The 2024 and 2025 Toyota Sequoia: Core Changes and What They Mean

The Toyota Sequoia underwent a complete redesign for the 2024 model year, moving from a body-on-frame truck platform to a unibody construction shared with the Tundra pickup. This shift changes how the vehicle handles, what it costs, and what it's built for. The 2025 model year carries forward that redesign with minor updates to trim levels and standard features.

The new Sequoia is longer, wider, and heavier than the previous generation, with three rows of seating that now fit adults more comfortably in the third row. It uses a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Fuel economy improved slightly despite the added weight, though the Sequoia still ranks lower than some competitors in real-world highway driving.

The redesign also brought a new infotainment system with a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and available wireless charging. Safety features expanded to include Toyota Safety Sense 2.5, which covers adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping information, and automatic emergency braking across all trims.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 redesign switched the Sequoia from a truck-based frame to a car-like unibody platform, making it quieter and more comfortable but less capable off-road than the previous generation.
  • All new Sequoias come with all-wheel drive, a turbocharged V6 engine, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 standard, with no rear-wheel-drive option available.
  • The third row now fits adults for short trips, whereas the previous generation was cramped; cargo space behind the third row is smaller than before.
  • Pricing for the 2024 model year started around $60,000 for the base SR5 trim, with higher trims and options pushing well into the $80,000 range.
  • The 2025 model year carries the same platform and powertrain with updates to standard features and trim availability, but no major mechanical changes.

Trim Levels and What Comes Standard

The Sequoia is offered in four main trims: SR5, Limited, Platinum, and Capstone. The SR5 is the entry point and includes the 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, a power liftgate, and Toyota Safety Sense 2.5. It seats eight passengers across three rows with cloth upholstery and a manual sunroof.

The Limited trim adds leather seating, a power sunroof, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable third-row seat. The Platinum layer includes a panoramic sunroof, a 14-speaker JBL audio system, ventilated front seats, and a digital rearview mirror. The Capstone, the highest trim, adds semi-aniline leather, a head-up display, and a Mark Levinson premium audio system.

All trims come with the same 437-horsepower turbocharged V6 and 10-speed transmission. The main differences are interior materials, convenience features, and audio quality. Choosing between trims depends on whether you value leather and audio upgrades or prefer to spend less and add options separately.

Engine, Transmission, and Fuel Economy

Every new Sequoia uses a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque. This engine is paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. Toyota does not offer a rear-wheel-drive version or a different engine option.

The EPA estimates fuel economy at 21 miles per gallon city, 26 highway, and 23 combined for 2024 models. Real-world highway driving often falls short of these estimates, with many owners reporting 22 to 24 mpg on long trips. The Sequoia requires regular unleaded gasoline and has a 24.6-gallon fuel tank, giving a theoretical range of around 570 miles per tank.

Towing capacity is 9,000 pounds with the standard hitch, which is competitive with other three-row SUVs in its class. The Sequoia can tow a mid-size boat or travel trailer, though payload capacity is modest at around 1,500 pounds when fully loaded with passengers.

Interior Space, Seating, and Cargo

The redesigned Sequoia is 4 inches longer than the previous generation, and most of that length went to the second and third rows. The third row now has 38 inches of legroom, enough for adults to sit for short trips without their knees touching the seat in front. The second row offers 40 inches of legroom and can slide forward and backward to balance passenger comfort and cargo space.

With all three rows in use, cargo space behind the third row is 10.5 cubic feet. Folding the third row flat opens 28.5 cubic feet, and folding both the second and third rows creates 84.7 cubic feet of total cargo space. This is less than the previous generation offered, a trade-off for the more livable third row.

Climate zones are available on higher trims, allowing different temperatures for different seating areas. The second row on Limited and higher trims includes heated and ventilated seats, and the Capstone adds heated seats to the third row. All models include a power liftgate and a standard roof rack with tie-down points.

Technology and Safety Features

The 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard across all trims and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without a cable. A wireless charging pad is standard on Limited and higher trims and available on the SR5. The infotainment system responds quickly and uses a logical menu structure, though some owners find the climate controls buried in submenus.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 comes standard on every Sequoia and includes adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, lane-departure alert, automatic emergency braking, and traffic-sign recognition. A 360-degree camera system is standard, and a panoramic sunroof with a power shade is available on Limited and higher trims. The Platinum and Capstone add a digital rearview mirror that displays a camera feed instead of a reflection.

The Capstone trim includes a head-up display that projects speed, navigation, and safety alerts onto the windshield. Wireless charging is available on all trims as an option, and a power-adjustable third-row seat is standard on Limited and higher models.

How the New Platform Affects Driving and Off-Road Capability

The shift from a truck frame to a unibody platform makes the new Sequoia quieter and more car-like on highways. Road noise is noticeably lower, and the ride is smoother over bumps. Handling is more responsive than the previous generation, and the steering feels lighter and more direct.

Off-road capability is reduced compared to the previous truck-based Sequoia. The new model has less ground clearance, a lower approach angle, and no low-range transfer case. It is suitable for gravel roads and light trails, but not for serious rock crawling or deep water crossings. If off-road performance is a priority, the previous-generation Sequoia or a Jeep Wrangler may be a better fit.

The unibody construction also means the Sequoia is less rigid in torsion than a truck frame, which some owners notice when towing or driving on very rough terrain. Toyota engineered the platform to handle the Sequoia's weight and towing load, but it is not designed for the punishment a truck frame can take.

Pricing and Available Options

The 2024 Sequoia SR5 started at approximately $60,000 before destination charges. The Limited was around $68,000, the Platinum near $77,000, and the Capstone topped out around $85,000. Prices vary by region and dealer, and incentives change seasonally.

Popular options include the panoramic sunroof (around $1,500), the Mark Levinson audio system (around $1,090), and the power-adjustable third-row seat (around $750). A towing package with integrated trailer brake controller is available for around $500. Options can add $3,000 to $5,000 to the final price depending on choices.

The 2025 model year pricing had not been fully announced at the time of writing, but Toyota typically increases prices by 2 to 4 percent year over year. Used 2024 models are beginning to appear on the market with depreciation of 10 to 15 percent from original retail price.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the new Sequoia compare to the Chevy Tahoe and Ford Expedition?

All three are three-row SUVs in the same price range. The Tahoe and Expedition are still truck-based, offering more off-road capability and towing capacity. The Sequoia is quieter and more fuel-efficient but has less cargo space and lower towing capacity. The Tahoe and Expedition also offer rear-wheel-drive options, which the Sequoia does not.

Can I get a hybrid version of the new Sequoia?

No. Toyota has not announced a hybrid powertrain for the Sequoia. The Tundra pickup, which shares the same platform, offers a hybrid option, so a hybrid Sequoia may be possible in future model years, but nothing is confirmed.

Is the third row really usable for adults?

For short trips, yes. With 38 inches of legroom, an adult can sit comfortably for 30 minutes to an hour. For longer drives, the third row is tight. The second row is the better choice for adults on long trips, and the third row works well for children or teenagers.

What is the real-world fuel economy I should expect?

Most owners report 22 to 24 mpg on highway driving and 19 to 21 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. The EPA estimates are optimistic. Towing reduces fuel economy by 2 to 4 mpg, and aggressive driving or mountainous terrain can lower it further.

Does the Sequoia have a transmission or engine warranty?

Toyota covers the powertrain (engine, transmission, and drivetrain) for 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. This is shorter than some competitors offer. Extended warranties are available from Toyota and third-party providers if you want coverage beyond the standard period.