in a mad, juice-box sugar rush. But Toyota takes the old maxim a bit far with the 2022 Toyota Sequoia, which hasn't had a substantial update in more than a decade. It still uses a thirsty V8 engine set atop a pickup truck frame shared with the Toyota Tundra. The hard plastic interior surfaces feel more suited to a commercial van than a $60,000 SUV. Even the 7-inch touchscreen shrinks when compared to the displays in its more recently updated rivals.

But for families seeking a big SUV infused with Toyota reliability, it's an easy choice. The cavernous three-row interior can accommodate up to eight passengers, and there's plenty of room for cargo behind the third row. Multiple power outlets accommodate gadget charging, and there are endless scattered cubbies to house those gadgets. The Sequoia's two off-road editions are highly capable on the trails, and the Sequoia can tow up to 7,400 pounds. While that's probably enough to satisfy most three-row SUV buyers, competitors such as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Dodge Durango can pull more. The Sequoia may not be broke, but a little fixing wouldn't hurt. Read our Expert Rating below to see if Toyota's aging SUV is right for you.

Which Sequoia does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Toyota Sequoia offers six trim levels: SR5, TRD Sport, Limited, Nightshade Special Edition, TRD Pro and Platinum. Each comes standard with a 5.7-liter V8 engine (381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque) and a six-speed transmission.

The SR5, TRD Sport, Limited and Nightshade start with rear-wheel drive but offer optional four-wheel drive. The Sequoia TRD Pro and Platinum come standard with four-wheel drive. All Sequoia trims come with three rows of seats.

SR5 The base SR5 comes well equipped with standard features such as:

• 18-inch wheels
• LED headlights and foglights
• Sunroof
• Heated side mirrors
• Three-zone automatic climate control
• Power-adjustable driver's seat
• Keyless entry with push-button start
• 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-Fi hotspot (requires data plan)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Eight-speaker audio system

The Sequoia also includes a suite of standard safety features and driver aids.

• Toyota Safety Sense P
• Pre-collision system (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Dynamic radar cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Toyota and the car in front)
• Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
• Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
• Automatic high beams
• Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Trailer sway control

If you're looking at a Sequoia SR5, we suggest opting for the Premium package, which adds:

• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Power-adjustable passenger seat
• Power-folding third row
• Upgraded audio system with navigation

TRD Sport The Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport doesn't add any features, but unique exterior trim and suspension upgrades give it a distinctive look and improve handling.

• 20-inch TRD Sport wheels
• Black exterior trim, roof rack and badges
• Sport-tuned Bilstein dampers
• Stiffer anti-roll bars
• Second-row captain's chairs
• Optional Premium package

TRD Pro The TRD Pro adds more off-road hardware and other features, including:

• Rigid Industries LED foglights
• Skid plates
• Fox shocks
• 18-inch BBS wheels
• Toyota-branded grille
• Black aluminum running boards
• Power liftgate
• 14-speaker JBL audio system

Limited Rather than the off-road upgrades offered on the TRD trims, the Limited focuses instead on creature comforts such as:

• 20-inch wheels
• Chrome exterior trim
• Second-row bench seat (captain's chairs are available)
• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Navigation
• 12-speaker audio system
• Optional rear-seat entertainment system with a Blu-ray player

Nightshade Special Edition The Nightshade is a recent addition to the Sequoia lineup. Essentially a cosmetic package, it gives the Sequoia a slightly more aggressive look. Consider it a sort of factory blackout package. It's only available in gray, black and, curiously, white. Changes include:

• Black 20-inch wheels
• Dark chrome and black exterior trim
• Second-row captain's chairs

Platinum The top-of-the-line Platinum trim includes everything that's available on the SR5 and Limited models plus:

• Adaptive air suspension with electronically controlled shock absorbers
• Heated and ventilated front seats
• Power-folding, heated exterior mirrors
• Rear-seat entertainment system with a Blu-ray player
• 14-speaker JBL audio system