2021 Toyota Sequoia Nightshade Review and Off-Road Test 

lol toyota is the only company that could advertise power seats as "revolutionary" and people would be cool with it because of how reliable their vehicles are

Just picked up a 2015 platinum with less than 40k miles....love it! It’s basically the same as a 2021 but for 40% off and will last us forever.

I picked up a first gen Sequoia and it is perfect for my needs here in Kansas. The 4x4 system works great in snow and is confident on gravel and unimproved local roads. My vehicle had been well maintained from its former owners, so a simple maintenance reset was all it needed. I swapped out the head unit to update the electronics to a more modern standard. Not a lot has broken and what has are minor things. It has 315k on it and it's good for many more.

I disagree. I LOVE this truck!! It’s built exactly what it’s meant to do. The Tahoe has a $90k price tag.

It may be old but it won't break down like Ford and GM

I honestly wouldn't care about all the gimmicks, toy's and much newer overall interior, exterior design of the competition and just go for the rugged, bulletproof reliability of the Sequoia. Especially in that color and blacked out trim this looks amazing!

@14:19 I'm so happy you demonstrated that. These days people seem to think that Full time 4WD is AWD and it really isn't.

Long live sequoia. I love this suv. It bulletproof. Love toyota

My 2010 Sequoia has 160k miles and still runs smooth as butter. No problems at all, knock on wood. And even in 2010 it had most of the same features and tech which was quite impressive back then, however now it’s just decent. Still the best vehicle I have ever owned.

I actually don't want it to change.. I don't like the direction of fitting 5 ipads into the interior. If it works , it works. Reliable and old school analog gauges ..great

I will be 60 soon. I have seen those new Toyotas with a screen that grew out of the dash board....NO THANK YOU. My New Tundra has a more than adequate screen. I DO NOT need a Samsung home theatre in my truck. My new Tundra is basically same as this Sequoia. Same engine and transmission. The 5.7 has plenty of power. I absolutely love Toyota because they DON'T BREAK...unlike GM and FORD crap.

👍😍Yes! I love it. I went camping, got scared 😂 because I heard a “noise” 😂…ended up sleeping in the 3rd row…I fit just fine…I slept soundly & didn’t hear another sound. 😂💝 I love love love my Sequoia.❤️

I've always loved the Sequoia. The perfect blend of luxury, reliable, yet somewhat simple. I would really like a Nightshade in dark grey, leveled on some nice all terrains, and tinted windows.

I just picked up my 2021 Nightshade edition limited!! Yes not updated but the most important thing for me is Reliability. It’s something that won’t leave you Stranded somewhere.

Have an 08 of this monster with 190miles on it but still runs so so smooth and with lots of power. Love it.

The heated seats dial did come from a Lexus. I have those same exact dials on my '06 gx470.

You know what it's old but so dependable I love that

I just picked up this exact Nightshade. (after a deal fell through. I was given 1 hour to take it). I wanted to like the Yukon Denali but it already has 2 recalls and the model I drove had an improperly installed windshield plus 2 warning lights came on. I chose the reliability and snow/off-road capability of the Sequoia for my wife to drive in the Lake Tahoe winters. I agree the entertainment system is old and the gas mileage sucks but I hope to save on repair bills.

I'm so glad I discovered you're channel. I just recently binged watch all you videos. Another quality review!

Love the balls you have off roading review cars lol way to go - I’m subbing

This is basically the "new old stock" people always say they want but never actually get.

I like the Sequoia, fuel economy deficit aside. I like the more back to basics interior, even if it comes with some cheaper plastic feeling components. And regarding it's thirstiness, it is bad but so is the 4Runner which people still love. This has improved power, space and (I believe) comfort for long journeys, so I think the drop is worth it if you like Toyota products.

the production level on this video is really good given that the channel doesnt have millions of subscribers.. really impressed!

In the next 5-10 years, demand for second gen sequoias is probably going to be crazy high (depending on gas prices of course). These are a very simple yet durable and reliable design. No complicated 8/9/10 spd transmission. No electrification. It is totally no nonsense. All of this is pretty much the reason I bought a first gen Sequoia this year (2007 limited) - it is a large, 3 row suv with 4x4 (High/Low/and a locking center diff) with most importantly, probably the most reliable v8 ever put into a vehicle. I was able to get 80% of the features I wanted in a vehicle, at honestly 20% of the price of anything 3-5 years old. Can't wait to upgrade it in 3-5 years to a second gen sequoia!

In 2023 I bought a 2021 Sequoia TRD sport and I love it! Drove the new Sequoia and I went with a used one so I guess that says it lol

Just picked up a 2018 loving it!!!

Love our 2016 platinum family hauler. It does it all for us. My wife drives it daily with the kids. We got our Xmas tree last year and we got stuck in a line of cars with the 4 year old needing to potty, so we threw it in 4x4 and drove in a foot of mud around all of the crossovers, mini vans, and even some trucks. We have Yokohama Geolanders G015 AT three peak snow flake rated tires. Best tires for this truck. Does great in MN winters.

the sequoia is my favorite looking suv. chunky beef cake. but yeah the interior needs help badly.

I love my Sequoia first gen. It still runs like a top and the 4WD has never failed me. Heading toward 200k miles soon.

Great, quality review!

you're the best RU-vidr i've ever seen

I literally enjoyed this video.

This is the best review I have seen of any car. It was really thorough, great job. I would buy this car for it’s reliability and it’s basic setup. With all the new technology coming in new cars and impending electrification of cars this basic set up of an internal combustion engine and transmission would be a keeper for me. I love big V8’s.

I have an ‘18 SR5 with the tech package. That adds leather heated seats, and home link. I have all the things I need plus peace of mind. I wish it had apple car play but that’s not a deal breaker. It’s super comfortable and my kids love the space and comfort. Best of all I paid 48k after fees and taxes. Car has 55k miles after 2 years of purchased and it’s certified by Toyota for 7/100k miles. I can’t be happier. The new ones are very nice and modern and all but the price tag doesn’t justify a trade. My sequoia does everything I need. It’s a great car!

Nice video. I had a 2010 Platinum and it ran like a Swiss watch. I didn't take it off road but it was great on snowy roads. The build quality was superb and the front seats were some of the best I've ever sat on, in a car, with the cushion extension. I hope they improve it soon, especially with a heated steering wheel!

Its ancient in todays standards where companies release new model updates every 5 years. But there is just something about this sequoia that is still endearing. I would absolutely still consider this today.

I wonder how much the car industry listen to you if they don’t they should great videos is always 👍🏼👍🏼

Great video! Subscribed.

I came to this channel a few months ago to see the review on the Hyundai Kona and stayed to watch them all. And yes, I ended up buying the Kona because of this channel. Great channel, very informative and fun videos to watch. Will definitely keep watching this channel for as long as you keep putting out the vids!

you slaughtered the interior but i really like this truck.. just like you said "it will be around in 30,40, 50 years

We have one and we love ti! super comfortable SUV for long trips :)

Review has been nicely done

Nice video!

Nothing but reliable, safe and strong. Sequoia: Toyota at its best. Worth every penny.

Wow, I did not know that about the 4 High setting! I've wanted a Sequoia for a long time!

"This has been updated with the latest tech, adaptive cruise control..." My 2008 Sequoia platinum came with adaptive cruise control as a standard option for the platinum model trim. Lol 😆 For the time (2008), this feature way WAY ahead of its time!

Awesome video

You are the only one to explain the Toyota Sequoia 4H (that can be left on) and centre locker, for west coast winters in Washington or BC this is very helpful, thank you !

Tires are the most important 4x4 feature. I’m sure it would of done a lot better with Ko2’s or another aggressive AT tire.

14:36 i think the host made a mistake hear. Rear-diff lock doesn’t split 50/50 power between the front and the rear axles but actually LOCKS the rear differential so that 2 rear wheels(left and right) will have the same power. That would keep the rear wheels from slipping uncontrollably and also give more centralized power to get over hard or slippery terrain.

Still looks nice in my opinion. The older look all around and it being newly made is perfect. Personally I think new cars these days just have way too much tech in them. So newer doesn’t always mean better imo. The basic set up in the interior feels more user friendly and not overwhelming complicated. This suv is a blast from the past

Thank You.

This truck has charm. Like you buy this and that's it, it's your "home" on the road for the next 15 years. Thanks for another great review. Never miss anything you put out.

I LOVE my Sequoia!!

I bought a used 08 with the 5.7L and it has been quite nice, it had around 112k miles when I bought it and has about 130K now, I’m the 3rd owner, it wasn’t well kept but I changed all the fluids and parts that were easy to swap with new ones ( spark plugs, light switches that didn’t work etc ) the only issue it has is that the AC/ HEAT mode doesn’t change in the front and the heat doesn’t work, took it to the dealer and they said the ac/ heat box needs to be replaced and costs about 8K to do it, I had my mechanic manually switch to where it stays on windshield and face and kinda got the heat working, back AC/ HEAT works perfectly fine. Regardless, I love the SUV!

The only 3 row true SUV I would buy. Drove one from Dallas to Utah and didn't have to fill up much. 8 people and we were all comfortable . If you want a SUV built to last that's the one to get. Its straight to the point and gets the job done. Buts that's just my opinion.

Old maybe, but reliable and safe. Love my 2010. This thing is a tank .

Great review, thanks for posting. It was very informative for someone like me on the fence, debating if all the positives of the Sequoia outweigh the primary drawback of the horrific fuel economy. In my mind, it does...and I'm planning to drop my order for a '22 Sequoia Platinum sometime in January.

Interior is to old. Toyota is relying on customer loyalty. Exterior and powertrain are very nice. Good, honest review Ryan!

Nice review! Thank you for staying honest, that's priceless

I love the sequoia but I’m excited for the new one

I have the 2010 platinum with 125000 miles and runs awesome with 19mpg on the highway

I like that old design. Love it

your are the most dedicated car journalist on the web to my knowledge.. not afraid to get your hands dirty

The rear seat entertainment for the 2020-2022 Sequoia supports Smart View wireless phone mirroring. so yeah it doesn't have HDMI, but just mirroring your phone wirelessly is actually better. We use it a lot in ours and it's super reliable.

👍🙏I wish Toyota would make Sequoia RV…same SUV just with a little more height & length…like those RV Vans. It would be a small “dry camping type RV”…a cassette toilet or compost toilet, a sink that takes one of those 5 gal containers that would fit under a small sink along with a small 5 gal gray water container. The 3rd row could convert into a bed at night for camping & continue to serve as seating during the day. I’m no Engineer or design expert, but I can envision it & I’d buy it if they made it. 😍💝

Where do you get your background music from? Specific site?

The most fascinating of this car is its conservative design whether the interior or the exterior. 👍🏻

NIce vid and great comments about the Sequoia. Too large a vehicle for us.

The beast. I like it.

My Camry has none of that stuff. No touchscreen no safety tech. No back up camera. But I ain't complaining. I love it. It's reliable. It has the steering radio control but I don't even use it cuz I am an old school guy and use the actual dial and knobs on the radio. I have the old School console shifter and the pedal emergency brake. Nothing fancy about my Camry but that's what I love about it. Best car I've owned ever. I would not want a new car.

honestly, if you need auto lane centering assist...then I don't think you should be driving on the road. You control the car, not the other way around.

Picked up a 2020 TRD pro. Awesome ride on pavement & light off road... Has a very poor insulation/soundproofing package & gravel pings loudly off the alloy sidesteps, however the door gasketing is excellent. The luxurious rear seats fold down poorly, leaving a very irregular cargo space for gear. The third row should at least be removable or optional. Put KO2s on before it left the dealer...seems to have been a good choice.

Exterior look great.

My first and only choice for a SUV.

I traded my 2014 Sequoia Platinum for a 2021 Sequoia TRD Pro. I love that it is simple.

So perfect to me

Great Video, for a HUGE whale. too big for me but people whom buy/drive these enjoy the heck out of them.. And as you mention, Ryan.. Will drive for a very long, long, time.

Very Nice Toyota sequoia i am usama i Like All Vehicle 4 by 4 very Amazing

Still beautiful A-1 video review

are you gonna get your hands on the 2022 MDX?

I have a 2006 4x4 Limited with 262k miles and is the best vehicle i've EVER owned. I want a 2nd Gen to add to my collection. The Sequoia and the 4Runner are some of the last Old School SUV's on a truck chassis that has a good towing capacity. I'm just waiting for the new Gen to come out so the 2nd Gen prices go down.

Even tho the mpg is not good, but the reliability and dependable simplicity and longevity compensate for the trips to the shop.

My biggest dream is that you put the jeep cherokee xj from the 90s to the 2000 to the test I want to see how it reacts on this road that you always test your vehicles greetings from Ecuador

aaagh i just found a 2021 trd pro for sale with 30k miles for 56k $$ i am so on the fence, do i want it, is it way too big?

👍I love love love my Sequoia(s). 💝

Sequoia is best looking huge suv!!!

This is not available here in South Africa it is my first time for me hearing about it.

I switch to 4h while driving. I noticed you stopped. Is what I do still ok? Also I use tow haul mode when overlanding. Any downside to it? I notice it helps me up and down hills 24:12

It may be more reliable and has better resale than everything in it’s non luxury class, but that doesn’t make it worth what it cost. They need to do way better and make it worth it’s price tag.

This Sequoia 5.7L and the Armada 5.6L (after 2015 when they fixed the Catalytic converter issues) are the only full size SUVs to consider. I have a Crown Vic and was a big ford guy, but they’ve fallen down to Chrysler levels of bad. Expeditions have that awful 3.5L V6 with twin turbos, VVT, VVCT, Direct Injection, Cylinder deactivation, and internal timing chain driven water pump (so when your water pump fails it’s literal catastrophic failure right there). Worst engine I think I’ve ever seen working at the old shop. The Durango 5.7L (if you consider it a full sized SUV, even though it’s unibody) doesn’t have turbos, but has everything else the Expedition 3.5 does. And Chrysler was never known for quality. They also changed the position of the cam and it wares the engines out even faster than the older 5.7L. Finally, the Tahoe and Suburban 5.3 tells the same exact story as the Durango. It can actually last somewhat long if you disable the stupid ass cylinder deactivation (correctly) the second you get it. But if you don’t get it within 90,000 miles, it will get you. And all the Ford, Chevy and dodge transmissions on these things? Don’t even get me started. They’re literally worse than the engines. As shitty the Nissan Jatco front wheel drive CVT transmissions are, they seem (so far) to make pretty decent RWD planetary gear transmissions, like what’s on the Armada. The Sequoia will just never break down though. At all. My neighbor has like 430,000 on theirs, never seen it go to a shop once. Simple and reliable as Hell. Worst MPG maybe, but never having to replace a $6000 engine or $4000 transmission will save you the money you loose in gas mileage ten fold.

Hey Driving Sport why was turning on 4wd auto for sequoia?

I like this vehicle. It’s less expensive than most in its class. But true, it’s in dire need of a redesign. Personally, I think the Yukon At4 is the best all around large SUV.

I actually want to buy one of these before they change the engine.

DAMN!!!! @15.39... that should be a DAMN GIF!!! Hahahahaha....

any plans to get Acura MDX 2022 anytime soon?

You should get a tundra trd offroad and do a review, I think u did it already but it would be cool to see you do it again

It looks good from the outside- but if you moved from a Luxury SUV - Denali, Armada etc - you’d be disappointed. It’s such a beast tho!

The architecture is old just like the Parthenon. When are they updating the Parthenon? 🤔Having said that, I wonder if the next Sequoia will be closer in design to the Land Cruiser.

how would you compare it to a Land Cruiser?