Toyota Sequoia (US) review

The Toyota Sequoia has six different versions, starting with the SR5 base model that provides all the, er, basics: the hybrid powertrain, 10-speed gearbox and Toyota’s safety suite of tech that includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, dynamic radar cruise control, lane-keep assist and auto high beams.

Features can be added a la carte, like the panoramic moon roof and heated/ventilated seats for both the front and second row riders.

Also, the SR5 can be equipped with the TRD sport package that adds sport-tuned Bilstein shocks, a sport-tuned suspension and 20-inch matte black wheels. Limited adds all this together and throws in a power liftgate, and can be equipped with the TRD off-road pack. This one provides all the terrain select drive modes and more rugged hardware for traversal beyond the pavement.

Platinum takes things up a notch with a collection of extras like a wireless charging pad, moon roof as standard, rain sensing wipers, those nifty seats we mentioned and a 14-speaker JBL sound system.

The new 1794 trim scores all of the Platinum’s goodies but comes with the trim-specific badging, unique seat leather, the walnut wood-grain trims and a number of other unique touches. This is the steakhouse one, remember?

As it is with other Toyota SUVs, the TRD Pro model is the most off-road ready. Like the 4Runner, it’s kitted with everything needed right from the start: skid plate, FOX shocks, embedded light bar and plenty of TRD-specific accents.

Capstone is the line-topper, with 22-inch wheels, all of the extras, LED mood lighting, and acoustic glass to keep the cabin as quiet as possible.

So which one should I get?

At the low end, the 4x2 SR5 starts at $62,425 so we’re already in pricey territory. Go full Capstone and you’ll need $83,915 just to sit at the table. For our money, we like the idea of a full three-row adventure hauler that can go off-road, so we’d lean towards the $80,295 TRD Pro. Though if we were attempting to be sensible (hey, it could happen), the $71,825 Sequoia Limited can be equipped with the essentials.